Ferry service, campsites, and all facilities at Bear Island are closed, mainland areas remain open. The boat ramp will be closed the week of Dec. 16-20, 2024. 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.
Ferry Service, Campsites, and All Facilities at Bear Island Closed, Mainland Camping Now Open
Major construction project to replace the water and sewer system at Bear Island. No restrooms, potable water, or public docking on Bear Island. No beach access on the mainland. For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions about the closure, visit our blog post.
Most state parks in western North Carolina have reopened at least partially.
Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, and South Mountains are closed long-term until further notice. Check park pages for the most up-to-date status of facilities.
Hammocks Beach State Park is currently accepting applications for a campground host.
Hosts are volunteers who assist in maintaining the mainland campground. They do not get paid, but they do stay at the host site for free during their hosting term. To apply to be a campground host, click here to email hammocks.beach@ncparks.gov.
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