State Parks Near Henderson, North Carolina

9 state park units lie within 50 miles of Henderson, including 3 parks across the line in Virginia. The closest is Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, about 8 mi north of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area8 mi north
Within 25 miles
2of 9 within 50 mi
With camping
92 with cabins
Dog-friendly
8pets allowed

State parks near Henderson, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Henderson; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

    8 miles north · Manson, North Carolina · State Recreation Area

    The park supports canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a swimming beach and a boat ramp. Camping is available: 590 campsites across 16 camping areas, including RV sites.

    590 campsitesDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Kerr Lake State Recreation Area →
  2. Occoneechee State Park

    22 miles north · Clarksville, Virginia · State Park

    Things to do include horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, boating, biking, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 20 miles, according to the park. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp and boat or kayak rentals.

    2 alertsCampingCabins/lodgingDogs allowedHikingBoating$7 per vehicle

    Hours, fees and rules for Occoneechee State Park →
  3. Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    27 miles southwest · Wake Forest, North Carolina · State Recreation Area

    The park supports canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, biking, and fishing. Water access includes a swimming beach and a boat ramp.

    CampingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Falls Lake State Recreation Area →
  4. Staunton River State Park

    30 miles northwest · Scottsburg, Virginia · State Park

    Popular activities here are horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, boating, biking, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 17 miles, according to the park. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp.

    1 alertCampingCabins/lodgingDogs allowedHikingBoating$5 per vehicle

    Hours, fees and rules for Staunton River State Park →
  5. Medoc Mountain State Park

    30 miles east · Hollister, North Carolina · State Park

    The park supports horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, biking, fishing, and hiking.

    CampingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Medoc Mountain State Park →
  6. William B. Umstead State Park

    35 miles southwest · Raleigh, North Carolina · State Park

    The park supports horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, boating, biking, and fishing. Facilities for water recreation include boat or kayak rentals.

    CampingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for William B. Umstead State Park →
  7. Eno River State Park

    37 miles southwest · Durham, North Carolina · State Park

    Things to do include canoeing and kayaking, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. For overnight stays there are 2 camping areas (tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and group camping).

    3 alertsCampingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Eno River State Park →
  8. Staunton River Battlefield State Park

    42 miles north · Randolph, Virginia · State Park

    The park supports biking, hiking, and picnicking.

    CampingHiking

    Hours, fees and rules for Staunton River Battlefield State Park →
  9. Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

    43 miles southwest · Hillsborough, North Carolina · State Natural Area

    The park supports fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

    CampingDogs allowedHikingFishing

    Hours, fees and rules for Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Henderson

  1. Kerr Lake State Recreation Area 8 mi north · 590 campsites
  2. Occoneechee State Park 22 mi north · Campground listed
  3. Falls Lake State Recreation Area 27 mi southwest · Campground listed
  4. Staunton River State Park 30 mi northwest · Campground listed
  5. Medoc Mountain State Park 30 mi east · Campground listed

+ 4 more in the list above

Cabins and lodging near Henderson

  1. Occoneechee State Park 22 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
  2. Staunton River State Park 30 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays

Dog-friendly state parks near Henderson

  1. Kerr Lake State Recreation Area 8 mi north · Pets allowed under park rules
  2. Occoneechee State Park 22 mi north · Pets allowed under park rules
  3. Falls Lake State Recreation Area 27 mi southwest · Pets allowed under park rules
  4. Staunton River State Park 30 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules
  5. Medoc Mountain State Park 30 mi east · Pets allowed under park rules

+ 3 more in the list above

Swimming near Henderson

  1. Kerr Lake State Recreation Area 8 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. Falls Lake State Recreation Area 27 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near Henderson

  1. Kerr Lake State Recreation Area 8 mi north · Hiking trails listed
  2. Occoneechee State Park 22 mi north · Hiking trails listed
  3. Falls Lake State Recreation Area 27 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
  4. Staunton River State Park 30 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
  5. Medoc Mountain State Park 30 mi east · Hiking trails listed

+ 4 more in the list above

Fishing near Henderson

  1. Kerr Lake State Recreation Area 8 mi north · Fishing listed
  2. Falls Lake State Recreation Area 27 mi southwest · Fishing listed
  3. Medoc Mountain State Park 30 mi east · Fishing listed
  4. William B. Umstead State Park 35 mi southwest · Fishing listed
  5. Eno River State Park 37 mi southwest · Fishing listed

+ 1 more in the list above

Questions about state parks near Henderson

What is the closest state park to Henderson?

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is the closest, about 8 miles north of Henderson in a straight line. Next are Occoneechee State Park and Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

How many state parks are near Henderson?

9 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Henderson have camping?

9 parks list camping, the nearest being Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, Occoneechee State Park and Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Henderson?

Yes, at 8 parks, including Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, Occoneechee State Park and Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.

Are there free state parks near Henderson?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

State parks near other cities

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.