Welcome! Chances are you are at your home or your
office. Wouldn't you rather be out boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, or sailing in a North Carolina state park?
One thing
we have found is that not everyone knows about their state parks so we have
put together this site to help find the fun places to go. To the side we
have listed related information. Have fun and enjoy the relaxation and
excitement of the outdoors!
Carolina Beach State Park
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With a marina providing access to some of North Carolina's best fishing spots, a secluded camping area beneath towering trees, and miles of hiking trails that traverse a variety of distinct habitats—not to mention the presence of the Venus flytrap, one of the world's most unique carnivorous plants—it's no wonder Carolina Beach State Park is a popular coastal attraction. A marina with two launching ramps and more than 40 boat slips is located at the junction of Snow's Cut and the Cape Fear River. Spot, flounder, sheepshead and striped bass are waiting at Carolina Beach State Park.
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
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At the turn of the century visitors flocked to the area. They drank mineral water from local springs to cure their ills and they took riverboat excursions to the cliffs. Things have changed since then. Mineral water now comes in bottles and isn't likely to cure anything at all, and riverboats have given way to more modern modes of transportation. Recreation activities in the park center on an 11-acre man-made lake where a sandy beach, diving platform, roped-off perimeter and bathhouse provide all of the facilities needed for a refreshing swim. Private boats are not permitted. The river and its tributaries are home to bluegill, largemouth bass and several species of catfish. In the spring, white and hickory shad migrate up the river.
Crowders Mountain State Park
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For a closer view of nature's marvels, walk the park's many miles of trails. The gently rolling landscape of the North Carolina Piedmont offers a variety of terrain.
Eno River State Park
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Eno River begins in northwest Orange County, flowing eastward approximately 33 miles until, along with the Little and Flat rivers, it forms the Neuse and flows into Falls Lake. Travel the Eno by canoe and encounter Class I, II and III rapids. Wet your line in one of the best fishing streams in the Neuse River basin. From the river banks you can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, chain pickerel, crappie and bullhead.
Falls Lake Recreation Area
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Fishing, boating and swimming are only a few of the activities awaiting you on the water. On land, you can enjoy walking, mountain biking or camping along a portion of the state's Mountains-to-Sea Trail. From recreation to environmental education, no matter what you are looking for, you are sure to discover it at Falls Lake. Highway 50, Rolling View and Beaverdam recreation areas have boat-launching ramps. Only boats with non-gasoline motors are allowed in Beaverdam. B. W. Bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie—as well as numerous artificial reefs and fish shelters, and continuous stocking programs—attract anglers to Falls Lake. N.C.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
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Located on the southern tip of Pleasure Island near Wilmington, Fort Fisher lies between the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Cape Fear River on the west. Here are miles of white, sandy beach for sunning, swimming and fishing. Common ocean catches include bluefish, puppy drum and Virginia mullet. Spot and flounder share the estuary with numerous shellfish.
Fort Macon State Park
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Fort Macon offers public access to the surf, sun and sand of the Crystal Coast—as well as a historic landmark. Located at the eastern end of Bogue Banks, one of a series of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast, the park is surrounded on three sides by water—the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort Inlet and Bogue Sound. Flounder, bluefish, spot, croaker, sheepshead and whiting are abundant in the inlet and the ocean. Fishing may be enjoyed at the park throughout the year.
Goose Creek State Park
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A primitive camping area, picnic sites, swim beach and hiking and canoeing trails offer a variety of ways to savor the tranquil surroundings at Goose Creek State Park. And historic Bath, North Carolina's oldest incorporated town, is just six miles away. The boat ramp at Dinah's Landing on the west side of Goose Creek is conveniently located near the river. Motorboating, sailing and windsurfing are popular activities. Fish in the creek or the river; both have plenty of fresh-and saltwater fish, especially in warmer weather. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, and white and yellow perch.
Gorges State Park
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Plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States are found within Gorges State Park. With an ample supply of speckled and brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass, the waters of Gorges State Park beckon fishermen to try their luck. Lake Jocassee, a deep lake straddling the North and South Carolina border, is a haven for trout and bass fishermen. Boat access is currently available within Devil's Fork State Park in South Carolina.
