Beginning June 15, 2024, most campsites in the North Carolina state parks system will have a check-in time of 3 p.m. and a check-out time of 12 p.m., the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced.
The new hours apply to tent, trailer, and/or RV campsites, group campsites, equestrian campsites, paddle-in campsites, walk-in campsites, backpacking campsites, and camper cabins. The only exceptions to these hours are the overnight facilities at The Summit Environmental Education and Conference Center at Haw River State Park and the vacation cabins at Hanging Rock and Morrow Mountain state parks.
State parks currently have varied check-in and check-out times, depending on the park.
“We are looking to implement this change across state parks for consistency and an improved camping experience,” said Kathy Capps, deputy director of operations for the division. “Many of our campers expressed concerns that the current system is confusing and makes travel planning difficult. In the winter months, they are also finding that they often have to set up their campsites in the dark. The change will also allow park staff to develop a consistent cleaning schedule for all campsites.”
About North Carolina State Parks
North Carolina State Parks manages more than 250,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the N.C. Zoo, the N.C Symphony, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.