According to the North Carolina State Park website, North Carolina is home to 35 State Parks, 4 State Recreational Areas, and 6 State Park System Units. These 45 “parks” are managed by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR).
Parks offer everything from hiking to rock climbing to swimming to boating. Although not listed here, many parks also provide educational programs and additional activities and amenities. From the main NC State Parks website, use the “State Park” dropdown and choose your local park. Each park has its own site with additional details.
If you’re looking for a nearby park, scroll down on the home page of the main website for a state map with parks listed. There is also a Google map of all State Parks.
I’m rolling them into one for the purposes of this article. You can find the perfect park for your next outing by location or activity.
I’ve also provided links to more information for each park in the main park by location table.
While most of the information came from the NC State Parks website, not all parks have thorough websites. I added information from my own knowledge if I’ve been to a park, plus that of trusted fellow hikers and backpackers, and additional research.
This page will evolve over time as North Carolina continues to develop and expand its park offerings.
NC Parks by Location
NC Parks by Activity
Always check the park’s website before heading out. There may be a controlled burn, closed trails, or limited camping.
What’s the Difference Between a Park, Recreational Area, and System Unit?
The State Parks Act of 1987 identified six types of properties in the NC State Parks System. The six categories are State Parks, State Recreation Areas, State Natural Areas, State Lakes, State Trails, and State Rivers. NCDPR is responsible for managing all units.
State Parks provide both a natural resource value and recreational value. While they should be able to accommodate the development of facilities, it’s only to the extent this can be done without damage to the scenic or natural features. All facilities are designed to minimize the disturbance of national resources. A large portion of each area must be left undisturbed and free from improvements.
State Recreation areas may be more developed than State Parks. They tend to be comprised of lands less sensitive to human activities than a State Park. The main purpose of a Recreation Area is outdoor recreation. Facilities may be more prominent, although the site is still expected to provide scenic and attractive natural features. Development is designed to keep a reasonable amount of each area undisturbed.
System Units identified on the NC Parks website tend to be State Natural Areas. These areas have scientific, aesthetic, or ecological value and the focus is on preservation and protection. Facilities are either limited or non-existent. Generally, recreational use is also limited with no camping or swimming.
Parks by Location
Mountains
Bob’s Creek State Natural Area
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Pisgah View State Park (Expected to open in 2025)
Piedmont
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Lower Haw River State Natural Area
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
NC State Parks by Activity
Hiking
All State Parks and other properties mentioned here have hiking trails. You can explore more information about each park from the main NC parks website.
ADA Accessible Trails
I’ve identified ADA-accessible trails per the information provided by each park on their website. Keep in mind that the information is not always thorough. As parks continue to expand and improve, I hope this list becomes longer.
Carolina Beach State Park
The 0.5-mile Flytrap Trail is wheelchair-accessible. The 1-mile Fitness Trail is also Wheelchair-accessible.
Chimney Rock State Park
The park offers an elevator to the Sky Lounge for visitors with limited mobility wanting to see the view from the top of Chimney Rock.
Hanging Rock State Park
There is a 0.1-mile accessible trail leading to a rock garden.
Lake Norman State Park
Dragonfly Trail, a 0.25-mile loop is an accessible trail.
Merchants Millpond State Park
Cypress Point Trail is a 0.3-mile accessible hiking loop.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Technically there are no accessible trails in the park, however, the observation deck is accessible from the top parking lot.
New River State Park
Dogwood Trail is a 0.2-mile (one-way) accessible trail.
Raven Rock State Park
Longleaf Loop Trail is a 0.2-mile loop that is accessible.
Equestrian Trails
Several North Carolina State Parks are horse friendly. Verify which trails are open to equestrians, and where to park, and note any specific instructions before you head out. Once in the park, pay attention to the trails and blazes. Make sure you turn around if you reach an intersection with a trail where horses are not allowed. This is for the safety of you, your horse, and other people in the park.
Carvers Creek State Park
Gorges State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
Equestrian access is at the Tory’s Den parking lot. Only Ruben Mountain Trail and half of Tory’s Den Trail are open to horses.
Medoc Mountain State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
Pilot Mountain State Park
Raven Rock State Park
South Mountains State Park
Stone Mountain State Park
Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve
William B. Umstead State Park
Biking/Mountain Biking
Bicycles are allowed on many trails in NC State Parks. Check the park map before you go to determine which trails are multi-use, allowing bicycles. Be sure to verify the trail length and difficulty. Some parks offer trails specifically built for mountain biking, while others allow cyclists on hiking trails. There are some parks on this list that only offer one, short trail for cycling.
