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Raven Rock State Park: Hours, Fees and Dog Rules

Places › Raven Rock State Park

Raven Rock State Park is a North Carolina state park in Lillington, Harnett County, in our Triangle 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 7 a.m., by month
  • ClosedChristmas Dayother holidays: open
  • DogsOn a 6 ft leashmore rules below

About Raven Rock State Park

A 150-foot crystalline rock overlooks the Cape Fear River, and trails along the bluffs lead to it past wildflowers. Other hikes reach Lanier Rapids, Fish Traps Rapids and the remains of the Northington Lock and Dam, and other accesses have bridle trails, bike trails and a campground.

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

    Carvers Creek State Park is about 19 miles away (straight line).

    3 units within 30 miles

Raven Rock State Park Hours

The gate closes between 6 p.m. (Nov to Feb) and 9 p.m. (May to Aug). It opens 7 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
January7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
June7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Visitor Center: Open daily, from 8 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 Raven Rock 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 (910-893-4888) before you go.

Directions and Contact

State Parks Near Raven Rock State Park

Around Raven Rock State Park within 60 miles
20 mi40 mi60 miNSEW123456
  1. 1Carvers Creek State ParkState Parkabout 19 mi
  2. 2Jordan Lake State Recreation AreaState Recreation Areaabout 20 mi
  3. 3Lower Haw River State Natural AreaState Natural Areaabout 23 mi
  4. 4William B. Umstead State ParkState Parkabout 31 mi
  5. 5Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature PreserveNature Preserveabout 34 mi
  6. 6Falls Lake State Recreation AreaState Recreation Areaabout 40 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 Raven Rock 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 Raven Rock 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 Raven Rock 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 Raven Rock State Park open on Christmas?

The park is closed on Christmas Day.

Are strollers allowed at Raven Rock 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. Raven Rock 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, “Raven Rock State Park: Hours, Fees and Dog Rules”, itsnorthcarolina.com/places/raven-rock-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.