Gorges State Park

Important information

SAPPHIRE, NC General Park Hours: 7am to 9pm Picnic & Day Use Areas: 7am to 8:30pm Visitor Center: 9am to 5pm with extended hours during the summer season The Park is open every day. For specific park information please call (828) 966-9099. There are eight designated sites with fire rings, picnic tables, lantern hooks and a bear proof storage bin. A pit privy is also available. Follow the blue circle markers on the Raymond Fisher Trail for 3/4 of a mile. While camping, visitors can enjoy the scenery and peaceful nature of the small Ray Fisher pond located within the camping area. These sites are available only by reservation (with a fee). Campground Rules Park visitors are responsible for knowing and following all state park rules and regulations Camping is allowed in designated areas by permit only. Fires are permitted only in designated areas and must always be tended. There is a maximum limit of 6 people, and 2 tents per campsite. All camping equipment must be on the campsite pad and not spread out in the woods. All food, coolers, trash, scented items, and etc must be stored in bear proof storage container at site. Campsites always need to be clean and free of trash. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, and visitors shall not be or become intoxicated while within any state park or recreation area. Firearms and other weapons are prohibited except that those with a proper permit may possess a concealed handgun in permitted areas and under the requirements of North Carolina G.S. 14-415.11. All firearms and weapons are prohibited in state park visitor centers and park offices. (EXCEPTION: Federal law (36 C.F.R. 327.13) prohibits loaded firearms or ammunition on those lands and waters at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake state recreation areas managed by the state parks system and owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.) Fireworks, cap pistols, air guns, bows and arrows, slingshots and lethal projectiles or missiles of any kind are prohibited on all properties managed by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Quiet hours are from 10pm until 7am. The production or emission in any park or recreation area of noises, amplified speech, music or other sounds that annoy, disturb or frighten park visitors is always prohibited. Pets are permitted in parks so long as they are on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet and under the constant control of the owner, and on all pedestrian trails. Overnight, pets must be confined to the owner's tent. Pets are not allowed in the bathhouses or swimming areas. Unlicensed vehicles and motorcycles, golf carts, ATV's and mini-bikes are prohibited except for mobility-aid devices used by a mobility-impaired person. All vehicles are prohibited from walkways, trails and other areas not designated for such purposes. The removal, destruction or injury of any tree, flower, artifact, fern, shrub, rock or other plant or mineral in any park is prohibited unless with an approved collection permit for scientific or educational purposes.