Press Releases

N.C. State Parks Partners with Waypoint Adventure to Provide Adaptive Recreation Programs at Select Parks

Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Mountain Region, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Access
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced a new partnership with Waypoint Adventure, based in Black Mountain, N.C., to provide adaptive recreation programs for visitors with disabilities.

Tent and RV Campsites, Shelter Closed at Medoc Mountain State Park for Renovations

Medoc Mountain State Park, Coastal Plain Region
The tent, trailer, and RV campsites and the picnic shelter at Medoc Mountain State Park In Halifax County were closed June 3 for at least 12 months due to construction.

North Carolina Celebrates 50th Anniversary of National Natural Landmarks

Jockeys Ridge State Park, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, Mount Mitchell State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Stone Mountain State Park, William B Umstead State Park, Coastal Plain Region, Piedmont Region, Mountain Region
The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced today that six division sites are celebrating their 50th anniversary as National Natural Landmarks (NNL) as designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

North Carolina State Parks to Offer 'Kayaking 101' Classes with American Canoe Association, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Carolina Beach State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Hammocks Beach State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Jockeys Ridge State Park, Jones Lake State Park, Lake James State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Merchants Millpond State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Interpretation and Education
Carolina Beach, Hammocks Beach, Hanging Rock, Jockey's Ridge, Jones Lake, Lake James, Lake Norman, Morrow Mountain, and Pilot Mountain state parks; Falls Lake State Recreation Area; and Salmon Creek State Natural Area are hosting the paddling instruction events for National Safe Boating Week 2024.

Two NC State Parks to Host 'Poetry in the Park' Events in April for National Poetry Month

Eno River State Park, Lake Norman State Park, Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Interpretation and Education
Lake Norman State Park will host an event on Saturday, April 20, and Eno River State Park on Saturday, April 27.

State Parks System Grew in Visitation, Size in 2023

Raleigh Office, Marketing and Communications, Land Protection and Acquisition, Operations
The North Carolina state parks system welcomed more than 20.1 million visitors in 2023 and ended the year with a total of 262,074 acres.

Bean Shoals Access at Pilot Mountain State Park to Close for Construction

Pilot Mountain State Park, Piedmont Region, Engineering and Construction, Natural Resources, Operations
The access at Bean Shoals in Pilot Mountain State Park will be improved by a construction project that includes three new bridges and a stream restoration.

Matt Windsor Takes the Helm at Goose Creek State Park

Goose Creek State Park, Operations, Coastal Plain Region
Matt Windsor has been named as the new superintendent at Goose Creek State Park in Beaufort County.

Gorges State Park Campground to Temporarily Close

Gorges State Park, Natural Resources, Operations, Mountain Region
The campground at Gorges State Park will be closed through at least November 16 due to black bear activity in the area.

Bryan Wilder Named Superintendent at Elk Knob State Park

Elk Knob State Park, Operations, Mountain Region
Bryan Wilder has been promoted as the superintendent of Elk Knob State Park in Watauga County.