State Parks near Jacksonville, NC

Cape Hatteras and the other neighboring islands are considered “barrier” islands, protecting North Carolina’s shores from bad storms and hurricanes. Recognizing that the islands needed protection from mining, fishing, and other commercial enterprises, Cape Hatteras was established as a National Seashore Recreational Area in 1937. This designation allowed people to continue hunting turtles and other wildlife on the islands. Cape Hatteras was recategorized as a National Seashore in 1953, which made it illegal to engage in hunting activities.One of the main draws to Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a portion of the beaches are open to street-legal vehicles. Around 28 out of 67 miles of seashore can be driven on. Bear in mind, though, permits are required.The closest …

If you're planning an RV getaway in the great outdoors of North Carolina, Carolina Beach State Park offers a little something for everyone. Located in the town of Carolina Beach on Pleasure Island, a short drive south of Wilmington, the park sits on the shores of the Cape Fear River and lets campers indulge in a wide range of recreational activities. There's easy access to some of the best fishing in the state, several miles of hiking trails, and even a chance to see the legendary Venus flytrap up close.Throw in a 97-site campground and it soon becomes clear that the park is perfect to explore in an RV, so read on to find out what to do and …

The spectacular cliffs overlooking North Carolina's Neuse River have drawn people to the area for thousands of years. That tradition continues today as campers from around the state and further afield drop in to stay a few nights at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park.Located near Seven Springs, roughly 20 minutes southeast of Goldsboro, this 1,097-acre park is heaven on Earth for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors to the park can enjoy excellent hiking, boating, and swimming opportunities, and then when the sun goes down, set up camp in the park's family campground.If you want to camp with an RV in Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, keep reading to find out how to make the most of your …

A few miles east of Durham, North Carolina lies the Falls Lake State Recreation Area, a collection of seven access areas that are scattered around the shoreline of the 12000 acre Falls Lake. Sitting a few miles to the north of Raleigh, the recreation area is one of the largest in the state, attracting a wide range of adventurers ranging from culture seekers to folks seeking to escape the bustling city life for a date with nature. Some of the neighboring parks include the William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh and the Eno River State Park near Eno. Falls Lake State Recreation Area is awesome if you’re looking for a spot to camp in an RV in …

Situated on the southern coast of North Carolina lies Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. This stunning coastal area overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and nearby Cape Fear River. Visitors can hike down its beaches where they’ll come across various types of seabirds and loggerhead sea turtles.Fort Fisher State Recreation Area was once part of a military fort, and many bunkers left behind from World War II can still be seen. This recreational area is about 30 minutes away from Wilmington.

Harris Lake County Park lies in central North Carolina, just south of the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The park covers an area north of Harris Lake, sometimes known as Shearon Harris Reservoir. Covering a vast expanse of 680 acres, Harris Lake County Park combines the rolling green fields of this peninsular park with a bounty of lakeside recreation from Harris Lake. Being so close to major North Carolina cities, Harris Lake County Park has become the place to take an RV rental in central North Carolina. Whether you seek great fishing, fantastic boating, rewarding hunting, or a mix of all three, Harris Lake County Park is the place to be.Accessing the park with …

Roughly 45 minutes from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and a little over an hour from Wilmington, North Carolina, is one of Bladen County’s finest parks, Jones Lake State Park. It’s located in a quaint town in eastern North Carolina, Elizabethtown. The park is unique in that it contains two of the remarkable Carolina bays. If you’re looking for a quiet spot where you can relax and recharge, this is the park for you. You can go for a swim in Jones Lake or look out over the bays from the picnic areas or sandy lakeshores.The land surrounding the bays was originally farmland. The federal government purchased Jones Lake after the Great Depression. At this time, several of …

When you book an RV in Chatham County, you will have access to much of what central North Carolina has to offer, including both its extensive outdoor and interesting indoor attractions alike. Located in Chatham County is Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, which is a great place to enjoy some motorhome camping. The recreation area surrounds Jordan Lake, as the name suggests, and covers over 45,000 acres of public use land. The lake is a source of fresh water to nearby cities, such as Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Sanford.The recreation area and lake that it surrounds was the product of a massive undertaking by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after a disastrous hurricane struck …

