How will the Internet service for reservations work?

By April 22, there will be 'Reservations' links from this site to a special Web site. You simply choose which state park you'd like to visit and the Internet service will determine which suitable sites are available on the date you select. You'll find easy-to-follow instructions at each step of the process. On April 22, you can begin making reservations for arrivals on July 15 and thereafter.

What if I don't have Internet service? Am I at a disadvantage in making reservations?

Another easy way to make reservations is by calling toll-free 1-877-7-CAMPNC (1-877-722-6762). The call center will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekends. Our call center specialists can answer questions and make a reservation for you over the phone. There is no disadvantage in making a reservation through our call center. Any Internet reservation made during non-business hours will not be confirmed until the call center opens on the following day.

Dial 301-687-8216 to make a reservation if calling from outside of the U.S.

Also, if you're visiting a state park and would like to make a reservation for a future visit to that park, you can stop by the park office/visitor center and the staff will be happy to help.

How can I pay for a reservation and how is a reservation confirmed?

On our Internet site, payment for reservations must be made with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard) or debit card.

If a reservation is made through our call center, payment can be made with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard), debit card, money order or check. Any reservation made less than 21 days prior to arrival must be paid by credit card or debit card. If the reservation is made by money order or check, Infospherix must receive payment within 10 days or the reservation will be canceled.

If a reservation is made at a state park office/visitor center, payment can be made with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard), debit card, money order, check or cash.

Full payment is required when the reservation is made.

Internet reservations will be confirmed immediately by email. Visitors making reservations at least seven days in advance through the call center will receive a confirmation letter by mail. Visitors making reservations at a state park office/visitor center will immediately be given a confirmation letter. Confirmation letters and emails will contain a specific reservation number and customer ID number.

What facilities are available?

The state parks system has more than 3,000 campsites and the majority of these are available for reservations including some group sites, hike-in group sites, backpacking sites and equestrian sites at South Mountains State Park.

Also available are more than 100 picnic shelters, nine community buildings, family cabins at Hanging Rock and Morrow Mountain state parks and some classrooms and teaching auditoriums at those parks with full-service visitor centers. Reservations for classrooms and auditoriums and some group campsites must be made at the state park office/visitor center.

How far ahead of time MUST I make a reservation? How far ahead of time CAN I make a reservation?

Reservations must be made through the Internet site, call center or park office/visitor center at least two days prior to arrival. You can make reservations up to 11 months in advance.

What other limitations are there on reservations for campsites?

Any campsite can be reserved for a minimum of one night except on holiday weekends - Memorial Day through Labor Day - when a two-night minimum (Friday and Saturday) is enforced. This doesn't apply to group campsites. A single campsite can be reserved for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights within any 30-day period.

An unlimited number of sites can be reserved in one call or Internet session, but each site is considered a separate reservation.

What happens if I arrive late or have to cancel?

If a camper cannot occupy a site on the first reservation night by the time that park gates are closed, they must contact the park or call center by 3 p.m. the following day to inform about arrival time. If this notification is not made, the reservation will be considered a 'no show' and the site will be made available to other campers.

Any change of arrival date or cancellations made by check-in time two days prior to the scheduled arrival date will result in a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations made on the scheduled arrival date will be charged a one-night camping fee as well as a $10 cancellation fee.

No refunds will be issued for no-shows, cancellations or early departures after the arrival date.

Can I still camp at a state park if I don't have a reservation?

Campsites are by reservation only. However, campers are welcome for on-site registration if a site is available (has not been reserved). At some parks, a number of campsites are set aside for on-site registration on a first come, first served basis.

Be aware that without advance reservations, you cannot be guaranteed a site for more than one night unless you're using a site specifically set aside for on-site registration. Each state park posts a list of sites available for on-site registration and updates the list at least once daily. The lists are posted on a campground information sign that also gives instructions on how to complete on-site registration. Specific registration procedures may vary from park to park.

What if I want to change sites after I arrive at the park?

Campers can sometimes change sites after arrival. You must first check with park staff before moving to check on the new site's availability. Transfers within the same park at the visitor's request will be charged a $10 fee. Transfer depends on site availability.

How about using picnic shelters without a reservation?

Rules for day use of picnic shelters haven't changed. If a shelter has not been reserved at least two days in advance, the shelter may be used by anyone on a first-come, first-served basis. However, large organized events beyond a family picnic or group outing may require a special activity permit. It's a good idea to check with the park staff.

What are the check in/check out times for campsites?

Check in time is 4 p.m. Check out time is 3 p.m.

Will gift cards be available for future visits to state parks and other purchases?

Gift cards will soon be available at state park offices and visitor centers. However, initially, gift cards can only be redeemed through the toll-free reservations call center, at a park office/visitor center or other official point-of-sale location and for certain fees and some merchandise. You will not be able to redeem gift cards online. (At some visitor centers, merchandise is offered by park volunteer support groups and cannot be purchased with gift cards.)

Who can I ask if I have other questions?

Specialists at our call center at 1-877-7-CAMP-NC (1-877-722-6762) should be able to answer questions you have about our reservations system.

For specific questions about camping in North Carolina state parks or the use of park facilities, call or email the park office - the 'Find a Park' navigation tool on the left will lead you to contact information - or for general questions, email parkinfo@ncmail.net.

What happens if I have an advance reservation and the weather is bad on my arrival date?

Any weather-related cancellation or change in reservation is subject to a cancellation fee per our cancellation policy EXCEPT in those cases when a weather event results in the closing of the state park or campground facilities in the state park.