Carolina Beach State Park
Carvers Creek State Park
Chimney Rock State Park
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Dismal Swamp State Park
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Fort Macon State Park
Gorges State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
The park has a dedicated section of mountain biking trails that are considered intermediate to advanced.
Lake James State Park
Lake Norman State Park
Medoc Mountain State Park
Merchants Millpond State Park
Pettigrew State Park
Raven Rock State Park
South Mountains State Park
William B. Umstead State Park
Rock Climbing
A permit is required for rock climbing at most NC State Parks. Check the park’s website before you go to determine where you are allowed to climb and if a permit is required.
Chimney Rock State Park (Eagle Rock Access)
Crowders Mountain State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
Pilot Mountain State Park
Stone Mountain State Park
Swimming
Many NC State Parks have lakes where swimming is allowed. There is often a daily use fee. Check your park’s website for fees and hours of operation.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Macon State Park
Goose Creek State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Jones Lake State Park
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Lake James State Park
Lake Norman State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
New River State Park
Pettigrew State Park
Paddling
North Carolina offers many opportunities to enjoy a quiet day in a canoe or kayak. Several parks have lakes, and a few have rivers. If the paddling is on a river, check the water levels before you head out.
Carolina Beach State Park
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Crowders Mountain State Park
Dismal Swamp State Park
Eno River State Park (Note the water level is often too low for kayaks, check before you head out)
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Macon State Park
Goose Creek State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park
Jones Lake State Park
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Lake James State Park
Lake Norman State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Lower Haw River State Natural Area
Lumbar River State Park
Mayo River State Park
Merchants Millpond State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
New River State Park
Pettigrew State Park
Pilot Mountain State Park
Raven Rock State Park
Singletary Lake State Park
South Mountains State Park
William B. Umstead State Park
Boat Ramps for Motorboats
Many parks are on a large lake or near a large body of water and offer public ramps. Several are free of charge but check before you head out.
Carolina Beach State Park
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Goose Creek State Park
Jones Lake State Park
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Lake James State Park
Lake Norman State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Lumbar River State Park
Merchants Millpond State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
Pettigrew State Park
Fishing
Fishing is a popular sport in North Carolina. As you can see, 34 of the 45 parks allow fishing with a valid North Carolina fishing license.
Carolina Beach State Park
Carvers Creek State Park
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Crowders Mountain State Park
Dismal Swamp State Park
Eno River State Park
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Macon State Park
Goose Creek State Park
Gorges State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
Haw River State Park
Jones Lake State Park
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Lake James State Park
Lake Norman State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Lower Haw River State Natural Area
Lumbar River State Park
Mayo River State Park
Medoc Mountain State Park
Merchants Millpond State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
New River State Park
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Pettigrew State Park
Pilot Mountain State Park
Raven Rock State Park
Singletary Lake State Park
South Mountains State Park
William B. Umstead State Park
Family/Car Camping
Many North Carolina State Parks have campsites where you park in front of the site. There are often sites with electrical hookups for RVs, and others with no hookups for tents. Be sure to check the length of the driveway and what is included for each spot before making your reservation.
Facilities are different at each park. If a hot shower is a must, verify the park has a bathhouse with hot showers before you book.
Carolina Beach State Park
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Goose Creek 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
Mayo River State Park (Group campsites only)
Medoc Mountain State Park (including group campsites)
Merchants Millpond State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
Pettigrew State Park
Pilot Mountain State Park
Raven Rock State Park
South Mountains State Park
Stone Mountain State Park
William B. Umstead State Park (A Group Site, Camp Crabtree, is also available)
Cabins
Several NC State Parks have cabins near their Family Campgrounds. Usually, you are required to bring your own linens and towels. Most cabins have heating, air conditioning, and electricity. Almost all cabins are “camper cabins” which means they do not have bathrooms. Renters use the nearby campground bathhouse. The only two exceptions are Hanging Rock State Park cabins and Morrow Mountain State Park cabins which both have bathrooms inside the cabins.
There may also be a minimum number of nights required at certain times. Check the amenities and rental requirements before you book.
Carolina Beach State Park
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Goose Creek State Park
Gorges State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
Lake Norman State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
Raven Rock State Park
Singletary Lake State Park
Equestrian Campsites
Two parks have campsites set aside for equestrians. These generally include a special area for humans with RVs or tents and stalls for horses. The instructions are clear when you go to the reservation site.
Medoc Mountain State Park
South Mountains State Park
Hike-in Campsites
I created this category because several parks have sites with a 100-300 yard hike in. Since this doesn’t really qualify as backpacking, it seemed they needed their own category. Anything less than a 0.5 miles hike from parking is listed here.
