Carolina Beach NC State Park Curfew

[Wandering]

Nice enough State Park which we picked so we could attend the NC Azalea Festival in nearby Wilmington this weekend. Upon arrival we learned of the odd rule that the gates are locked at 9 pm. No after hours access. Don't make it by 9, you can't get to your camper until the next morning. Not sure if this is common across NC State Parks. All other Parks we have stayed provide a gate code.

Kinda messed up staying at the festival since we have to leave by 8:15 or so to make it back.

Happy Camper, just seems odd.

[emm-dee]

Just about all, maybe all, Georgia state parks lock the gates around 10 pm or so. But, registered campers are given a code for the gate keypad system. I've also seen that system at COE parks. Do you think it's a possibility that system is in use where you were but you weren't informed? How would emergency vehicles get into the park if the gate is locked?

[SpringerPop]

Midnight medical emergency. How would you get out to a hospital? How would an emergency squad get in?

There's somebody's rule in play here that hasn't been fully thought through.

Pop

[asquared]

This is the rule at most NC state parks. You can get out in an emergency, but getting back in is the issue. They do not hand out a gate code. They will not let you back in. Many have had to park at the gate and hike back to their site.

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by asquared

This is the rule at most NC state parks. You can get out in an emergency, but getting back in is the issue. They do not hand out a gate code. They will not let you back in. Many have had to park at the gate and hike back to their site.

So how would an ambulance get in if there was a medical emergency?

[asquared]

Campground host numbers are posted. They are to handle getting people in and out in emergencies. Coming from a nurse, this is less than ideal, but that is what they do.

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by asquared

Campground host numbers are posted. They are to handle getting people in and out in emergencies. Coming from a nurse, this is less than ideal, but that is what they do.

I think "less than ideal" is an understatement. As a former (long time ago) EMT I think the statement should be "completely unacceptable". A 1-2 minute delay can be the difference in life or death.

[Gumpster808]

Originally Posted by emm-dee

I think "less than ideal" is an understatement. As a former (long time ago) EMT I think the statement should be "completely unacceptable". A 1-2 minute delay can be the difference in life or death.

That sounds like a lawsuit just waiting to happen. Not sure how that is even legal if emergency personnel have to call someone to gain entry.

[Evereddie]

I'll have to say that this lack of after hours access and many other issues with NC campgrounds (state and COE) makes us shy away from them. Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia all have a better situation for us when camping. I think NC takes the lazy way out.

I will say that some parks in NC DO have after hours access. Just not all of them. Probably depends on how much trouble they are having at each location.

[aceinspp]

Guess I could scratch NC stated parks and probably COE. Later RJD

[Pkowski]

Originally Posted by Wandering

Nice enough State Park which we picked so we could attend the NC Azalea Festival in nearby Wilmington this weekend. Upon arrival we learned of the odd rule that the gates are locked at 9 pm. No after hours access. Don't make it by 9, you can't get to your camper until the next morning. Not sure if this is common across NC State Parks. All other Parks we have stayed provide a gate code.

Kinda messed up staying at the festival since we have to leave by 8:15 or so to make it back.

Happy Camper, just seems odd.

Interesting. I live 5 miles from the park and know they have after hours entrance across from Good Hops brewery. I had a friend stay there this fall he had a code to get in after hours. I would check at the park office t make sure unless they changed their procedures this year.

[2006SunSeeker]

We have stayed at a Carolina camp ground when we visited our son and have been able to get back in after 9 by talking to the camp administrator beforehand. He gave us his cell number and we called in for admission when we got to the gate. As long as you ask them for a reasonable time and have a reason for staying out late they might be agreeable to coming to the gate and letting you in.

Gook luck and happy camping.

[Wandering]

So I talked with another ranger today. She confirmed all NC state Parks are locked at night. There are rangers that live onsite and emergency #s are posted and they respond before EMS.

She then offered there is a back gate that has a code that can be used but that it is an exception.

Not a big deal, just different than I have seen anywhere else.