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| Home > North Carolina > Black Swamp |
Black Swamp OHV Area
Thursday, March 7, 2024
| Other Names | Croatan National Forest, Croatan OHV, Catfish Lake Road |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This area offers about eight miles of ATV trails that wind through a mixed pine and scrub oak forest. The terrain is mostly flat but can get extremely muddy during wet weather. Deep mud puddles are common even during dry weather.
The main staging area offers plenty of room for parking and has a vault toilet and trash cans but no running water so come prepared. Dispersed camping is permitted.
The trails are open to machines that are 50 inches or less in width. The forest is open daily, year-round except during extreme weather conditions.
Visitors should note that a trail permit is required to ride here and must be obtained prior to arrival since there is no self pay kiosk. Passes must be purchased online prior to entry.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | Trail Riding Permit |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Unknown | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (99 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (50 inches) | has entrance gate or posts |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 Four Wheelers | Permitted | (maximum width 50 inches) |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | (maximum width 50 inches) |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | |
 Camping | Some Areas | dispersed camping is permitted |
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on trail |
| Rule Enforcement | Many | Dedicated Rangers/Officers |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 200 acres | |
| Miles Of Trail | 8 | |
| Climate Type | Swamp | |
| Elevation | 35 to 45 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack |  Some | |
| Sand | Little | |
| Mud |  Mostly | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks | Little | |
| Trees |  Many | |
| Steep Hills |  None | |
| Small Jumps | None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | None | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Hazards |  Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | National Forest |
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (E) | Fuel Market (252) 633-1976 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (E) | Fuel Market (252) 633-1976 |
 Water | 5-20 Miles (E) | Paul's RV Park & Boat Ramp (252) 444-4929 or (252) 229-6421 |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (E) | Paul's RV Park & Boat Ramp (252) 444-4929 or (252) 229-6421 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (E) | Paul's RV Park & Boat Ramp (252) 444-4929 or (252) 229-6421 |
| Campground | 5-20 Miles (E) | Flanner's Beach Campground (252) 638-5628 |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (E) | Fuel Market (252) 633-1976 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | Yes ($5.00 per rider) Annual Pass - $30/rider |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | New Bern, NC | ||
| Address | Black Swamp Road, Pollocksville, NC 28573 | ||
| From: New Bern, NC
1) Take US-70 East about 10 miles 2) Turn right (west) on FS1100/Catfish Lake Road, continue 9 miles 3) Turn left (south) on FS152, staging area is on the immediate left. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Croatan National Forest 141 E. Fisher Avenue New Bern, NC 28560 (252) 638-5628 mailroom_r8_north_carolina@fs.fed.us www.fs.usda.gov |
Black Swamp Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 7/28/2013 (Thanks!)
Black Swamp Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 7/28/2013 (Thanks!)
Black Swamp Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 7/28/2013 (Thanks!)
Black Swamp Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 7/28/2013 (Thanks!)
Black Swamp Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 7/28/2013 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS