Topics Related to Swimming

Location: Beaufort County, 34 miles southeast of Greenville

You can find: a large live oak tree with branches hanging over the Pamlico River, great blue herons, and green tree frogs

Highlights: Pamlico River and Goose Creek; full hook-up RV camping; camper cabins; swamp boardwalk; butterfly garden

Location: Carteret County, 39 miles southeast of New Bern

You can find: a restored 19th century-era fort, diverse barrier island habitat, and birds such as the painted bunting

Highlights: daily tours; cannon and musket demonstrations; exhibits; beach access

Location: New Hanover County, 18 miles south of Wilmington

You can find: loggerhead sea turtles, salt marsh, and an observation deck with views of Zeke's Island

Highlights: four-wheel-drive beach; surf fishing; 24-hour pedestrian beach access; nearby boat ramp

Location: Wake County, 18 miles north of Raleigh

At the park, you can find: 12,000-acre Falls Lake reservoir and monarch butterflies in the spring and fall

Highlights at this access: tent, trailer and RV camping; campers-only boat ramp, swim beach and hiking trail

Location: Wake County, 20 miles north of downtown RaleighAt the park, you can find: 12,000-acre Falls Lake reservoir and monarch butterflies in the spring and fallHighlights at this access: seasonal access; accessible swim beach; several picnic areas and shelters; hiking trails

Location: Durham County, 12 miles east of downtown Durham

At the park, you can find: 12,000-acre Falls Lake reservoir and monarch butterflies in the spring and fall

Highlights at this access: tent, trailer, and RV camping; community building; accessible swim beach and fishing pier; nearby privately owned Rolling View Marina

Location: Wake County, 20 miles north of downtown RaleighAt the park, you can find: 12,000-acre Falls Lake reservoir and monarch butterflies in the spring and fallHighlights at this access: mountain bike trails; accessible fishing and swim beach; non-gas boating on Beaverdam Lake; easy hiking trails

Location: Wayne County, 15 miles southeast of Goldsboro

You can find: the 90-foot bluffs rising above the Neuse River and eastern fox squirrels

Highlights: hiking through longleaf restoration areas and along creeks; swimming lake with boat rentals; full hook-up RV camping; paddling on the Neuse River