State Parks News

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.

Ferry service, campsites, and all facilities at Bear Island are closed. The mainland areas 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.

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.

South Mountains State Park in Burke County is partially reopening March 17. The park has been closed since last fall due to widespread damage after Hurricane Helene.

The North Carolina Trails Program has released the fiscal year 2025-26 grant cycle for the federal Recreational Trails Program.

Joseph Hiatt has been promoted to park superintendent of Yellow Mountain State Natural Area in Avery and Mitchell counties.

Pilot Mountain State Park’s Bean Shoals Access, located along the north side of the Yadkin River, has reopened following a construction project in 2024.

A long-awaited acquisition of over 200 acres of land that includes the Historic Occoneechee Speedway to add to Eno River State Park has been finalized.

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced that the Parks and Recreation Authority has awarded over $7.6 million from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for state parks projects for fiscal year 2024-25.

Staff from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation reintroduced the Roanoke logperch to Mayo River State Park in early November, kickstarting a joint effort that helps conserve the endangered darter and other aquatic species in the Dan River Basin

Elk Knob, Lake James, New River, and Stone Mountain state parks will reopen at least partially on Nov. 15; three parks will remain closed until further notice and face long-term closures: Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, and South Mountains.

Save the dates! This is the meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Authority in 2025.