Summary
The park covers an area of about 2,200 acres and features a diverse range of ecosystems, including salt marshes, pine forests, and tidal creeks.
There are plenty of good reasons to visit Parkers Creek, including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can explore the park's many trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and lead to hidden beaches and coves. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and sea turtles.
Some of the specific points of interest to see at Parkers Creek include the North Carolina Coastal Federation's educational center, which provides visitors with information about the local environment and marine life. The park is also home to a number of historic sites, including the ruins of a 19th-century sawmill and a Native American shell mound.
Interesting facts about the area include that Parkers Creek is one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas in North Carolina. It is home to more than 200 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Additionally, the area is known for its rich cultural history and was once home to Native American tribes and early European settlers.
The best time of year to visit Parkers Creek is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the park is less crowded. Visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring without having to contend with the summer crowds. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique charm and attractions, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Parkers Creek State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
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Poplar Point State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
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Crosswinds State Rec Area - Jordan Lake
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Seaforth
White Oak
Crosswinds
Poplar Point
Vista Point