Craven County, NC Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Section 28-1(3) of the Craven County Code governs hours of operation for public recreation areas, defined in Section 28-1(1) as any public park, recreation center, playground, ball field, tennis court or other recreation facility, and its parking facilities, owned or controlled by the county. It is unlawful for any person to enter or remain in a public recreation area except during the hours it is posted open to the general public, unless the person has obtained express permission from the county. Section 28-1(4) additionally requires compliance with posted rules and regulations, and Section 28-1(17) lets the director of the parks and recreation department close any section or part of a recreation area at any time, for any interval, temporarily or on a regular schedule.

Vehicles left standing or parked in a recreation area during closed hours are also barred under Section 28-1(5)c, and a vehicle parked in violation may be towed under Section 38-25. Section 28-1(19) sets enforcement: in addition to any other penalty provided, a violation of any provision of the chapter constitutes trespass. Recreation and parks department employees and law enforcement officers may eject any person violating the chapter or its posted rules under Section 28-1(18).