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Events and things to do in North Carolina, with dates, prices and drive times checked at the source.

Goose Creek State Park: Hours, Fees and Dog Rules

Places › Goose Creek State Park

Goose Creek State Park is a North Carolina state park in Washington, Beaufort County, in our Eastern Plain & Inner Banks region. Day-use admission is free. The gate closes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., depending on the month. It is closed on Christmas Day. Facts read from the official page on October 27, 2026.

  • AdmissionFree day use
  • HoursCloses 6 to 9 p.m.Opens 8 a.m., by month
  • ClosedChristmas Dayother holidays: open
  • DogsOn a 6 ft leashmore rules below

About Goose Creek State Park

Wetlands along the Pamlico River and a cypress swamp seen from a long boardwalk make up this coastal park. Old boat piers, a railroad bed and tar kiln remains recall the lumber industry that once drove life here.

Plan It in Three Lines

  1. Getting In

    Day-use admission is free.

    Closes 6 to 9 p.m.

  2. Bring the Dog?

    Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet, with limits indoors and in some areas.

    Full rules below

  3. Make It a Trip

    Pettigrew State Park is about 35 miles away (straight line).

    0 units within 30 miles

Goose Creek State Park Hours

The gate closes between 6 p.m. (Nov to Feb) and 9 p.m. (Jun to Aug). It opens 8 a.m. Month by month, as the park prints it:

Closing Time by Month Park Hours, p.m.

Bars show the hour the gate closes, drawn from the month table below it. Taller means later.

Park Hours
MonthHours
January8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
June8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Visitor Center: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The park is closed on Christmas Day.
  • The park is open during all other holidays.

Admission and Fees

There are no fees required to access Goose Creek State Park for day use. Fees are charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations.

Planning several parks? Our State Parks Passport guide sets every park’s fees and dog rules side by side.

Dogs and Strollers

  • Dogs: Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted inside buildings or in camper cabins. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.
  • Strollers: Not published. The park page does not say whether strollers are allowed; call the park office (252-507-6456) before you go.

Directions and Contact

State Parks Near Goose Creek State Park

Around Goose Creek State Park within 60 miles
20 mi40 mi60 miNSEW1234
  1. 1Pettigrew State ParkState Parkabout 35 mi
  2. 2Fort Macon State ParkState Parkabout 56 mi
  3. 3Hammocks Beach State ParkState Parkabout 58 mi
  4. 4Cliffs of the Neuse State ParkState Parkabout 58 mi

Straight-line distances between map points, not driving miles. Dots sit in their true compass direction; distance is stretched near the middle so close neighbors stay readable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit Goose Creek State Park?

Day-use admission is free, per the park page. Camping, boat rentals, swim passes, event permits and reservations can cost extra where the park offers them.

Are dogs allowed at Goose Creek State Park?

Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted inside buildings or in camper cabins. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

What time does Goose Creek State Park close?

It depends on the month: the gate closes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the first table the park prints. See the month table above for your date.

Is Goose Creek State Park open on Christmas?

The park is closed on Christmas Day.

Are strollers allowed at Goose Creek State Park?

Not published. The park page does not mention strollers, so call the park office before you go.

What We Could Not Verify

  • Hours and closures change at short notice for weather and staffing; check the official page the day you go.
  • Stroller rules are not stated on the official page.

Sources

  1. Goose Creek State Park on NC State Parks (read 2026-10-27)
  2. NC State Parks: park list and fees (read 2026-10-27)
  3. OpenStreetMap (map point check)

Last checked October 27, 2026 by the It’s North Carolina editor. Spot something out of date? Tell us.

Cite this page: It's North Carolina, “Goose Creek State Park: Hours, Fees and Dog Rules”, itsnorthcarolina.com/places/goose-creek-state-park/ (updated ). By the It's North Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.