North Carolina State Parks Announce Fee Increases for Campgrounds and Reservoirs Starting May 1, 2025

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Parks and Recreation has announced fee increases for campgrounds, reservoir vehicle entrances, and certain boat slip rentals at state park facilities, effective May 1, 2025. This marks the first significant fee adjustment since 2019, driven by market adjustments and rising maintenance costs.

Starting May 1, tent campsites will range from $20 to $30 per night, while RV campsites with full hookups (electric, water, and sewer) will cost $45 per night. Reservations made before 11:59 p.m. on April 30 will remain unaffected by the new rates. Vehicle entrance fees at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake state recreation areas will increase to $10 per vehicle during peak season—weekends in April, May, and September, and daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Senior citizens (62 and older), veterans, and active-duty military will continue to receive a discounted rate of $5 per vehicle.

The 2026 State Parks Annual Pass will also see price hikes: the Annual Pass for Reservoirs will cost $70, the standard Annual Pass will be $100, and the Annual Pass with Four-Wheel-Drive Beach Access will rise to $200. These passes cover entrance fees, equipment rentals, and more. Additionally, starting July 1, transient and monthly boat slip rentals at Carolina Beach State Park marina will increase, though specific rates were not detailed.

Notably, most state parks will remain free for day-use year-round, and fees for picnic shelter reservations, equipment rentals, and swim passes will stay unchanged. The Division of Parks and Recreation, which manages over 264,000 acres across North Carolina’s 35 state parks, four recreation areas, and state natural areas, emphasized that the fee adjustments are necessary to maintain these facilities. The state parks system, welcoming over 19 million visitors annually, plays a vital role in conservation, recreation, and education.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) oversees this division and more than 100 locations statewide, including historic sites, museums, aquariums, and the North Carolina Zoo. The department aims to enhance education, stimulate economic development, and strengthen community resiliency through its programs. For a complete list of fee changes, visit ncparks.gov/fees.