Lawson Creek Park | New Bern

Lawson Creek Park, located just minutes from historic downtown New Bern, North Carolina, is a 140-acre natural and recreational oasis that stretches along the banks of the Trent River. With panoramic water views, open green spaces, wooded trails, and a wide array of facilities, the park is a vital component of New Bern's outdoor and community life. It’s especially notable for its accessibility, environmental diversity, and its blend of natural tranquility with public recreation.

Geographic Setting and Natural Landscape

Lawson Creek Park is situated at 1309 Country Club Road, flanked by the Trent River to the south and Lawson Creek to the north. The park occupies a peninsula-like shape, which means much of its border is waterfront—an uncommon and valuable trait for an urban park. Across the water, the skyline of historic downtown New Bern is visible, offering a beautiful backdrop to sunsets and open-air activities.

The park’s terrain includes:

Low-lying wetlands and marshes, home to diverse plant and animal species.

Wooded sections, rich in native hardwoods and pine.

Tidal estuaries, where fresh and brackish waters meet, making it a biodiverse habitat.

Jack’s Island, a secluded wooded outcrop surrounded on three sides by water, connected by a small bridge and home to a rustic nature trail.

Because of its ecological variety, Lawson Creek Park is a favorite spot for bird watchers and nature photographers. Herons, egrets, ospreys, and migratory songbirds are frequently seen, especially around dawn and dusk.

Trails and Walking Paths

The park features a network of unpaved and partially paved trails, suitable for walking, jogging, and light biking. The main walking trail runs approximately 0.8 miles, looping through open areas and weaving near the shoreline. Some paths are elevated with wooden boardwalks to protect the marshland and allow visitors to experience the wetlands without disturbing them.

Jack’s Island Trail offers a more rustic experience. Though not heavily improved, it circles through tall pines and offers the best unobstructed view across the Trent River to downtown New Bern. It's a quiet, semi-wild part of the park that feels distinctly different from the main areas, perfect for reflective walks or nature observation.

Water Access and Boating

One of the park’s key attractions is its water-based recreation infrastructure, particularly well-suited for boating and fishing.

Boat Launches: Two concrete boat ramps allow access to the Trent River, suitable for small motorboats, fishing vessels, and kayaks. Parking for trailers is ample and free of charge.

Kayak and Canoe Launch: There is a designated area for non-motorized watercraft, which is especially popular during warm months when the calm tidal waters of Lawson Creek provide a peaceful paddling experience.

Floating Docks and Fishing Piers: The park includes multiple piers, some covered and one ADA-accessible. These are frequently used by anglers but also double as scenic lookouts over the water.

The waters around the park are teeming with bass, catfish, striped bass, sunfish, and flounder, making it a favorite among local anglers year-round.

Recreational and Athletic Facilities

Lawson Creek Park is not just for nature lovers—it’s also designed for family gatherings, casual sports, and public events. Key features include:

Picnic Shelters: Two large, reservable shelters with picnic tables, grills, and lighting make the park a top choice for birthday parties, reunions, and other gatherings. Each shelter accommodates roughly 50–100 people.

Soccer Fields: There are two open fields frequently used for casual soccer games, flag football, and fitness classes. These fields are unlit but well maintained and open for public use unless booked.

Children’s Playground: A basic play structure with slides and climbing equipment provides a safe and entertaining space for younger children. It’s located near the main picnic area.

Barbecue Grills and Restrooms: Grills are located throughout the park, especially around the picnic and parking areas. Public restrooms are clean and located near the central pavilion.

Events and Community Use

Lawson Creek Park serves as a community gathering place for public events and private functions. Regular activities include:

Fishing tournaments

Outdoor concerts and movie nights

Holiday events, such as fireworks displays during the Fourth of July

Environmental education programs, often coordinated by local schools and wildlife agencies

Recent and Ongoing Developments

The city has initiated a series of long-term improvement projects to expand and modernize the park's offerings.

Marshwalk Extension: A raised wooden walkway is being extended into the wetland zone, with a 10' x 30' fishing and observation platform at the end. This aims to enhance visitor engagement with the marsh ecosystem without harming it.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Major work is underway to install a new sanitary sewer force main, which involves tunneling beneath the Trent River and Jack’s Island. Although sections of the park have been temporarily closed due to construction, completion is expected by spring 2026, and long-term impact on the environment will be minimal.

Visitor Experience

Despite being within city limits, the park feels secluded and calm. There’s no entrance fee, and the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Parking is ample, and there's enough room for both casual visitors and those towing boat trailers.

The combination of easy river access, preserved natural habitats, and modern facilities makes Lawson Creek Park one of New Bern’s most versatile public spaces. Whether visitors are seeking solitude, exercise, family fun, or angling adventure, the park delivers an immersive, low-key experience deeply rooted in the coastal character of eastern North Carolina.