Location: Columbus County, 40 miles west of Wilmington
You can find: Waccamaw Dam, the headwaters for the 150-mile river; the American alligator; and the Venus flytrap
Highlights: lakeside hiking; boat ramps and boardwalks to provide access to the 52 species of fish and numerous endemic animals in the lake
Location: Iredell County, 39 miles north of Charlotte
You can find: largest manmade lake in N.C. with 520 miles of shoreline, and the great blue heron
Highlights: mountain bike and accessible hiking trails; boat rentals; swim beach; boat ramp; cabins; full-hookup RV camping; community building
Location: McDowell County, 50 miles east of Asheville
At the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eagles
Highlights at this access: Sandy Cliff and Lake Channel overlooks; walk-in backpack camping; large group rental that includes picnic shelter and swimming area
Location: Burke County, 50 miles east of Asheville
At the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eagles
Highlights at this access: wooden bridge; bike trails; swim beach; boat rentals; drive-in camping; paddle-in camping to Long Arm peninsula; access to Fonta Flora and Overmountain Victory state trails
Location: Vance County near the Virginia state line
At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys
Highlights at this access: two 24-hour boat ramps, one suitably large for fishing tournaments; year-round tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups
Location: Warren County near the Virginia state line
At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys
Highlights at this access: great access for sailing; tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; swim beach area
Location: Vance County near the Virginia state line
At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys
Highlights at this access: year-round tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; campers-only boat ramp and dock; hiking trail; located at Satterwhite Point access
Location: Vance County near the Virginia state line
At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys
Highlights at this access: 24-hour boat ramp; longest park trail; cemetery; swim area; tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; group camping
Location: Vance County near the Virginia state line
At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys
Highlights at this access: 24-hour boat ramp and accessible fishing pier; swim area; great access for sailing; tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; group camping
Location: Warren County near the Virginia state line
At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys
Highlights at this access: 24-hour boat ramp; great access for sailing; tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; group camping