Are you looking for a way to explore the natural beauty of North Carolina? If so, you may be wondering, "How many state parks are in North Carolina?" The answer is that there are 41 state parks scattered throughout the state, each with its unique features and attractions.

With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which state park to visit first. That's where my ultimate guide comes in - I've compiled all the information you need to plan your next outdoor adventure. From hiking trails to camping sites, I've got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover the best state parks in North Carolina!

Most Popular State Parks In North Carolina

Discover the incredible outdoors of North Carolina with some of the most popular state parks! Jockey's Ridge State Park brings the tallest sand dunes, Grandfather Mountain State Park offers rugged peaks and an impressive swinging bridge, and William B. Umstead State Park is like a nature oasis between Raleigh, Cary, and Durham. These state parks have it all – hiking, camping, wildlife, and more!

1. Jockey's Ridge State Park

Location: Nags Head, NC

Wow Factor: Attracts the highest number of visitors among all parks in the NC park system.

Need To Know: No camping is allowed in this day-use-only park. During the scorching summer months, with temperatures hitting 110 degrees, visitors should bring their own water as there is none available in the park.

Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head, North Carolina, is known for having the tallest sand dunes in the eastern U.S. Covering 427 acres, the park boasts three ecosystems and dates back around 7,000 years when minerals washed from the mountains formed the dunes. These used to stretch all the way to Virginia and were a big deal for sailors in the 16th century.

You can enjoy sunset views, bird watching, and kite-flying. The visitor center has a museum, and if you're feeling adventurous and looking for things to do in Jockey's Ridge State Park, hang-gliding lessons and sandboarding are available.

2. Grandfather Mountain State Park

Location: Banner Elk, NC

Wow Factor: The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a must-visit at Grandfather Mountain. It's America's highest suspension footbridge and offers stunning, 360-degree panoramic views from atop Linville Peak, which stands at 5,305 feet.

Need To Know: Grandfather Mountain admission offers a lot of activities, including exploring the Wilson Center, visiting the Animal Habitats, and seeing the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Admission is per person, parking is included, and supports conservation efforts.

Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina is a non-profit attraction and state park with rugged peaks, hidden caves, and crazy wind speeds. It's the highest on the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains, standing tall at 5,946 feet.

You can hike and camp for free in the state park area, and don't miss the annual Highland Games celebrating Scottish roots. The paved road to Linville Peak offers killer views, and there are wildlife exhibits with bears, otters, cougars, eagles, and elk. Looking for more things to do in Grandfather Mountain State Park? Be sure to visit the Mile High Swinging Bridge!

3. William B. Umstead State Park

Location: Raleigh, NC

Wow Factor: This state park is part of the Southeastern mixed forests ecoregion and has a hilly topography and many lakes.

Need To Know: Umstead State Park offers free entry, parking, and four restrooms - three at the Crabtree Creek entrance and one at the Reedy Creek entrance.

William B. Umstead State Park is between Raleigh, Cary, and Durham in Wake County, covering 5,599 acres. You've got it all – hiking, biking, horse trails, boat rentals, camping, and fun educational programs.

It's part of the East Coast Greenway and has a rich history, from wild bison days to being a Depression-era project. There are lots of things to do in William B. Umstead State Park - fantastic trails, lakes, and a special Piedmont Beech Natural Area.

Best State Parks In North Carolina To Camp

Discover the best camping experiences in North Carolina at Pettigrew, Hanging Rock, Crowders Mountain State Park, and Carolina Beach State Parks (Looking to visit the best state park in North Carolina in winter? Then Carolina Beach State Park is the one!). From lakeside tranquility to mountainous trails and coastal charm, these parks offer diverse camping options surrounded by the natural beauty of North Carolina.

4. Pettigrew State Park

Location: Creswell, NC

Wow Factor: Pettigrew State Park shelters one of the last old-growth forests in eastern North Carolina. With diverse trees like bay, sweetgum, and poplar, some with impressive sizes, it's a unique natural haven. The park also hosts rare cedar trees along the Scuppernong River.

Need To Know: Small campground, so book ahead!

Pettigrew State Park, spanning 5,951 acres, offers year-round outdoor fun around Lake Phelps and the Scuppernong River. Ideal for camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking, the park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Lake Phelps attracts diverse waterfowl, while the park is home to various bird species, mammals, and even reintroduced red wolves.

The campground, nestled in a cypress and sweetgum forest, features 13 campsites equipped for tents or camping trailers - along with a group camping area with tent pads and rustic facilities. A central bathhouse with flush toilets and showers is available to all campers, too.

