Topics Related to Visitors

New State Law Provides Free State Parks Annual Passes for Veterans with Disabilities

Veterans with service-related disabilities are now eligible to apply to receive a free Annual Pass to North Carolina State Parks.

North Carolina State Parks to Offer 'Kayaking 101' Classes with American Canoe Association, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

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.

Two NC State Parks to Host 'Poetry in the Park' Events in April for National Poetry Month

Lake Norman State Park will host an event on Saturday, April 20, and Eno River State Park on Saturday, April 27.

State Parks System Grew in Visitation, Size in 2023

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.

Gorges State Park Campground to Temporarily Close

The campground at Gorges State Park will be closed through at least November 16 due to black bear activity in the area.

‘Kayaking 101’ Instruction to be Offered by North Carolina State Parks, American Canoe Association, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Several North Carolina state parks, in partnership with the North Carolina chapter of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, will offer low-cost kayaking instruction at state parks statewide Saturday, May 20.

Closed N.C. State Parks To Begin Phased Reopening May 9

State parks that closed due to COVID will begin a phased opening.

North Carolina State Parks Report Record 19.8 Million Visitors in 2020

State parks and recreation areas welcomed 19.8 million visitors in 2020 year — 400,000 more than any other year on record and 1.2 million more visitors than in 2019.

Get On The PATH To Health and Wellbeing at N.C. Parks, Museums and Historic Sites

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is launching a new online campaign to encourage North Carolinians to get moving and get outside.