Dare County Parks
We have more than just the beaches here on the Outer Banks! Each town has a park or two with nature trails, playground areas, and dog park areas as well. On those days when you get a little too much of the beach, you can travel to any of these public park areas and explore what else the Outer Banks has to offer!
town of duck park & Boardwalk
The Town Park features 11 acres of natural beauty including trails through the maritime forest and willow swamp, open green space, soundside views, and access to the Duck Boardwalk. The Duck Boardwalk extends nearly a mile along the Currituck Sound and can be accessed from the Town Park and other locations throughout the Town’s commercial district. There are also areas for picnics and a playground for the kids.
David paul Pruitt jr. park
This park is located just .2 miles down The Woods Road in Kitty Hawk on the south side of Croatan Highway. This park is a local favorite and perfect for little tikes. It is also the starting point to The Woods Road pedestrian walkway that goes for a few miles so you can enjoy the wooded scenery on your walks.
Sandy Run Park
Sandy Run Park leads its visitors through the heart of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve, one of the largest maritime forests remaining in North Carolina. The park encompasses 1600 acres of marshland, waterways and maritime forest. The park features a wooden boardwalk, two gazebos, a fishing and many more amenities for the enjoyment of the area's natural beauty and wildlife. Just after entering the park, and next to the ample parking area you’ll find a covered picnic pavilion, a putting green, cookout grills, and a basketball half-court.
KITTY HAWK SKATE & DOG PARK
Located on Kitty Hawk Road, this new park offers a street-style skate park as well as a dog park. The park is set back in the woods which makes it the perfect place to go on windy days as the woods block a good portion of the wind. The park is a popular destination for local skateboarders and can be a great source of entertainment as they are quite interesting to watch!
Hayman Park
Hayman Park is a charming, circular neighborhood park located at the north end of Kill Devil Hills and on the sound side of Highway 158. The park has a large open area often used for adult soccer practice and children’s soccer games, by golfers practicing chip shots and owners exercising pets. It’s also great for Frisbee throwing, kite flying and other activities or just lying on a blanket in the sun. In the shaded area are benches, along with picnic tables and a grill for cookouts, and nearby are swings sturdy enough for all ages and a jungle gym and slides for the kids. There are also plenty of live oak trees to climb or relax beneath with a good book.
DARE COUNTY RECREATION PARK
"Rec Park" as it is often referred to, is the northern beach's premier recreation area. Located at milepost 8, this massive park area has everything a great park could possibly offer. "Rec Park" includes a full-size soccer/football field, age 13+ baseball field, softball field, playground, skate park, tennis courts, and indoor recreation area. The indoor recreation area offers two full-size basketball courts with 6 goals to a court. While parts of the park are usually being used for official practices, it is easy to find an area to enjoy whatever activity you enjoy the most at Dare County Recreation Park.
NAGS HEAD TOWN PARK AT BARNES STREET
Located at milepost 11 on Barnes St. next to ACE Hardware, Nags Head Town Park is a quaint little park that sits adjacent to Nags Head Woods. This park offers a large field for all activities as well as a playground. In addition to the park and playground, there are hiking trails that lead into Nags Head Woods from the park.
NAGS HEAD SOCCER COMPLEX & DOG PARK
Located at milepost 10 on West Satterfield Landing then left on Lark Ave. This is a large complex containing soccer fields, covered picnic shelter, restrooms, and a dog park area. The is used for soccer in the fall and lacrosse in the spring.
Dowdy Park
Located at the corner of South Croatan Highway and Bonnett Street, it offers 5 acres of recreation for every age and every ability. Features include an amphitheater, a fitness trail, an inclusive playground, bathrooms, a community garden, and a multi-use court.
HARVEY SOUNDSIDE PARK
Harvey Soundside Park- Located at 6912 S. Croatan Highway (Mile Post 16), sits on the shores of the beautiful Roanoke Sound. The facility has a covered shelter, a bathroom, and a grill. Take in the beautiful sound views!
WHALEBONE PARK
Constructed in 2013, this park is located at milepost 16.5 on the beach road directly across the street from the Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. The park is equipped with a playground as well as a shaded picnic area.