Raven Rock State Park
Raven Rock State Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
151 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
35
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Diane K
Wallingford, PA896 contributions
Oct 2020
Family friendly park, lovely welcoming at visitors center. Trail was marked well. Can be tricky in the wrong shoes. Scenic view of the river. Campground seems good. We do not camp but it seemed fine. Bathroom available. Get there early, we arrived at 930am and left at noon. We saw a line of cars attempting to get in. I feel like many were disappointed.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gwkelley
Raleigh, NC654 contributions
May 2021
The campground is lovely with full hook up options with area with a picnic area and fire pit. I have stayed at site 14, 18 and 22, (handicap site.) The bathhouse is nice, and is closed every day for cleaning. I appreciate the rangers driving by often, keeping the park peaceful. We stayed when the gate closed at 7pm. and now it is later, however when I booked my spot and came to camp, I forgot about the gate being locked and had to leave as I had to leave much earlier for work. I have more date reserved as this is my husbands favorite park. Walk all the trails and make sure to be aware which one has all the stairs!
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyler Morgan
Vanceboro, NC4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
My buddies and I camped at the canoe campsite for 2 nights. We hiked in and set up our tents Friday night and relaxed. The next morning we went hiking and saw Raven Rock. The park is beautiful. Unfortunately we only hiked a small portion of the trails. I’ll definitely visit again to hike more.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darrel
Fayetteville, NC1 contribution
Nov 2020
Ive been going to Raven Rock for 30 years and waited forever for the bike trails only to have the rangers shut them down because of rain,really? I am out there to get a work out and they close the trails,i was livid.the other thing is when they finally do open "bike trails" there also hiking trails,not happy t all.And they open to late.
Written November 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick B
Round Rock, TX1,271 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Went out to Raven Rock to do some hiking at the suggestion of a friend. I was not disappointed. There are several hikes at this park that is steeped in history. I first started out on the Raven Rock loop Trail. 1st stop Raven Rock, a cluster of steep cliffs along the Cape Fear River. One thing to note here is that the rock is on a 1/2 mile spur trail off the loop. To reach the bottom you will descend 45 erosion control steps and a manmade stairway of 100 stairs. Keep in mind it is 145 steps back out also. Continuing on the loop trail you will next come to the Raven Rock Overlook which is right on the trail. This affords you great views up and down the river. Continue on and you come to the Fish traps spur trail. This is another out and back trail of 1.2 miles. The fish traps is an area of the river used by the Indians and early pioneers to trap fish in a series of rock clusters. Getting to the fish traps will again consist of descending and then ascending 75 erosion control steps. Continuing on the loop and you will find the Northington Ferry Trail. This is a .9 mile trail to the mouth of Campbell Creek and the site of the Northington Ferry. When walking this old roadbed trail one can definitely imagine horse and rider, wagons and stagecoaches heading through these woods to the ferry landing. Again, 44 erosion control steps gets you to the river. You then exit the trail back at the parking lot. The Loop trail itself is 2.6 miles long. So this hike is going to total about 5 miles. While back at the lot for lunch I did explore the facilities which look to be well kept and modern. They even have of all things a pay phone!. After lunch I did the Campbell creek trail a 4,8 mile loop down the valley of Campbell Creek which Ironically takes you to the opposite bank of Campbell Creek as where you were at the Northington Ferry Landing. If you can do 1 hike only do this one. You will miss the Raven Rock but the trip down Campbell Creek is absolutely Beautiful. The Creek has carved some deep ravines through the stone. This trail also takes you to the 1/2 mile out and back trail to Lanier Falls on the Cape Fear River. Also along this loop is the Family Wilderness Campground where you carry in everything you need, the park provides firewood and a pit latrine. My kind of camping for sure. So check that out and disconnect for a day or two. Camping is by permit only. There is a fee for camping I believe. There are hundreds of photo ops so bring your camera!
Written September 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgkiser
Durham, NC3 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
We made the trip down from Durham for a little late afternoon hiking. Nice trails, very well marked, largely under tree canopy, so not too hot. A couple options for your trails can take you to the rock itself, which is rather unique -- stairs built on the rock face that take you down to the river to explore around a little bit. Other trails may take you to overlooks, but they are small and narrow, enough space for about 4 - 6 people. Still, a pretty view over the Cape Fear River.
The best trail for us was a short jaunt down to the Fish Traps, where a lower river level and nice broad rocks made wading out to the middle of the river really enjoyable as the sun set. Very relaxing.
Picnic facilities look awesome, very well kept, and bathrooms were also solid. Worth a trip from the Triangle!
Directional advice -- Google Maps pointed out three entrances to the park, so we came into the north, which ended up just being a gravel road that cuts through the park on the north part of the river. The horse trails come off of this, but didn't look good for hiking. We had to swing all the way around to enter from the south.
