Chimney Rock State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Elk Knob State Park, Gorges State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, Mount Mitchell State Park, New River State Park, Rendezvous Mountain, South Mountains State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, Piedmont Region, Mountain Region, Various State Parks, Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Operations
Most western North Carolina state parks have reopened at least partially as of Nov. 15, 2024. Three parks are slated for long-term closure: Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, and South Mountains state parks.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Ferry service, campsites, and all facilities at Bear Island are closed, mainland access remains open. The Simmons Mainland Campground is open for reservations. There is no public docking on Bear Island and there is no beach access on the mainland.
Bobs Creek State Natural Area, Chimney Rock State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Elk Knob State Park, Gorges State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, Mount Mitchell State Park, New River State Park, Pisgah View State Park, Rendezvous Mountain, South Mountains State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, Mountain Region, Marketing and Communications, Office of the Director, Operations
State Parks Director Brian Strong provides additional information on post-Helene rescue and recovery efforts and the status of western state parks.
Carolina Beach State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Hammocks Beach State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Jones Lake State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Merchants Millpond State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, William B Umstead State Park, Marketing and Communications, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Access, Operations
Veterans with service-related disabilities are now eligible to apply to receive a free Annual Pass to North Carolina State Parks.
Carolina Beach State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Hammocks Beach State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Jockeys Ridge State Park, Jones Lake State Park, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Merchants Millpond State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Interpretation and Education
Carolina Beach, Hammocks Beach, Hanging Rock, Jockey's Ridge, Jones Lake, Lake James, Lake Norman, Morrow Mountain, and Pilot Mountain state parks; Falls Lake State Recreation Area; and Salmon Creek State Natural Area are hosting the paddling instruction events for National Safe Boating Week 2024.
Eno River State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Interpretation and Education
Lake Norman State Park will host an event on Saturday, April 20, and Eno River State Park on Saturday, April 27.
William B Umstead State Park, Piedmont Region, Marketing and Communications, Engineering and Construction, Operations, Trails Program
The bridge over Crabtree Creek at William B. Umstead State Park has been removed and will need to be replaced. Hikers, mountain bicyclists, and equestrians should not utilize Ebenezer Church Road bridge due to motor vehicle traffic.
Mountain Region, Operations
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is providing an opportunity for public comment on a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Land Protection and Acquisition, Operations
The North Carolina state parks system welcomed more than 20.1 million visitors in 2023 and ended the year with a total of 262,074 acres.
Pilot Mountain State Park, Piedmont Region, Engineering and Construction, Natural Resources, Operations
The access at Bean Shoals in Pilot Mountain State Park will be improved by a construction project that includes three new bridges and a stream restoration.
Recreation Grants and Outreach
Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2024.
Pilot Mountain State Park
The road to the summit will be open daily, depending on available parking space and road conditions. Expect delays on weekends and holidays. To avoid this, plan to visit the park during the week or early in the morning or later in the evening.
Goose Creek State Park, Operations, Coastal Plain Region
Matt Windsor has been named as the new superintendent at Goose Creek State Park in Beaufort County.
Gorges State Park, Natural Resources, Operations, Mountain Region
The campground at Gorges State Park will be closed through at least November 16 due to black bear activity in the area.
Elk Knob State Park, Operations, Mountain Region
Bryan Wilder has been promoted as the superintendent of Elk Knob State Park in Watauga County.
