Events and Programs

Family Campground Closed

The family campground is closed for reservations and walk-ins due to construction. The bath house is being renovated this year; after completion the bath house will be ADA compliant and feature separate family, men's and women's facilities. Staff will update this alert once the family campground reopens.

Group camping will remain available through the year, but campers will not have access to showers and must bring water with them.

Last updated on: Friday, May 24, 2019

Swim Lake Hours

It's swim season! The Swim Lake will officially open today, 5/24/19, at 1pm! Some of our lake staff are still attending classes during the week, so UNTIL EVERYONE IS OUT OF SCHOOL (June 11th), HOURS DURING THE WEEK WILL VARY. The hours will be posted daily, please check or call the office, 919-778-6234, before coming out. Weekends will be open from 10am - 7pm starting now, weather permitting.

Last updated on: Friday, May 24, 2019

Bird Trail Closed

Bird Trail will remain closed to the public until a river section is re-routed, all other trails are open.

Last updated on: Monday, March 11, 2019

Events and Programs

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.

Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.

Beginner Paddle Boarding

Not sure if you would enjoy paddle boarding? Join a ranger for a a free beginner’s course at our swim lake. Information covered will include proper paddle technique and how get back onto the board while in deeper water.

You must be able to swim. If you cannot lift heavy objects, let the ranger know at the program.

We recommend wearing a swimsuit or clothing you don’t mind getting wet.

Registration required! Call the Visitor’s Center @ (919) 778-6234 to reserve your spot. Program space is limited.

Date of Event:

Mon, 05/27/2019 - 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Start Location:

Swim Lake Beach

Nature Explorers

Bring the little ones out for a morning of exploring! Starting in May, every first and third Wednesday of the month join a Ranger at 10am for a short story followed by a Nature Adventure. Activities will vary and will relate to the story read that week. This is a FREE program, however registration is required. Call the office: 919-778-6234 to register. Participants must be at less three years old.

Date of Event:

Wed, 06/05/2019 - 10:00am

Start Location:

Visitor Center

Water, Water Everywhere

Why is water sooo important? Isn't water everywhere? Why should I conserve water? Come join a ranger and answer these questions. We will discover some cool facts about water and learn how we can do our part to conserve it. This program is suitable for all ages but dress appropriately – you may get WET! Meet at the Visitor Center.

Date of Event:

Sun, 06/09/2019 - 3:00pm

Start Location:

Visitor Center

Natural History evenings

Cliffs of the Neuse state park is rich in its natural history, from the park’s ecology to its hundreds of years old trees to its namesake cliff. Join a Ranger for a hands on learning experience about the natural world in the park. This is a free program series. Meet at the overlook amphitheater.

Each program will feature a different theme:

Tues., June 18th at 6:00pm: Cliff Geology and Neuse River history
Tues., June 25th at 6:00pm: Wayne County animals
Tues., July 2nd at 6:00pm: Wildfire Ecology
Tues., July 9th at 6:00pm: Reptiles & Amphibians
Tues., July 16th at 6:00pm: Naval Stores Industry
Tues., July 23rd at 6:00pm: Nocturnal Nature
Tues., July 30th at 6:00pm: Predators & Prey
Tues., August 6th at 6:00pm: Tree and Plant ID

Date of Event:

Tue, 06/18/2019 - 6:00pm

Start Location:

Overlook amphitheater

Nature Explorers

Bring the little ones out for a morning of exploring! Starting in May, every first and third Wednesday of the month join a Ranger at 10am for a short story followed by a Nature Adventure. Activities will vary and will relate to the story read that week. This is a FREE program, however registration is required. Call the office: 919-778-6234 to register. Participants must be at less three years old.

Date of Event:

Wed, 06/19/2019 - 10:00am

Start Location:

Visitor Center

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