Press Releases

Hammocks Beach State Park Ferry Service to Bear Island to Resume May 14

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

N.C. State Parks Campsite and Reservoir Entrance Fees to Increase Effective May 1

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 to Continue Reopening April 10

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

Jacob Brown Named Raven Rock State Park Superintendent

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

South Mountains State Park's Clear Creek Access to Reopen March 17

South Mountains State Park
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.

N.C. Trails Program Opens Applications for Grants

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

Joseph Hiatt Named First Superintendent of Yellow Mountain State Natural Area

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

Bean Shoals Access at Pilot Mountain State Park Now Open

Pilot Mountain State Park, Mountain Region
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.

Historic Occoneechee Speedway Added to Eno River State Park

Eno River State Park, Piedmont Region, Land Protection and Acquisition
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.

State Parks Projects Awarded Over $7.6 Million from Parks and Recreation Trust Fund

Bobs Creek State Natural Area, Carvers Creek State Park, Dismal Swamp State Park, Elk Knob State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, William B Umstead State Park, Coastal Plain Region, Piedmont Region, Mountain Region, Engineering and Construction, Land Protection and Acquisition, Planning, Trails Program
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.