New State Law Provides Free State Parks Annual Passes for Veterans with Disabilities

Veterans with service-related disabilities are now eligible to apply to receive a free Annual Pass to N.C. State Parks, the Division of Parks and Recreation announced. Those who want to redeem their free pass can submit a request form along with a copy of their Summary of Benefits Letter from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.

In July, the General Assembly passed State Law 2024-45, which included Section 15.(a) to 15.(d) that made any State Parks Annual Pass free for veterans who were discharged honorably and received benefits or certification that they have a service-connected disability.

"North Carolinians take pride in our spectacular state parks and our strong support for military families," said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson. "This is a small token of acknowledgement of the sacrifices that our veterans have made for our state and our country, and we welcome them to our state parks."

The Annual Pass program allows visitors to enjoy equipment rentals, swimming, and more throughout the calendar year for a discounted package rate. Because most North Carolina state parks are free to enter throughout the year, the Annual Pass program is different from typical annual passes at other states or at the national level.

Benefits of note include day-use entry at the reservoirs of Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake state recreation areas; ferry passes to Hammocks Beach State Park's Bear Island (set to reopen in spring 2025); boat launches at Carolina Beach and Hammocks Beach state parks; and canoe, kayak, or paddleboard rentals at select parks.

"We are thrilled to provide these recreation opportunities at no cost to veterans with disabilities," said State Parks Director Brian Strong. "We hope all who are eligible take advantage of this program so they can enjoy the beautiful natural and cultural resources they have served to defend. We also remain committed to taking additional steps to make our parks more accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities."

By default, all requestors under this provision will receive the Annual Pass, typically sold at $90. Those who want to utilize the four-wheel-drive beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in New Hanover County can indicate so on the form, and they will receive the Annual Pass with 4WD Beach Access, priced at $150. Veterans who receive this pass must visit the Fort Fisher park office to receive instructions on how to use the four-wheel-drive gate.

For more information on the Annual Pass benefits and how eligible veterans can request a free one, visit ncparks.gov/annual-pass.

About North Carolina State Parks
North Carolina State Parks manages more than 262,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina's state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.