Lake Crabtree County Park is located in central North Carolina, equal distance from the three major cities of Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham. Lying on the shore of Lake Crabtree, Lake Crabtree County Park acts as a little piece of greenery and nature in the somewhat overwelling city-scape of central North Carolina. Visitors come to Lake Crabtree County Park to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the exceptional lakeside recreation it offers. Visitors come for the great fishing and boating out on the lake, and stay for the hiking and biking in the park itself. All of this makes it the perfect North Carolina park to visit with an RV rental. Accessing the …

Lake Lynn Park lies in central North Carolina, between the towns and cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Lake Lynn Park straddles the southern shore of Lake Lynn, a manmade lake constructed during the 1970s to control flooding in the area. The park is unique in the sense that it somewhat surrounded by the northern suburbs of the city of Raleigh.This blend of urban surroundings and lakeside recreation make it an appealing destination for those who do not want to venture too far from the city. Although very much surrounded by the comings and goings of city life, Lake Lynn Park offers its visitors outdoor recreation in the form of great fishing, boating, and lakeside …

When exploring the Palmetto State, be sure to stop at Little Pee Dee State Park in the South Carolina Midlands. The park is located in Dillon County, which is on the dividing line between the Carolinas. The nearest town, Dillon, is roughly half an hour from Florence, South Carolina, and 40 minutes from Darlington, South Carolina. If you’re in search of a sandy getaway where you can relax on the water or leisurely venture out into nature, this is the park for you.The park is named for one of its most striking features, the Little Pee Dee River, which received its name from the Pee Dee peoples who once inhabited the area. The river isn't the …

Whether you enjoy watching wildlife, fishing, or boating, you can rest assured knowing that Lumber River has you exactly what you need. Lumber River State Park encompasses more than 11,000 acres. Located right near the border of South Carolina, just a quick day-trip from the ocean, this park is the perfect place for nature lovers of all kinds to explore and enjoy a much-needed getaway.The park itself is located in a forest surrounding the Lumber River. In days past, this river was economically significant, serving as a trade route during America's early history. Today, Lumber River lures outdoor adventurers from all across the Carolinas and makes for a serene spot to park your motorhome for a few days. No …

Medoc Mountain State Park is located in North Carolina, just over an hour northeast of Raleigh the state capital. Despite the name, it’s not actually a mountain, and the highest point is only 325 feet. Medoc Mountain is the remains of a once-massive mountain range that has eroded over millions of years.The mountain was named Medoc after the wine region in Bordeaux, by the landowner Sidney Weller, and there were vineyards on the land until the early 1900s. In the early 1970s, the land was acquired by the state, and Medoc Mountain State Park was created.Less than an hour south of Medoc Mountain State Park is the nearest large city of, Rocky Mount, which could make a …

Merchants Millpond State Park lies in northeastern North Carolina, close to the towns of Gatesville, Sunbury, and Murfreesboro. The state park strokes the shorelines of a millpond and the Lassiter Swamp, making it an aquatic dream for fishing, boating, and nature watching. Set in the sparsely populated region of northeast North Carolina, Merchants Millpond State Park is surrounded by some of the most picturesque landscapes in the entire state. The land surrounding Merchants Millpond State Park is adorned with cypress trees, Spanish moss, and beech groves. Alongside this magical natural setting, there is an abundance of wildlife to set your eyes on.This idyllic setting makes Merchants Millpond State Park one of the best places to take …

Myrtle Beach and the wider Grand Strand area is one of the biggest tourist attractions along the southeastern coast. But while many people visit the area for its luxury hotels and golf courses, it's also an excellent spot for an RV camping trip.Myrtle Beach State Park, which boasts maritime forest and a pristine stretch of beach, is well worth a visit for keen campers. Located less than a two-hour drive northeast of Charleston, South Carolina, this beautiful park offers great fishing, beachcombing, walking, and camping all year round.For the perfect getaway in Myrtle Beach State Park, search for an RV in Horry County, pack your bags, and then hit the road.