VisitJoCo for Outdoor Fun

The Johnston County Visitors Bureau is a proud partner of the Outdoor NC Alliance, an initiative with VisitNC, and we’re thrilled to share our commitment to stewardship of our shared outdoor spaces with you. We have joined the Outdoor NC movement to preserve and protect our cherished outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy. Our goal is to actively promote stewardship and responsible recreation in the outdoors. Learn more about using the Leave No Trace principles and planning ahead. JoCo and the state of North Carolina are fun, and unspoiled, places to recreate and enjoy the outdoors, and we want to keep them that way!

Join the Movement

Outdoor NC is a movement that is committed to promoting stewardship throughout North Carolina, inspiring everyone to not only experience the outdoors, but embrace and protect it as well. It provides a wide variety of resources which educate outdoor adventurers on how they can recreate responsibly, respectfully, and safely. As an Outdoor NC Alliance partner, we actively encourage everyone to join our collective movement to protect our beloved, shared outdoor spaces. We invite you to join the Outdoor NC movement by going to outdoornc.com.

Accessibility for All

Johnston County, NC welcomes ALL visitors to enjoy our destination. We strive for accessibility and inclusivity of all destination assets, experiences, and services. JoCo is home to beautiful, rural outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities including parks, trails, waterways, and even historic sites - many of which are partially or fully accessible. To help all our visitors, and residents, prepare to recreate in JoCo the Johnston County Visitors Bureau is committed to the on-going process of working with our recreation partners to effectively communicate on our website which of our natural assets and recreation facilities are accessible and to what degree. Learn more on our accessibility page here.

Trip Tips with Austin Cross

Learn more about where to get outdoors in JoCo from a local in-the-know. Discover tips on trails, nature preserves, coffee spots, and where to get a good sandwich. Plus, what you might want to consider ahead of your trip and how to explore responsibly. Austin is a JoCo native who now works for the county's Open Spaces Department and sits on the Friends of Johnston County Parks board.

Get Outdoors in JoCo!

Whether you're hitting the links or tossing a disc, our golf and disc golf courses offer a fun challenge for all skill levels. And there's more - our parks, trails, and waterways are open for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. From leisurely hikes to energetic bike rides, come and enjoy the natural beauty that Johnston County has to offer. You will find both recreational and thematic trails across our towns. Remember as you explore the 7 important principles of Leave No Trace.

Trail Town Program

As part of the OutdoorNC Trail Town Stewardship Program we are working to collaborate with our public land managers to better promote our ADA-compliant outdoor spaces moving forward. This is to ensure we have the most accurate information possible regarding which of our recreational facilities are ADA-compliant and in what ways, so that all our visitors can make informed decisions before and during their visit to JoCo. You can learn more about the Trail Town Project and Guide here.

Adventure in JoCo Responsibly

Below you will find more information about exploring nature in JoCo across our towns, recreational assets, trails, and more. Looking to stay overnight? Johnston County has multiple campgrounds - many of which offer tent camping, RV spots, and even cabins for a more glamping experience. Our partnership with OutdoorNC is not just about promoting natural spaces to explore, but also about promoting the ways in which we can make sure to leave these spaces pristine for everyone. You can read the 7 important principles of Leave No Trace. In addition, you can find Leave No Trace principles specific to exploring the outdoors with your dog here!