Whether exploring canoe trails, fishing for game species, or hiking along Lake Phelps, there are plenty of things to do in Pettigrew State Park while camping!

5. Hanging Rock State Park

Location: Danbury, NC

Wow Factor: Within Hanging Rock State Park, you can find five noteworthy waterfalls: Tory's Falls, Upper Cascades, Lower Cascades, Window Falls, and Hidden Falls.

Need To Know: There are various camping options, including vacation cabins, tent sites, trailer and RV sites without hookups, group tent sites, showers, and firewood availability.

Hanging Rock State Park spans 9,011 acres, offering a natural escape just 30 miles north of Winston-Salem. Located in the Sauratown Mountain Range, it features peaks rising from 1,700 to over 2,500 feet, showcasing Moore's Knob and other scenic spots. This park, named after the Saura Native Americans, preserves ancient eroded mountains and hosts diverse flora and wildlife, including salamanders, falcons, deer, and more.

With 48 miles of trails, a campground, cabins, a lake for swimming and boating, designated rock climbing areas, and exciting activities like hiking, rock climbing, and exploring waterfalls, there are endless things to do in Hanging Rock State Park, making it a must-visit destination for camping and a wide range of outdoor adventures.

6. Carolina Beach State Park

Location: Carolina Beach, NC

Wow Factor: The park is home to Pocosin wetlands, a unique wetland variety that nurtures rare carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps, bladderworts, butterworts, and pitcher plants.

Need To Know: During peak periods, particularly holiday weekends, reservations may be required for campground use. Additionally, a two-night minimum stay commitment might be necessary.

Carolina Beach State Park, 12 miles south of Wilmington, is renowned for its Venus flytrap and diverse habitats, featuring Sugarloaf Dune and three limesink ponds. The park's marina is a hotspot for boaters and anglers, granting access to the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway.

Things to do in Carolina Beach State Park include enjoying the family campground that offers 69 campsites, 10 full hookup sites, a bathhouse, and six camper cabins. The park provides two camping areas with picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets for group camping.

7. Crowders Mountain State Park

Location: Kings Mountain, NC

Wow Factor: The park's mix of songbirds and birds of prey makes it a prime spot for birdwatching.

Need To Know: Accessing Crowders Mountain State Park for day use is free, but fees apply for camping, group climbing, specific event permits, and facility reservations.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast looking for a stunning natural getaway, Crowders Mountain State Park might be just what you're looking for. With a vast 5,217-acre expanse, this state park offers a haven for campers to explore. The dominant peaks of Crowder's Mountain and The Pinnacle are particularly alluring, drawing in rock climbers with their impressive cliffs. Meanwhile, the monadnock landscape of Crowders Mountain, which rises 800 feet above the plains, provides a unique geological experience.

The trails throughout the park cater to all skill levels, ranging from strenuous hikes to family-friendly options. On clear days, you can even enjoy panoramic views of Charlotte. For camping enthusiasts looking for things to do in Crowders Mountain State Park, the park provides accessible Family and Group Camping Trails, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience.

Best State Parks In North Carolina To RV

Get ready for an RV adventure in North Carolina's top state parks! From the iconic granite dome at Stone Mountain to the scenic bluffs of Raven Rock, there's a lot to explore. Jordan Lake offers beautiful waters and great camping, while Goose Creek is your coastal getaway. Join me for a road trip to the best RV spots in North Carolina!

8. Stone Mountain State Park

Location: Roaring Gap, NC

Wow Factor: There are over 18 miles of hiking trails and excellent fishing in more than 20 miles of designated trout waters. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.

Need To Know: Campsite reservations are recommended but available on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing six people and two visitors per site.

Situated 60 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, Stone Mountain State Park is renowned for its 600-foot granite dome, a designated National Natural Landmark, and the historic Hutchinson Homestead - a meticulously restored mid-19th-century farm at the mountain's base. There are many things to do in Stone Mountain State Park. The park offers diverse outdoor activities amid a picturesque high-country landscape with waterfalls, winding creeks, and trout streams.

The campground features 88 single-family sites, 41 with electric hookups, and amenities including group camping, backpacking sites, and essential facilities like a dump station, drinking water, flush toilets, and hot showers.

9. Raven Rock State Park

Location: Lillington, NC

Wow Factor: Ensure you visit the visitor's center, then embark on a hike to the overlook before descending the steps to witness the awe-inspiring massive rock – it's truly worth it!

