State Parks News

Ferry service, bathhouse, and concessions at Bear Island are open Friday, August 22, 2025, after Hurricane Erin. Bear Island camping is open; however, campers should access beachfront campsites through the path behind the campsites. The mainland areas and trails are open. The boat ramp is open, and 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.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded nearly $11 million to trail development and restoration projects in the Piedmont. The General Assembly authorized these funds as part of the Great Trails State Program.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded more than $2.6 million to trail development and restoration projects in eastern North Carolina. These funds were authorized by the General Assembly as part of the Great Trails State Program.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has awarded more than $11 million authorized by the General Assembly in grants to communities and nonprofits in western North Carolina from Great Trails State Program funding. This announcement comes during Governor and First Lady Stein’s week exploring the unforgettable mountains of western North Carolina, supporting small businesses, and showcasing all that the region has to offer travelers.

Morrow Mountain State Park began a major construction project on July 9, 2025, to replace aging water and sewer systems, with work expected to continue through early 2026. Visitors should expect construction noise and temporary disruptions.

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and N.C. State Parks announced today that Chimney Rock State Park and the Chimney Rock attraction will reopen to visitors on Friday, June 27, exactly nine months after Hurricane Helene devastated the surrounding communities.

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Parks and Recreation is seeking input on the Equine State Trail Master Plan. The master plan will be a 20-year plan that identifies a 10-mile-wide corridor for the trail.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Division of Water Resources, in cooperation with Eno River State Park, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, City of Durham, Durham County, Town of Hillsborough and Orange County, will be treating the Eno River for hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, May 29 through Aug. 31.

New River State Park is continuing recovery efforts post-Hurricane Helene. Some accesses and campsites are open while others remain closed.

The seasonal ferry service to Bear Island from the mainland access of Hammocks Beach State Park will begin May 14, 2025.

Lake James State Park has reopened most facilities, but there are some ongoing closures due to Hurricane Helene damage. Park staff are conducting assessments at the Paddy's Creek swim beach area to determine a reopening timeline.

Effective May 1, 2025, reservation fees at campgrounds and vehicle entrance fees at reservoirs will increase across the state parks system. There are no changes to picnic shelter reservation fees, equipment rentals, and swim passes.

South Mountains State Park has reopened both accesses after being closed since Hurricane Helene. Some facilities remain closed until further notice. High Shoals Falls Loop, including the waterfall viewing area, is closed.

South Mountains State Park in Burke County is partially reopening its main access at Jacob Fork on April 10.

Jacob Brown is the new park superintendent at Raven Rock State Park in Harnett County.