North Carolina State Parks

North Carolinas state parks are Naturally Wonderful and also wonderfully diverse. With 34 state parks and four state recreation areas, the system stretches from the highest sand dune on the East Coast at Jockeys Ridge to Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern U.S. Between these points, youll find mysterious bay lakes, wild swamps, rare sandhills, piedmont river systems and bold mountain streams.

All state parks offer opportunities for hiking, picnicking and nature study. Most have campgrounds and many have modern visitor centers. Click the 'Find a Park' dropdown to the left to 'visit' a park and learn about its facilities and get directions.

The parks system was begun in 1916 when a group of citizens sought to protect the summit of Mount Mitchell. It became the first state park in the Southeast and among the first in the nation. Many of the state parks were initiated by local citizens with a strong conservation ethic.

This tradition of grassroots conservation in North Carolina is reflected in the states mandate that these precious natural resources be readily available to all citizens. No admission fees are charged at the state parks. (There is a modest parking fee charged at three state recreation areas.) Fees for services such as camping and picnic shelters are kept as reasonable as possible. There is also a conscious attempt to offer facilities and recreation opportunities in a low-impact manner that protects the land.

More than 13 million people visit the state parks each year. The state parks system employs about 400, and nearly 200 of those are park rangers and park superintendents who are commissioned law enforcement officers.

The North Carolina State Parks System exists for the enjoyment, education, health and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the state parks system is to conserve and protect representative examples of the natural beauty, ecological features and recreational resources of statewide significance; to provide outdoor recreational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment; and to provide environmental education opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural heritage.