Recreation
Outdoor recreation in Craven County can be enjoyed from the water to the woods.
We have the rare combination of being both surrounded by water and covered with forests. The county seat of New Bern sits at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse Rivers, which flow into the Pamlico Sound and then the Atlantic Ocean, about 30 miles away. As a result, the smaller streams and creeks that permeate the county range from fresh water to brackish to salt, creating a delightfully diverse ecosystem and fishing haven throughout the region.
What makes Craven County truly special is that much of this water can be found in and around the densely wooded, 160,000-acre Croatan National Forest. There are 40 miles of streams and 4,300 acres of lakes within the forest, which is bordered by tidal rivers on two sides and the Bogue Sound on the third. “There are all these heavy forest settings right next to large bodies of water. You don’t generally see that together in most places,” says Cody Hutchinson, Croatan National Forest district ranger. “So the views from the water – even from the smaller creeks – are really awe-inspiring.”
Activities such as golf, boating and hiking can be enjoyed almost year-round due to Craven County’s temperate climate.
RESOURCES
New Bern Recreation:
Things to do in New Bern
New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
Emerald Golf Club
Taberna Country Club
Stand Up Outfitters
Havelock Recreation:
Havelock Parks & Recreation
Havelock Tourist & Event Center
Vanceboro Recreation:
Cottonwood Farm