Carolina Beach State Park
2 group sites for organized or established groups (Scout Troops, Church Groups). They are approximately 400 yards from the parking area.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
4 group sites for organized groups (Scout Troops, Church Groups). The sites are a short walk from the parking area.
Goose Creek State Park
There are 14 hike-in sites, including 2 for groups of up to 26 people. Sites 1 through 3 are closer to parking and sites 10 through 14 are the furthest.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
24 primitive campsites are available 100 yards to 0.5 miles from parking.
Lake James State Park
20 walk-in sites approximately 100 – 300 yards from parking are available. There are also paddle-in sites.
Lake Waccamaw State Park
There are 4 group campsites a short walk from the parking lot.
Lumbar River State Park
Multiple sites are a short walk from parking. Paddle-in sites are also available.
Merchants Millpond State Park
There are 3 group campsites approximately 700 yards from the parking lot.
Mount Mitchell State Park
There are 9 hike-in tent camping sites. Backpackers may leave their cars at Mount Mitchell and camp in Pisgah National Forest which is not managed by the NC Park System.
Stone Mountain State Park
4 group campsites are approximately 500 yards from the parking lot.
Backpacking Sites
Primitive sites generally require hiking to the site with all your gear. Generally, pit toilets and picnic tables are provided. Most sites have a person and tent limit. Check the park’s website to determine the distance to the campsite and any amenities.
These sites are generally identified as “primitive camping” on the park website. I broke the category into Hike-In (see above) and Backpacking using 1 mile from car to site as the differentiator.
Crowders Mountain State Park
The sites are approximately 1 mile from parking. There is a family campsite located in the area that is accessible for individuals with limited mobility. Call the park for information on vehicular access to the site if required. There are 4 sites that can accommodate groups of 10 to 25 people. There is a group site for 10 to 15 people accessible for people with limited mobility. Call the park for more information.
Elk Knob State Park
Note that campfires are never allowed in Elk Knob State Park. Sites are approximately 1-2 miles from parking. Along with the general primitive sites, Elk Knob has 2 group sites that can accommodate up to 26 people each. They are for organized groups only.
Eno River State Park
Fanny’s Ford campground is 1 mile from parking. Piper Creek campground is 1.2 miles from parking.
The Cox Mountain group campsite is 3/8 of a mile from parking and can accommodate up to 26 people. There are also group sites that can accommodate up to 16 people at the Buck Quarter campgrounds about 1.2 miles from parking.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Shinleaf offers 46 hike-in sites. A bathhouse is available. Larger sites are available at Rolling View, Shinleaf, and B.W Wells for tents only. Shinleaf offers drive-up group sites, all others are hike-ins.
Gorges State Park
Primitive sites are free and available on a first come first serve basis.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
13 backpacking camping sites are available along the trail system. The terrain is rugged and only experienced backpackers should consider hiking here.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Primitive campsites are available on Bear Island. They’re accessible via ferry (sites 1-11 only), private boat, or paddling only. From the beach, it is 0.6 to 1.1 miles to the campsites. There are also 3 group campsites for organized groups in the same area. Ferry service is closed from November through March.
Merchants Millpond State Park
There are 5 campsites requiring approximately 3.5 miles to reach. There are also paddle-in sites and group paddle-in sites. There are 3 group sites approximately 700 yards from the parking lot.
Morrow Mountain State Park
There are 4 backpacker sites approximately 1 mile from the parking lot.
New River State Park
Both Wagoner Access and HWY 221 Access offer hike-in sites. Some of the sites are about a mile from the parking lot. Paddle-in sites are also available.
Raven Rock State Park
There are backpacking sites approximately 2.5 miles from the parking lot. Backpackers may also use the Paddle-in site approximately 1.4 miles from the Visitor Center.
South Mountains State Park
There are 7 backpacking sites ranging from 1.4 to 6 miles to hike in.
Stone Mountain State Park
4 primitive sites ranging from 1.5 to 3 miles from the parking lot.
Backpacking Loops (moving from one primitive campsite to another)
Three of the parks have multiple backpacking campsites and a trail system extensive enough to create weekend backpacking loops. These are perfect for new backpackers honing their skills, or experienced backpackers testing out new equipment. They’re also great for a quick, no-brainer, weekend getaway.
Gorges State Park
Grandfather Mountain State Park
South Mountains State Park
Waterfalls
While not necessarily an “activity”, several parks have renowned waterfalls that are major draws.
Chimney Rock State Park
Gorges State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
South Mountains State Park
Stone Mountain State Park
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Only one park listed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as activities, but hey, if they offer it, then it goes on this list.
Elk Knob State Park