Hammocks Beach State Park
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Stroll the beach with laughing gulls and sandpipers. Cast a baited hook into endless rows of foaming breakers. Discover tiny specimens of marine life in tidal pools and mudflats. Use a camera or paintbrush to capture the green and gold grasses that color the salt marshes. Spend the night among the sand dunes, or simply bask in the sun and do nothing at all. Boats may be beached or tied at the island bulkhead, but please do not dock along the ferry pier. Puppy drum, flounder, trout and blue fish are frequent catches on Bear Island. Fishing at Hammocks Beach is a favorite pastime in all seasons but is particularly good in the fall.
Hanging Rock State Park
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Fish from the shore, a wheelchair-accessible pier or the middle of the lake. Bass and bream are plentiful. Private boats are not permitted, but rowboats and canoes are available for rent during the summer. Not far from the cities of the Triad area, off the four-lane highways there's another North Carolina to be discovered—sheer cliffs and peaks of bare rock, quiet forests and cascading waterfalls, views of the piedmont plateau that stretch for miles.
Jockey's Ridge State Park
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There are many reasons why millions of people visit Jockey's Ridge State Park. Some come to see the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast; others come for the spectacular sunsets. Work on your tan in the sunning area of the estuarine access at the base of the dune along Roanoke Sound or let the wind be your guide as you enjoy sailboarding. There's also a designated site for sandboarding which is allowed October 1 through March 31.
Jones Lake State Park
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Venture to Jones Lake State Park and view one of the greatest geological mysteries of the eastern United States—the phenomenon of the Carolina bays. Boating and fishing are popular pastimes at Jones Lake. The access road ends at the lakeshore, and only motors that are 10 horsepower and under are allowed on the lake. Few fish species are present due to the water's acidity. Yellow perch are the most abundant; chain pickerel, catfish, chub suckers and blue-spotted sunfish also occupy the lakes.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
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The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation operates eight recreation areas on the lake—Crosswinds Campground, Ebenezer Church, Parkers Creek, Poplar Point, Seaforth, Vista Point, Robeson Creek and New Hope Overlook. Each recreation area has boat-launching ramps providing easy entry to the water. Underwater stumps, logs and rocks help create the perfect environment for bass, crappie, catfish and pan fish.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
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This 50,000-acre man-made lake is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and landlubbers, too. . Each recreation area has one or more concrete boat-launching ramps. One of the best fishing lakes in the eastern United States, Kerr Lake features striped bass, largemouth bass, white perch and crappie.
Lake James State Park
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Tucked away in rolling hills at the base of Linville Gorge is Lake James, a 6,510-acre lake with more than 150 miles of shoreline. Two boat ramps, Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge, offer access to Lake James where power boats, sailboats and smaller craft have ample room to enjoy the water. Cool, deep waters and warm surface waters provide a variety of sport fishing. Largemouth bass is the most sought-after fish in the lake.
Lake Norman State Park
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The park boasts its own 33-acre lake where swimming, fishing and boating are enjoyed. Privately owned boats and watercraft may access Lake Norman from the boat launch area located at the south end of the park. Popular game fish in Lake Norman include crappie, bluegill and yellow perch, as well as striped, largemouth and white bass.
Lake Waccamaw State Park
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Lake Waccamaw is one of the most unique bodies of water in the world. You will find here species of animals found nowhere else on the planet, rare plants and endangered animals. Boating is a popular pastime at Lake Waccamaw. There is no boat access in the park, but two free public boat launch areas are available nearby. Fifty-two species of game and non-game fish swim in Lake Waccamaw. The WRC stocks the lake with largemouth bass, bluegill, shellcracker and redbreast sunfish.
Lumber River State Park
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The Lumber River flows through the south-central portion of our state. A ramp at the park offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a leisurely small boat or canoe trip on one of the country's few wild and scenic rivers—the only blackwater river with this designation in North Carolina. Fish from a boat or along the river bank. Black crappie, red breast, largemouth bass and catfish are abundant.
Medoc Mountain State Park
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At Medoc Mountain, the urban refugee finds a welcome tranquility, a chance to embrace the outdoors. Hook and line will bring rewards at Medoc Mountain where Little Fishing Creek is considered to be one of the cleanest streams in the state. Several species of game fish, including redbreast sunfish, bluegill, Roanoke bass, largemouth bass and chain pickerel make fishing a popular pastime in the park.