Need To Know: Park gates close at posted times. No entry or exit is allowed after closing. Re-entry after closing is not permitted.

Raven Rock State Park, 40 miles from Raleigh, boasts a stunning 150-foot crystalline structure that overlooks the Cape Fear River. The park offers various trails adorned with beautiful wildflowers, bridle and bike trails, and a campground with 24 campsites for tents or RVs, six two-bedroom camper cabins, and five campsites and six canoe sites accessible via hikes.

If you're looking for things to do in Raven Rock State Park while camping in you're RV, check out other hikes that will take you to landmarks like Lanier Falls Rapids, Fish Traps Rapids, and the remains of the Northington Lock and Dam.

10. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Location: Apex, NC

Wow Factor: The awesome lake is like a summer home for bald eagles, and you can easily spot them from the observation platform.

Need To Know: Gets very busy in the summer, so make your camping reservations well ahead of time.

Only 30 miles west of downtown Raleigh, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is your go-to spot for RV camping, boating, and swimming fun. With seven access areas, there are over 1,000 campsites to choose from, whether you're a tent enthusiast, trailer lover, or RV road tripper.

Round up your family, friends, or your whole crew and enjoy sites with picnic tables and grills. Restrooms, hot showers, dump stations, and boat ramps are conveniently close by. Plus, many RV sites come with water and electric hookups for that extra comfort. There are so many fun things to do in Jordan Lake State Recreation Area!

11. Goose Creek State Park

Location: Washington, NC

Wow Factor: Be sure to visit during hummingbird season - you won't regret it! Great state park for birders.

Need To Know: Booking in advance is essential, and please be aware of the designated closing time for the camping area.

If you're looking for a great place to RV camp and enjoy the outdoors, you should check out Goose Creek State Park! It's located near Washington in Beaufort County, North Carolina, and covers a whopping 1,672 acres right by Pamlico Sound. The park is home to all kinds of wildlife, and you can explore saltwater marshes, creeks, forests, and beaches while you're there.

The park is open year-round, and there are plenty of camping options to choose from. Whether you're an RV camper or prefer something a little more primitive, you're sure to find a spot that suits you. There are 22 family sites with full hook-ups, camping cabins, walk-in group sites, and more.

Once you're settled in, there are all kinds of activities and things to do in Goose Creek State Park to keep you busy. You can go boating or fishing and hike along six scenic trails. Have a picnic in a pine and oak forest, or take a dip in the sandy beach of the Pamlico River.

Best State Parks In North Carolina For Hiking

Ready to hit the trails in North Carolina? These state parks are a hiker's paradise! Whether you're up for the challenge at Pilot Mountain, seeking stunning views at Chimney Rock, or conquering the East's highest peak at Mount Mitchell, there's a trail with your name on it. Let the hiking adventures begin!

12. Pilot Mountain State Park

Location: Pinnacle, NC

Wow Factor: Pilot Mountain, a metamorphic quartzite monadnock, is a distinctive natural landmark, once known as "Jomeokee" by the Saura Native Americans, meaning a "great guide."

Need To Know: Well-marked trails in a clean environment. Best to visit on weekdays for fewer crowds.

Have you heard of Pilot Mountain State Park? It's an incredible state park with the spectacular 2,241-foot Pilot Mountain peak that's just breathtaking. The park's natural beauty is reminiscent of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with all sorts of beautiful plants like Catawba rhododendrons and mountain laurels, not to mention all kinds of wildlife.

There are so many things to do in Pilot Mountain State Park, from camping and fishing to hiking and rock climbing. Discover diverse trails at Pilot Mountain State Park, including Little Pinnacle Overlook, a six-mile woodland corridor, and scenic routes around the mountain and Yadkin River.

13. Chimney Rock State Park

Location: Chimney Rock, NC

Chimney Rock is a 535-million-year-old monolith!

Need To Know: Avid hikers, be sure to hike up the towering 315-foot rock formation using the Outcroppings trail. It’s a moderate challenge!

Chimney Rock State Park is a beautiful natural destination in Chimney Rock, North Carolina. It's about 25 miles southeast of Asheville and covers 8,014 acres.

You've got trails for all levels, epic views of Devil's Head balancing rock, and a massive 404-foot waterfall called Hickory Nut Falls. The highlight? Definitely the 315-foot granite giant, Chimney Rock itself. Hop on the elevator for killer views of the park and the countryside around it - it's a must-see! There are so many things to do in Chimney Rock State Park, a perfect place for everyone in your group.

