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NC ATV Parks You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Visit This Year)
- Rockon Recreation Rentals
- Aug 15
- 8 min read
North Carolina is one of the few places where you can ride sandy riversides to rugged mountain trails all in the same weekend. The variety of landscapes means there is no shortage of exciting places to explore on four wheels. For riders who crave something beyond the typical tourist stops, NC ATV parks offer a mix of thrill, scenery, and authentic local character. Each park has its own personality, shaped by the terrain, the community of riders, and the unique challenges along its trails.
When you start looking into NC ATV parks, you will find options that cater to every riding style. Some have wide-open tracks perfect for building speed, while others take you through winding forest paths with natural obstacles that test your skill. There are spots where you can splash through shallow creeks, climb rocky inclines, or enjoy the simple pleasure of a scenic cruise surrounded by towering pines. The best part is that you do not have to be an expert to enjoy them. Many parks welcome beginners and have designated trails designed to build confidence while still delivering plenty of fun.
If you plan your trip right, you can experience more than one park in a single day. That is where being close to a reliable rental service can make a difference. With a well-maintained machine ready to go, you can easily connect the dots between several NC ATV parks and create a ride that is entirely your own. It is the perfect way to see North Carolina from a fresh perspective and make memories that will last long after the mud washes off.
Brown Mountain OHV Area – Burke County
Tucked into the Pisgah National Forest, Brown Mountain OHV Area is one of the most exciting NC ATV parks for riders looking for off the grid mountain adventures. With 34 miles of designated trails, it offers everything from gentle beginner routes to challenging climbs that will test your endurance and skill. The area is well-marked, making it easy to find a trail that matches your comfort level while still giving you plenty of opportunities to push your limits.
One of the biggest draws here is the range of scenery you will encounter. Lower trails wind through dense hardwood forests where you can ride in the shade and spot wildlife along the way. Higher elevation paths open up to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and several routes include creek crossings that add a refreshing splash to your ride. The changing landscape keeps every mile interesting and makes Brown Mountain a park you can return to again and again without feeling like you have seen it all.
Spring and fall are especially popular times to visit, as wildflowers or colorful foliage make the trails even more memorable. Summer rides can be warm, but the shaded forest sections offer natural relief from the heat. Winter riding is possible, though you should always check conditions ahead of time for any seasonal closures.
For those renting from a nearby reputable provider like Xtreme Off-Road Adventures , it is an easy trip to load up and spend the day here. Brown Mountain’s blend of natural beauty, trail variety, and accessibility cements its place as one of the top NC ATV parks for both locals and visitors looking for a day of unforgettable ATV riding in North Carolina.
Busco Beach and ATV Park – Goldsboro
Busco Beach and ATV Park has earned a reputation as one of the most energetic and social NC ATV parks you can visit. Spread over more than 2,000 acres, it offers a mix of open sandy areas, deep mud pits, and water crossings that promise a full day of action. Riders come here to test their machines in every type of terrain imaginable, from smooth tracks that let you open up the throttle to technical sections that demand skill and focus.
What sets Busco Beach apart is its all-day, all-night atmosphere. It is more than just a place to ride—it is a hub for off-road events, music festivals, and weekend gatherings. Many riders plan their trips to coincide with special events, which often include competitions, live entertainment, and group trail rides. This social energy means that even if you arrive solo, you are likely to leave with new friends who share your passion for off-roading.
The park also caters to campers, offering on-site spaces for tents and RVs so you can extend your trip into a full weekend adventure. Between rides, you can relax by the water, enjoy a cookout, or simply take in the lively scene that makes Busco Beach feel more like a community than just a riding location.
Outback ATV Park – Laurinburg
Outback ATV Park is one of those NC ATV parks that appeals to riders who like a bit of everything in their off-road experience. Located in Laurinburg, this NC ATV park features a combination of wooded trails, open riding areas, and well-designed obstacle courses that challenge both beginners and seasoned riders. The layout is versatile, allowing you to switch between high-speed stretches and technical areas that require more precision and control.
This NC ATV park is known for its creative course features. Mud pits range from shallow splash zones to deep bogs that test your machine’s limits. There are also hill climbs, tight turns, and natural terrain changes that keep your ride interesting from start to finish. For those who enjoy friendly competition, Outback often hosts events and ride days where you can watch or participate in challenges alongside other enthusiasts.
Amenities add to the appeal. Outback ATV Park offers camping areas, showers, and space for cookouts, making it easy to turn your visit into a full weekend getaway. Between rides, you can relax with friends, plan your next route, or enjoy the sense of community that builds among riders here.
Its location makes it easy to pair a day at Outback with other nearby NC ATV parks if you have a rental from a local provider. Many riders start here in the morning, tackle the obstacle courses, and then head to a different style of terrain in the afternoon.
