North Carolina State Parks
Raven Rock State Park in Harnett County, N.C.

North Carolina’s state parks are proving to be natural wonders. For the third straight year, attendance at state parks and recreation areas hovered around 14 million visits, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

SEE ALSO: Setting Up Camp in North Carolina

From beaches to mountains to rivers, North Carolina’s 40 state parks are diverse in their scenery and entertainment offerings. Almost half of them reported attendance increases in 2013.

Not only does this support the parks, it boosts North Carolina’s tourism intake as well. A recent study found that visitors spend an average of $23.50 per day to enjoy the parks, and the park system’s total economic impact was estimated to be more than $400 million by North Carolina State University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.

Find out more about the parks at ncparks.gov.

– Rachel Bertone

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NCField&FamilySummer2026
Flip through the pages of the Summer 2026 edition of North Carolina Field and Family magazine. In this issue, find vineyard adventures at U-pick muscadine grape farms, explore the oasis of Manteo, learn more about on-farm markets, enjoy peak berry season with summer berry recipes, read about riveting research on hemp fiber and so much more.

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