Press Releases

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.

First Lady Kristin Cooper, Audubon Join NC State Parks to Celebrate New Native Plants Policy

Jockeys Ridge State Park, Natural Resources, Coastal Plain Region
Jockey's Ridge State Park is celebrating Native Plants Week 2023 with a visit from First Lady Kristin Cooper, Audubon North Carolina, and Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson.

Avis Promoted to Lead NC State Parks' South District

Carvers Creek State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Jones Lake State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Lake Norman State Park, Lake Waccamaw State Park, Lumber River State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, Raven Rock State Park, Singletary Lake State Park, Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, Operations, Coastal Plain Region, Piedmont Region
M. Scott Avis has been named as the new south district superintendent, overseeing 11 parks in the North Carolina state parks system.

N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation Seeks Public Input on Pisgah View State Park Master Plan

Pisgah View State Park, Planning
The Division is hosting a series of public information meetings to seek public input on the future of North Carolina's newest state park.

N.C. State Parks Division Announces 'Complete the Trails' Program Grants for Land Acquisition Projects

Planning, Recreation Grants and Outreach, Trails Program
The Division awarded more than $3 million in grants for 13 projects for state trails.

Nealson Joins Stanley to Lead Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, Operations, Piedmont Region
Keith Nealson has been named a park superintendent at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Vance and Warren counties.