07 NCAC 13B .0602          CAMPING

(a)  A person shall not camp on Division property except:

(1)           in a designated camping area identified by posted signage; and

(2)           with a valid camping reservation.

(b)  Reservations for camping shall only be accepted in accordance with the provisions of 07 NCAC 13B .1205, Reservations.

(c)  Payment of the camping fee, in full, is required when the reservation is made.

(d)  The maximum period of overnight camping on any Division property is 14 days within any 30 day period beginning with the first night of stay. Multiple camping areas on an individual Division property are considered as a single camping facility for determining the maximum period of overnight camping within any 30 day period. The maximum nights shall be extended by the Park Superintendent, upon written request with reasons supporting the extension, if the Park Superintendent determines equitable public access, visitor services, and staffing levels will not be affected.

(e)  Any set up camp left unattended for more than 12 hours may result in the revocation of the camping reservation and all campers residing thereon being evicted from the campsite, based on considerations for public health and safety, natural and cultural resource protection, and campsite management. Camping equipment, tents, trailers, recreation vehicles and articles on a campsite left unattended for more than 12 hours are subject to removal at the owner's expense.

(f)  At least one adult, 18 or older, shall accompany each camper group.

(g)  No campfires shall be left unattended.

(h)  Tents shall only be used on a tent pad or platform, in areas permitted under a Special Activity Permit pursuant to Rule .0104 of this Subchapter, or in areas otherwise identified by posted signage.

(i)  Connecting to a utility system without payment of required fees is prohibited.

(j)  A Division representative may designate portions of a Division property where food products, garbage, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and equipment used to cook or store food products are required to be kept in a Division supplied food locker, a vehicle, recreational vehicle, or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet horizontally from a post, tree trunk, or other object. Food, garbage, and cooking equipment shall not be stored except as specified in these designated areas. This Paragraph does not apply to food products, garbage, and cooking equipment being transported, consumed, or being prepared for consumption.

(k)  Designated camping areas shall be for use by registered campers with a camping reservation for that site and their guests only.

(l)  Violation of the terms and conditions of a camping reservation issued in accordance with this Section is prohibited and shall result in the suspension or revocation of the reservation.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B-135.16;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2010; February 15, 1981;

Transferred from 15A NCAC 12B .0602 Eff. April 1, 2017;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2022.