The best trail for us was a short jaunt down to the Fish Traps, where a lower river level and nice broad rocks made wading out to the middle of the river really enjoyable as the sun set. Very relaxing.
Picnic facilities look awesome, very well kept, and bathrooms were also solid. Worth a trip from the Triangle!
Directional advice -- Google Maps pointed out three entrances to the park, so we came into the north, which ended up just being a gravel road that cuts through the park on the north part of the river. The horse trails come off of this, but didn't look good for hiking. We had to swing all the way around to enter from the south.
Written June 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D2958ZXgarym
King, United States848 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
Near the geographic center of North Carolina is Raven Rock State Park, a 4,600-plus acre natural area that offers a variety of outdoor activities in a picturesque, tranquil setting. The park is situated along the Fall Line, where the hard rock of the North Carolina piedmont transitions into the softer rock of the coastal plains. The site’s most prominent feature, and that which gives the park its name, is the 150-foot cliff that runs more than a mile along the Cape Fear’s southern bank. Originally called Patterson’s Rock after one of the area’s early settlers, it was renamed Raven Rock in the mid-1800s because of the large numbers of black birds that perched atop the ledges.
The park offers a number of amenities, including three distinct camping areas, including one specifically intended for canoeists, and a spacious picnic area with 27 tables and eight grills. Hiking trails remain the park’s major attraction. Except for one, all trails are designated as easy walks. The most popular walk is the loop trail that leads to Raven Rock. Even at midday, the leafy canopy of elms, maples, pines, and oaks filters the sunlight, so the trail is pleasantly shaded for virtually its entire length. The path itself is fairly level, but it ends with steep wooden steps – exactly 100 of them – leading down to the riverbank. Although the cliff parallels the river for over a mile, safety precautions restrict visitors to walking along a stretch of about 300 yards.
Less traveled is the 5-mile Campbell Creek Loop trial that leads to the photographic Lanier Falls. An even more secluded area of the park on the north side of the Cape Fear offers over seven miles of bridle paths, as well as a small picnic area. Anglers with a state fishing license will find such game fish as largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish plentiful at the mouth of Campbell Creek and at a spot appropriately called Fish Traps. Canoeists can paddle a portion of the 56-mile Cape Fear Canoe Trail through the park and enjoy the challenge of negotiating the rapids of Lanier Falls and Fish Traps.
Raven Rock State Park is open every day except Christmas. The park opens daily at 8:00 AM, year-round; closing hours vary seasonally. Admission is free; nominal fees are charged for camping.
The park offers a number of amenities, including three distinct camping areas, including one specifically intended for canoeists, and a spacious picnic area with 27 tables and eight grills. Hiking trails remain the park’s major attraction. Except for one, all trails are designated as easy walks. The most popular walk is the loop trail that leads to Raven Rock. Even at midday, the leafy canopy of elms, maples, pines, and oaks filters the sunlight, so the trail is pleasantly shaded for virtually its entire length. The path itself is fairly level, but it ends with steep wooden steps – exactly 100 of them – leading down to the riverbank. Although the cliff parallels the river for over a mile, safety precautions restrict visitors to walking along a stretch of about 300 yards.
Less traveled is the 5-mile Campbell Creek Loop trial that leads to the photographic Lanier Falls. An even more secluded area of the park on the north side of the Cape Fear offers over seven miles of bridle paths, as well as a small picnic area. Anglers with a state fishing license will find such game fish as largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish plentiful at the mouth of Campbell Creek and at a spot appropriately called Fish Traps. Canoeists can paddle a portion of the 56-mile Cape Fear Canoe Trail through the park and enjoy the challenge of negotiating the rapids of Lanier Falls and Fish Traps.
Raven Rock State Park is open every day except Christmas. The park opens daily at 8:00 AM, year-round; closing hours vary seasonally. Admission is free; nominal fees are charged for camping.
Written March 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian S
1 contribution
Nov 2016 • Family
We had two afternoons available for us to spend some time exploring at Raven Rock. The visitor's center has alot of educational info that my 11 yo loved but my 5 yo got a little bored. After purchasing a little snack we found a paper trail map was available for us to follow.
The Raven Rock Trail loop was recommended to us and did not disappoint. It was well marked with orange circles and took off from the first parking lot. The kids did great and enjoyed the sparkling rocks on the ground and small well maintained bridges of this trail. We arrived at the first POI after about 1.5 mile of hiking. This was the Raven Rock POI which we climbed down a wooden staircase of 100 steps to the rivers edge and hid about 500 yrds of river front and rock features for the kids to explore. Be careful as some of the rocks are slippery, the weather was cool so I was not concerned about snakes. After eating our snack here we climbed back up the same 100 steps and journeyed about .5 miles to the second POI which was the overlook which offered breathtaking views of the river and Valley. This was beautiful and easy to access but not much for the kids to do here so we finished the hike of about 1 mile to get back to the car.