14. Mount Mitchell State Park

Location: Burnsville, NC

Wow Factor: Hike the Mount Mitchell High Loop for stunning summit views and follow the Old Mitchell Trail to see rocky forests, fields of wildflowers, wild berries, and a small waterfall. Don't forget to take the Balsam Nature Trail for a lush, high-elevation forest experience. For a challenge, trek the Deep Gap Trail and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Craig and Big Tom Mountain.

Need To Know: A very popular destination during peak season, so plan accordingly. The majority of visitors arrive between May and November since the only way to access it is via the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Did you know that Mount Mitchell State Park holds a special place in North Carolina's state parks system as it's the birthplace of the system? It's not too far from Asheville, just around 30 miles northeast, and it's home to the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River, standing tall at an impressive elevation of 6,684 feet. If you're lucky, you can catch some breathtaking views of the mountains from the observation deck on a clear day.

And if you're up for a hike, some easy trails wind through the enchanting Fraser fir forest. But for the more experienced hikers, there are plenty of challenging trails to explore, including the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, which extends into nearby wilderness areas and offers some excellent backpacking opportunities within Pisgah National Forest. With so many things to do in Mount Mitchell State Park, you can see why, as a local, it's one of my favorite state parks to visit.

Little-Known State Parks In North Carolina

Uncover North Carolina's hidden treasures at Gorges State Park, Lake Norman State Park, and South Mountains State Park. From Gorges' waterfalls and rock formations to Lake Norman's expansive lakeside activities and the South Mountains' diverse trails, these lesser-known parks offer nature lovers a unique escape. Explore the beauty and tranquility of these hidden gems in the Tar Heel State.

15. Gorges State Park

Location: Sapphire, NC

Wow Factor: Gorges State Park receives an impressive annual rainfall of over 80 inches, transforming it into a temperate rainforest.

Need To Know: Caution in waterfall areas and observe the rules.

Found in Transylvania County, right at the meeting point of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, Gorges State Park is a nature lover's paradise. Picture this – plunging waterfalls, rugged gorges, and sheer rock cliffs that will take your breath away.

The park is all about that off-the-beaten-path experience, inviting you to backpack and ride horses through its diverse terrain. Spanning 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest in the Blue Ridge Escarpment, Gorges State Park is like stepping into a biodiverse wonderland.

With a copious amount of things to do in Gorges State Park - including 26 waterfalls, the edge of Lake Jocassee, and a slice of the epic 70-mile Foothills Trail, it's a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

16. Lake Norman State Park

Location: Troutman, NC

Wow Factor: A lot of people don't know that the campground has cozy cabins that you can rent year-round.

Need To Know: Lake Norman State Park provides free access to the boat ramp and docks, with rowboat and canoe rentals available at the marina. Enjoy swimming at the 125-yard beach daily from April 1 to October 31.

Lake Norman State Park is your go-to spot for outdoor fun. Covering 1,942 acres along the northern shore of Lake Norman, this park offers a year-round adventure playground. Whether you're into boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, or camping, Lake Norman has got you covered.

The lake itself is a gem, often referred to as the "inland sea," boasting 520 miles of shoreline and a massive surface area of over 50 square miles. Dive into the warm waters to catch yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, striped, largemouth, and white bass.

Things to do in Lake Norman State Park include hiking, mountain biking trails, campsites, and even group camping for larger gatherings. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls Lake Norman State Park home!

17. South Mountains State Park

Location: Connelly Springs, NC

Wow Factor: Don't miss High Shoals Falls - it's a must-visit!

Need To Know: There are a handful of trails you can take to reach High Shoals Falls, so plan your hike before you go.

Just 55 miles from Asheville, South Mountains State Park is the hidden gem and the perfect spot for a genuine backcountry adventure.

With elevations soaring up to 3,000 feet, there are plenty of things to do in South Mountains State Park. You have to check out the stunning 80-foot waterfall and a maze of about 50 miles of trails - this park is an oasis for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers alike! Take a break by the Jacob Fork River, with its designated trout waters, or venture to the Clear Creek access in the west for some lake-side relaxation.

Have you been to any of these state parks? Do you think they are some of the best state parks in North Carolina? As an NC resident, I can't wait to check out some of the state parks along the coast that I haven't been to yet. How about you? Which are you looking forward to discovering this year?

And if you're looking to up your hiking gear in preparation for hitting the trails, check out the best outdoor gear in the game!