Croatan National Forest

Area Status: Open
Croatan beach

Welcome to the Croatan National Forest, one of four National Forests in North Carolina and the only true coastal forest in the East.  The Croatan National Forest's 160,000 acres have pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs and raised swamps called pocosins.  Bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound, the forest is defined by water.

All this water provides a variety of recreation and diversity of wildlife- from deer, black bears and turkeys to wading birds, ospreys and alligators.  Canoeing and fishing are popular on blackwater creeks and saltwater marshes.  The Croatan is also home to the carnivorous Venus fly-trap, sunder and pitcherplant. 

The Croatan National Forest has one Ranger District, the Croatan Ranger District.  Please contact the District for more information.

Camping and Day-use Information

Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Croatan National Forest can be found here.

Recreation Maps

Croatan National Forest Maps

Be Safe

The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Distict office hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Reservations: Some activities require reservations. For campsite resevations, please visit http://recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777
Fees: Some activities require fees

General Information

Directions:

The Croatan's district office is about 10 miles south of New Bern off US 70.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Croatan National Forest

Road Cycling

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Croatan National Forest

RV Camping

Areas for RV Camping at Croatan National Forest

Group Camping

Areas for Group Camping at Croatan National Forest

Dispersed Camping

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Croatan National Forest

Salt Water Fishing

Areas for Salt Water Fishing at Croatan National Forest

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Croatan National Forest

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Croatan National Forest

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Croatan National Forest

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Croatan National Forest

Horse Camping

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Croatan National Forest

Big Game Hunting

Areas for Big Game Hunting at Croatan National Forest

Small Game Hunting

Areas for Small Game Hunting at Croatan National Forest

Game Bird/Waterfowl

Areas for Game Bird/Waterfowl at Croatan National Forest

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Croatan National Forest

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at Croatan National Forest

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Croatan National Forest

OHV Camping

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Croatan National Forest

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Croatan National Forest

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Croatan National Forest

Group Picnicking

Areas for Group Picnicking at Croatan National Forest

Scenic Driving

Areas for Scenic Driving at Croatan National Forest

Boating - Motorized

The following boat-launching areas are popular due to their natural beauty and easy access to water: Brices Creek, Catfish Lake, Great Lake, Siddie Fields, Cahooque Lake, Cedar Point. Haywood Landing and Oyster Point fishing piers are fully accessible. Great Lake, Catfish Lake, Siddie Fields and Oyster Point have no facilities, but primitive camping is permitted. Boat ramps at Great Lake, Catfish Lake and Cedar Point are for shallow-bottomed boats. All boat-launching areas are used for fishing and picnicking. 

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Croatan National Forest

Boating - Non-Motorized

The following boat-launching areas are popular due to their natural beauty and easy access to water: Brices Creek, Catfish Lake, Great Lake, Siddie Fields, Cahooque Lake, Cedar Point. Haywood Landing and Oyster Point fishing piers are fully accessible. Great Lake, Catfish Lake, Siddie Fields and Oyster Point have no facilities, but primitive camping is permitted. Boat ramps at Great Lake, Catfish Lake and Cedar Point are for shallow-bottomed boats. All boat-launching areas are used for fishing and picnicking. 

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Croatan National Forest

Swimming

Areas for Swimming at Croatan National Forest

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
34.862342

  Longitude : 
-76.997067