Day 2 we did the fish trap trail which was out and back. About 2 miles total. This trail offered a pretty walk through some rhododendron brush and down many washed out steps with was at time a little tough to navigate with two kids or an elderly perso.but certainly not too difficult. We got to the bottom at the streams edge to the first POI which is the Fish trap rocks which extend out into the river and we could jump over the streams. I carried my 5 you over these. I was able to take my socks and shoes off and walk across a larger portion on to a rock that took us to the middle of the river. Really cool!!! We played here for a while and the. Moved on to the end of the trail which was just a fence and a " no climbing sign" Ifound I would not hove go to the visitor center I would not have know about the old river lock system for getting boats up and down and that is the POI that ends the trail. They should put some signs down here explaining what this is but my kids were fine with my brief explanation and with moving on.
All in all I gave this 5 stars because the Raven Rock trail was amazing and should be visited by everyone. Our second day was a 4 star day because the fish trap trail was harder to navigate and didn't have any explanation of what these areas were used for.
Defiantly include Raven Rock Park in your plans!
The Raven Rock Trail loop was recommended to us and did not disappoint. It was well marked with orange circles and took off from the first parking lot. The kids did great and enjoyed the sparkling rocks on the ground and small well maintained bridges of this trail. We arrived at the first POI after about 1.5 mile of hiking. This was the Raven Rock POI which we climbed down a wooden staircase of 100 steps to the rivers edge and hid about 500 yrds of river front and rock features for the kids to explore. Be careful as some of the rocks are slippery, the weather was cool so I was not concerned about snakes. After eating our snack here we climbed back up the same 100 steps and journeyed about .5 miles to the second POI which was the overlook which offered breathtaking views of the river and Valley. This was beautiful and easy to access but not much for the kids to do here so we finished the hike of about 1 mile to get back to the car.
Day 2 we did the fish trap trail which was out and back. About 2 miles total. This trail offered a pretty walk through some rhododendron brush and down many washed out steps with was at time a little tough to navigate with two kids or an elderly perso.but certainly not too difficult. We got to the bottom at the streams edge to the first POI which is the Fish trap rocks which extend out into the river and we could jump over the streams. I carried my 5 you over these. I was able to take my socks and shoes off and walk across a larger portion on to a rock that took us to the middle of the river. Really cool!!! We played here for a while and the. Moved on to the end of the trail which was just a fence and a " no climbing sign" Ifound I would not hove go to the visitor center I would not have know about the old river lock system for getting boats up and down and that is the POI that ends the trail. They should put some signs down here explaining what this is but my kids were fine with my brief explanation and with moving on.
All in all I gave this 5 stars because the Raven Rock trail was amazing and should be visited by everyone. Our second day was a 4 star day because the fish trap trail was harder to navigate and didn't have any explanation of what these areas were used for.
Defiantly include Raven Rock Park in your plans!
Written November 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith H
Lakeland, FL506 contributions
Dec 2019
This is a well-maintained, beautiful park with several easy-to-moderate hiking trails and some fine scenery, especially at the Cape Fear River overlook and around the cliffs. The Welcome Center is especially nice, and the restrooms are open on days when the Visitor's Center is closed. There is plenty of free parking. This park is close to Lillington and Sanford and not far from Fayetteville -- well worth the drive.
Written December 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
awilliams811
Catonsville, MD72 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
We have been coming here for over 35 years. Recently it had been some time between trips and was amazed by the new visitor center. It was badly needed and it looks amazing. They added a 6 mile bike trail to the maybe 4 other trails they had for forever.... but why have no new hiking trails been added. Why do they only have 5 family campsites???? The same 5 they had 35 years ago. This park has 8000+ acres. I wish NC put more money into the few state parks they maintain.
Written January 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there guided tours at raven rock?
Tracy B
42 contributions
Don't think so but if you call the Park Rangers can tell you. I know they had maps and a display in the welcome center that was worth spending time to see.
Raven Rock State Park (Lillington) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Raven Rock State Park
- Raven Rock State Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Hotels near Raven Rock State Park:
- (7.21 mi) Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lillington / Campbell Univ
- (2.65 mi) Rustic Bungalow near the river
- (6.15 mi) Farmhouse on 62 acres - Beautiful Views - Near Campbell Univ. and Ft. Bragg
- (6.01 mi) Tentrr Signature Site - Meadow Escape at CATHIS Farm
- (8.81 mi) ‘Gentry Manor’ in Heartland Area 19 Mi to Raleigh!
- Restaurants near Raven Rock State Park:
- (9.78 mi) Texas Pit BBQ
- (7.01 mi) Sweet Magnolias
- (7.02 mi) County Seat Sports Grille
- (6.85 mi) Mi Casita
- (7.23 mi) Lillington Sports Zone Restaurant and Grill