North Carolina is a popular destination for retirees, especially cities such as New Bern and Havelock. New Bern has a tree-lined historic district that appeals to many active adults who want to live near a quintessential southern town. Nearby Havelock is also a great spot for retirees, offering fishing, golf, and more. And both towns have access to beautiful, unique parks that are waiting to be explored!
Glenburnie Park & Frisbee Golf | 340 Glenburnie Park, New Bern, NC 28560
This beautiful wooded area is located along the Neuse River. The park has a boat landing for visitors, and numerous covered pavilions and grilling stations for family outings and special events.
Latham Whitehurst Nature Park | 1095 Broad Creek Rd, New Bern, NC 28560
Craven County’s first nature park features 133 acres of preserved pristine coastal land. It offers nature observation, bird watching and access to Broad Creek by way of a boardwalk.
Lawson Creek Park | 1309 Country Club Rd, New Bern, NC 28562
A sprawling, 140-acre park located on the Trent River, Lawson Creek Park has something for everyone. Boat launches, picnic areas, fishing piers, a handicap walkway, and a handicap fishing pier.
Croatan National Forest | New Bern, NC
The only true coastal forest in the East, the Croatan’s 160,000 acres have saltwater estuaries, bogs and pocosins. Bordered by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound, the water provides a variety of recreation and wildlife. Canoeing and fishing, hunting and nature walks are popular activities.
Craven County offers an abundance of water related activities for all ages. In addition to the Trent and Neuse Rivers, there are also beautiful creeks, lakes and sounds that offer boating, fishing, camping, biking and nature trails.
Brice’s Creek Canoe Trails & Boat Launch: Part of the Saltwater Adventure Trail, Brice’s Creek also has a boat launch, fishing and picnic area.
Cahooque Creek Recreation Site: Located near the city of Havelock, the creek offers a wonderful place to kayak, fish, or sightsee. The Recreation Site is a water and boat lover’s dream destination, with easy access to all three rivers, plus the Pamlico Sound and the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
Catfish Lake: A remote body of water tucked away in the Croatan National Forest. The lake offers camping, fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking, nature viewing and even hunting opportunities.
Great Lake: The largest lake in the Croatan. It is very remote… truly a place to get away from everything. Located miles from any major highway, it offers camping, fishing, non-motorized boating, and nature viewing.
Siddie Fields: This recreation site will definitely lure you in with fantastic fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Beach access offers prime picnicking spots, too.
