COVID-19 information for parks under phase 3
Posted on: Monday, October 5, 2020 - 2:12pm |
History
Most trails at the park are open, with the exception of trails that were already closed due to previous damage. Boat ramps at Dinah's Landing remain open. Parking is limited; please do not block the flow of traffic. Park gates close at sunset.
The swim beach remains CLOSED. Reservable facilities, such as the picnic shelter, auditorium, and outdoor classroom, remain closed.
Campsites, including group campsites, are open. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 1-877-722-6762. Camper cabins are open for reservations from Friday to Sunday only; they are closed on Monday to Thursday for cleaning.
The visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A properly worn mask or face covering, covering both the nose and the mouth, is required to enter.
Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes. Generally, state parks are following the phased reopening statewide. As of October 3, we are following modified Phase 3.
Last updated on: Monday, October 5, 2020
Contact the park
252-923-2191
goose.creek@ncparks.gov
Address
Visitor center
2190 Camp Leach Road
Washington, NC 27889
GPS: 35.4818, -76.9014
Hours
►
- November to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- March to May:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- June to August:
8:00am to 9:00pm
- September to October:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- Open daily:
8:00am to 5:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
History highlights
Before European settlement, the Secotan and Pamlico Indians, members of the Tuscarora tribe, occupied the area between Goose Creek and Bath. The Tuscaroras were the dominant tribe during the colonial period, and conflicts arose between the Tuscaroras and settlers along the Pamlico, Neuse and Trent rivers. Well-known inhabitants of the area included several royal governors and the notorious pirate Blackbeard.
In more recent times, life centered around subsistence farming, commercial fishing and timber production. Evidence of these activities exists throughout the park. Abandoned fields, once used for farming, have now returned to forests. Remnants of boat piers and loading docks skirt the river. A trackless railroad bed, used for hauling logs and the charred remains of tar kilns, are reminders of the early days of the timber industry.
Like many other state parks, Goose Creek originated due to the initiative of local citizens. At their appeal, the North Carolina Division of State Parks investigated potential park sites along the Pamlico River and determined that the Goose Creek area was the most suitable. Negotiations for land acquisition began, and a resolution to the governor expressed local support. With the purchase of 1,208 acres of land, Goose Creek State Park opened in September, 1974. the park currently contains 1,672 acres.
Park Maps and Brochures:
