The name Medoc Mountain State Park is somewhat of a misnomer, considering there are no mountains at this serene state park in Halifax County, North Carolina between Hollister and Brinkleyville. At least, not anymore — over the course of millions of years, erosion whittled down the imposing mountain range which once towered here into a hill with a peak elevation of 325 feet.
If you're looking for mountain peaks with breathtaking views sprawling for miles, you won't find them here. The beauty of this park lies in the simplicity of its landscape — the dense, green forest cover, the sunshine twinkling on the calm surface of the creek, and the crunch of pine needles underfoot on the hiking trails. This and so much more makes Medoc Mountain State Park the perfect destination for tent and RV campers looking for a little quiet time in the woods.
Angling enthusiasts will, quite literally, feel at home casting a line into Fishing Creek, renowned for its clean waters home to an abundance of species. Fishing fanatics can cook up their catch on one of the park's grills for dinner and roast marshmallows for dessert, recounting the day's adventures around the fire.
Whether you're after an outdoor adventure like hiking, biking, fishing, and boating, or a more laid-back activity like picnicking or wildlife watching, Medoc Mountain State Park offers an adventure to suit everyone. If you'd rather indulge in a game of soccer or baseball, be sure to pack your gear in your rig — the large, open field right by the campground is a popular spot for a little friendly competition.
You can reach Medoc Mountain State Park by I-95 from the east, I-87 from the south, US-401 from the west, and US-158 from the north. Only an hour from Raleigh and Durham, you can stop in and visit one or both of these great cities while you are in the area. You may also enjoy visiting Haunted Littleton, which is a family attraction 12 miles to the north or Lake Gaston Day Use Area, which is just above Haunted Littleton and has a beautiful sandy beach.
The roads to the park are all large and paved for the most part although some may be hilly. There may also be a curve or two along the way so stay alert. The park's internal roads are paved, making the park easy to navigate even for the big rigs. Medoc Mountain State Park is also convenient to NC-561, so campers are just a quick drive away from the gas station and other provisions in the town of Hollister or Brinkleyville.
Several parking lots can be found throughout the park. The group camping area and the picnic area are a short walk away from the campground and they have separate lots, so day-use visitors should have no trouble finding a parking spot. Another parking lot is available at the park office.
With the historic Halifax County just 20 miles to the north and the capital, Raleigh, an hour to the south, Enfield, NC is well situated to let you experience Southern charm, explore the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail, and enjoy the delicious dining options nearby. Just off I-95, Enfield / Rocky Mount KOA welcomes rigs up to 85 feet on either grass sites with water and electric hookups or full hookup gravel sites with up to 50-amp service. A pool, pavilion, and on-site propane and firewood will make your stay cozier and more convenient. Wi-Fi is available, and pets are welcome.
Each of Medoc Mountain State Park's 34 campsites come with a picnic table and campfire grill. Sites are level, gravel, and can accommodate a tent, trailer, and RV campers and rigs up to 80 feet long. However, some spots can only accommodate vehicles up to 45 feet, so you need to check that when making your reservation. Both pull-through and back-in options are available.
Almost half (12) of the park's sites offer electrical hookups, though water and sewer hookups are not provided. But you probably won't need them anyway, since the campground also offers hot showers and flush toilets, drinking water, a dump station, picnic area, and easy access to the park's trail network. If you need one of the park's few ADA-accessible sites or you're camping during a holiday weekend, it's recommended that you reserve your site in advance.
Bringing the kids along for your camping excursion at Medoc Mountain State Park? There's no better way to teach the youngsters how to appreciate wildlife than with a fun, interpretive nature program. The park's friendly rangers host all sorts of activities for kids aged five to ten, from story readings to arts and crafts. The best part is, the programs run all through the year, so even winter visitors to the park can learn something new about Mother Nature!
While you shouldn't expect to see anything too exotic here, the sheer amount of wildlife that lives in the park makes it a treat for nature lovers. Deer, foxes, and possums, as the North Carolinians call them, are the more common fare. Bring your binoculars to see if you can spot a flying squirrel hiding in the trees. Salamanders, turtles, and water snakes can be found down near the creek. For a full list of wildlife that you're likely to see, park your rig and visit the park office.
Whether you're looking for a large, well-equipped picnic area to host a get-together or a grassy spot to spread out the picnic blanket and soak up the sun, Medoc Mountain State Park is a prime place for picnickers. The picnic shelter offers a fireplace and water fountain in addition to the standard tables and grill and is available to visitors unless it's been reserved in advance. Bring whatever gear you'll need for your favorite outdoor games to complete the perfect picnic.
In addition to the family campground, group camping is also available here. The four primitive group sites are just a short walk from the main campground and can accommodate up to 35 guests. Each of the group sites come with picnic tables and a fire ring with a grill to cook on.
In addition, the bathhouse is nearby where you can get potable water, use the restroom, and enjoy their hot showers. The group campsites are only open from the middle of March until December. Pets are welcome here so it’s okay to bring your furbabies along for the fun. Just make sure you keep them on a leash and supervised at all times during your visit.
The park's five equestrian sites are also primitive and only provide access to pit toilets. One of the sites is AD-accessible as well. Each of the campsites has a picnic table, fire ring with a grill to cook on, and a large cleared space to spread out and enjoy. However, you will have to bring in your own water and other supplies.
The campsites are all approximately 20 feet long so your trailer will have to be relatively small for this campground. You must have a horse to camp at these sites, and other pets are welcome too as long as they are leashed and supervised. The campground is right next to a group of six bridle trails with a total of 10 miles to explore on horseback.
In keeping with the serenity of the park, motorized boating isn't permitted here, and couldn't be accommodated in the shallow creek, anyway. Canoers and paddlers with kayaks or rafts, however, will find a still stream that's perfect for beginners or those just looking to float along with the flow of the water. Boaters are advised to check with local authorities for information on water conditions before heading into the creek if there has been heavy rain recently.
With Fishing Creek running right through these woodlands, it's no surprise that this activity is the biggest draw for RVers at Medoc Mountain State Park. Anglers with a current North Carolina fishing license can try their luck reeling in a bluegill or largemouth bass for supper. If you stay really quiet, you might just spot an otter or beaver by the creek. You'll also want to keep your eyes peeled for water snakes on your fishing trip.
With over 10 miles of trails to explore, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get some cardio in at Medoc Mountain State Park. None of the trails are particularly challenging, and many meander down by Fishing Creek, offering a relaxing stroll in the forest. Bear Swamp Trail is perhaps the park's most popular path, while the Pyrite Loop Trail is the park's newest and most difficult. Trails are also available for mountain bikers and equestrians. Looking for something special? Bring your gear and bike the trails during one of the park's Mountain Biking Night Ride events.
