Hammocks Beach State Park’s Bear Island will close campsites and ferry service through at least the summer for a major construction project to make necessary water and septic system repairs and replacements, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced.
There is currently no potable water or working restrooms at Bear Island. The ferry service, which normally begins operating in April, will not open until construction is complete. Campsites are also closed to new reservations until construction is complete.
“We recognize that Bear Island is a popular summer destination for many of our visitors,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong. “However, the health and safety of our visitors and staff always comes first and foremost. We are excited about the opportunity to enhance the infrastructure on Bear Island, as making these improvements will allow for a better experience when visiting the park for many years to come.”
Campers with existing reservations will be contacted by park staff for alternate options. The park will also continue to offer free educational programming during the closure. In addition, the park is set to open its new campground at the mainland access later this year, and that will include cabins, RV campsites, and tent camping. Visit the park website for updates on the status of facilities throughout the summer.
About North Carolina State Parks
North Carolina State Parks manages more than 262,000 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 North Carolina Zoo, 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.