Uwharrie National Forest OHV Trails – Troy
Uwharrie National Forest offers some of the most scenic and diverse riding experiences among NC ATV parks. Located in Troy, this off-highway vehicle trail system covers nearly 20 miles of maintained routes, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and challenging terrain. Riders can expect everything from rocky climbs that require steady throttle control to smooth stretches perfect for a relaxed cruise.
One of the highlights of riding here is the variety in elevation. Certain trails take you along ridgelines where you can pause to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding forest, while others dip into shaded valleys lined with pines and hardwoods. Along the way, you might encounter shallow creek crossings or sections with exposed rock, which add an exciting twist to your ride. The diversity keeps things fresh, making Uwharrie a park that many riders visit multiple times a year.
Trail passes are required and can be purchased nearby, which helps maintain the quality and safety of the area. The forest’s remoteness means cell service is often limited, so carrying a paper map or GPS device is a smart move. Riders also benefit from bringing extra water, snacks, and tools for quick adjustments out on the trail. Renting from a trusted rental service ensures you have a machine that is ready for both the technical climbs and the long, scenic runs that make Uwharrie such a memorable destination.
Cape Fear ATV and MX Park – Elizabethtown
Cape Fear ATV and MX Park offers a unique blend of wooded trails, sandy stretches, and riverfront riding. Situated along the Cape Fear River, this NC ATV park spans more than 1,500 acres, giving riders plenty of space to explore. The combination of terrain types makes it an excellent choice for those who want variety in a single location. One moment you could be navigating winding forest paths shaded by tall pines, and the next you might find yourself cruising along sandy riverbanks with the water just a few feet away.
This unique NC ATV park’s layout includes trails for different skill levels, along with designated areas for motocross and mud riding. This versatility means you can switch up your experience throughout the day without ever leaving the property. The river adds another dimension to the park’s appeal, offering scenic views and a refreshing backdrop to your ride.
Many visitors choose to camp on-site to make the most of their trip. With both primitive and RV-friendly sites available, it is easy to turn a day ride into a full weekend adventure. After hours of riding, relaxing by the river or gathering with friends around a campfire is the perfect way to wind down.
FAQ About NC ATV Parks
1.What are the best NC ATV parks for beginners?
Many NC ATV parks like Brown Mountain OHV have easy loops perfect for new riders.
2.Do NC ATV parks have rental ATVs available?
Most parks don’t rent ATVs directly, but companies like XOR Adventures offer convenient rentals near multiple parks.
3.What safety gear is required at NC ATV parks?
A DOT-approved helmet is mandatory, with gloves, boots, and goggles strongly recommended.
4.Do NC ATV parks have trails for side-by-sides?
Yes, many parks, including Brown Mountain OHV ARea, Cape Fear, and Carolina Adventure World, welcome side-by-sides.
5.Can kids ride in NC ATV parks?
Most parks allow children to ride age-appropriate ATVs under adult supervision.
6.Are pets allowed at NC ATV parks?
Some parks allow leashed pets, but always check rules before visiting.
7.Do I need a permit to ride in NC ATV parks?
Certain public lands like Uwharrie require a trail pass, usually sold on-site or nearby.
8.What should I bring to NC ATV parks?
Water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and weather-appropriate gear.
The Best Basecamp for Exploring NC ATV Parks
One of the advantages of planning your trip around NC ATV parks is having a reliable starting point that puts you close to multiple riding destinations. UTV Rentals (XOR Adventures) offers that advantage in a big way. Their location in Lenoir makes it easy to rent a fully prepped machine in the morning and be on the trails in under an hour. This means you can ride at more than one park in a single day or create a multi-day loop that gives you a taste of different terrain styles across the state.
From XOR Adventures, you can quickly reach popular NC ATV parks known for their variety and challenge. This flexibility allows you to design your own adventure without being locked into one location. For example, you might start with a scenic morning ride through the mountain trails of Brown Mountain OHV Area, stop for lunch in a small local town, and then finish the day splashing through the mud pits at another park.
Renting from XOR Adventures also removes the stress of transporting and maintaining your own ATV. Every rental is inspected, fueled, and ready for action, so you can focus on the fun. Their team knows the local trail systems well and can offer tips on which parks to visit based on your riding style and the current conditions.
By starting your ride here, you not only save time but also open the door to experiencing more NC ATV parks in a single trip than you thought possible. It is a simple way to turn a good day of riding into a great one. If you are ready to turn your next weekend into an off-road adventure, start planning now. Pick a few NC ATV parks from this list, rent a machine from XOR Adventures, and set out to see how many trails you can conquer. From mud to mountains, your next NC ATV parks trip starts now.