Recreate Responsibly

Protect yourself, family, friends and your community from COVID-19 by following these prevention measures while recreating in North Carolina’s State Park System.

• Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick.
• Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
• Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at: https://www.ncparks.gov/park-safety-and-respect
• Keep Your Distance – Avoid crowds. If there are too many people at a park or beach, please visit on a different day.
• Masks - Face masks are no longer required for visitors in most settings outdoors and indoors at our state parks. We strongly encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated for COVID-19 to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing guidelines while visiting. In addition, we strongly encourage both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors to wear a face covering in areas with large volume of children or while taking part in child-focused activities.
• Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
• Leash Up – Pets are permitted in parks so long as they are on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet and under the constant control of the owner, and on all pedestrian trails.