Onslow Pines Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Onslow Pines Park is a popular recreational area located in Jacksonville, North Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park spans across 150 acres and is home to a variety of natural attractions, including a pond, nature trails, and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.

One of the main points of interest at Onslow Pines Park is the 30-acre pond, which is stocked with a variety of fish species, including bass and catfish. The pond is a popular spot for fishing and boating, with rental boats available on-site. The park also features several nature trails, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the surrounding woodlands and observe local wildlife.

In addition to its natural attractions, Onslow Pines Park also features several recreation areas, including playgrounds, basketball courts, and picnic shelters. The park is a popular spot for family outings and group gatherings.

Interesting facts about Onslow Pines Park include its historical significance as the site of a former prisoner of war camp during World War II. Today, the park is a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The best time of year to visit Onslow Pines Park is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer can be quite hot and humid, while winter can be chilly and damp.

Overall, Onslow Pines Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy the natural beauty of North Carolina. With its wide range of recreation opportunities and unique historical background, the park is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References