Merchants Millpond State Park
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An "enchanted forest," primitive species of fish relatively unchanged over millions of years, towering bald cypress trees with massive trunks, luxuriant growths of Spanish moss—this is Merchants Millpond State Park. Cast your line from the bank or journey into the millpond to fish in a pastoral setting. Small fishing craft (with trolling motors only) may be launched at the boat ramp. Largemouth bass, bluegill, chain pickerel and black crappie are waiting to bite the hook!
Morrow Mountain State Park
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Enjoy the gifts of nature surrounded by the remnants of a once mighty range of peaks. A boat ramp at the end of the park road will put you on the water. A small area is available for trailer parking. Cast your line on Lake Tillery or fish from the river banks. Game fish include largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, crappie, perch, bluegill and catfish.
New River State Park
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Rugged hillsides, pastoral meadows and bucolic farmlands surround the oldest river in North America—the New River. Trout fishing is excellent in the smaller, faster tributaries, most of which are designated general trout waters and are stocked regularly with rainbow and brown trout.
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
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Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area has been recognized as one of the most important natural areas in the Triangle. Wet your line in one of the best fishing streams in the Neuse River basin. From the river banks you can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, chain pickerel, crappie and bullhead. The river is also home to Roanoke bass, known as red-eye, which is found only in the Eno-Neuse, Tar, Chowan and Roanoke rivers.
Pettigrew State Park
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With more than 1,200 acres of land and 16,600 acres of water, Pettigrew State Park is an ideal blend of nature, history and recreation. Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and power vessels have ample room to enjoy Lake Phelps. The lake offers ideal conditions for sailing in shallow draft boats. Launch a canoe from Cypress Point or use the launching and docking facilities behind the park office. Lake Phelps is known throughout the east for its bass fishing. The lake teems with largemouth bass, yellow perch and pumpkinseed. Enjoy the challenges of pickerel and catfish as the Algonquians did 10,000 years ago.
Pilot Mountain State Park
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Approach from any direction and see Pilot Mountain rising more than 1400 feet above the rolling countryside of the upper Piedmont plateau. Canoe the Yadkin River through the park on a segment of the Yadkin River Canoe Trail. The 165-mile trail follows the course of the river passing through five reservoirs to the confluence of the Yadkin and Uwharrie rivers. Cast your line from the river banks and reel in dinner. Sunfish, crappie and catfish are waiting to be caught!
Raven Rock State Park
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Should the humdrum of the work week leave you with the urge to travel and explore, head to Raven Rock State Park. Negotiate the rapids of Laniers Falls and the Fish Traps on a portion of the Cape Fear Canoe Trail that runs through the park. The best places for fishing in the Cape Fear River are the Fish Traps and the mouth of Campbell Creek. Game fish in these waters include largemouth bass, warmouth, bluegill, catfish, redear and green sunfish. Other interesting species are longnose gar, American eel, chub, shiners, darters and pirate perch.
Singletary Lake State Park
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Developed primarily for organized group camping, the park is comprised of 649 acres of land and a 572-acre natural lake. Though fish populations are low due to the acidity of the water, the lake has a population of yellow perch ready to provide a challenge for fishermen.
South Mountains State Park
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Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature.The park has many miles of streams where an angler can cast a line. Most of the streams are classified as wild trout water while approximately two miles are classified as delayed harvest trout water.
Stone Mountain State Park
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Stone Mountain is not immediately visible upon entering the park that bears its name, but this magnificent 600-foot granite dome is well worth the wait. More than 17 miles of park streams are designated trout waters. Rainbow and brown trout dominate the lower parts of the streams while brook trout inhabit the higher, cooler stretches of water. Garden, Widow's and Big Sandy creeks are Wild Trout Waters where only single hook artificial lures may be used.
Waynesborough State Park
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Hike through what once was a bustling colonial area. Fish waters that used to carry riverboats. Fishing is a popular activity at Waynesborough. Favorite catches include largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and channel and brown bullhead catfish, as well as chain pickerel and longnose gar.
William B. Umstead State Park
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Tucked between the growing cities of Raleigh, Cary, Durham and the corporate world of Research Triangle Park is an oasis of tranquility, a peaceful haven. Rent a rowboat or canoe at the boathouse on Big Lake. Relaxing on these small boats is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Private boats and gasoline motors are not permitted. Common catches include bass, bluegill and crappie.
