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The $90 Annual Pass, Free — at Any Service-Connected Rating

North Carolina gives its $90 Annual Pass free to an honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected disability, and NO RATING THRESHOLD IS STATED on the page — 10% is treated the same as 100%. The pass covers day-use entry at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake, the Hammocks Beach ferry, the Carolina Beach and Hammocks Beach boat launches, and selected paddle rentals. There is also a 4WD Beach Access version if that is more use to you. Proof is a VA Summary of Benefits Letter.

Verified August 27, 2026

What this benefit is

North Carolina gives its $90 Annual Pass free to an honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected disability, and NO RATING THRESHOLD IS STATED on the page — 10% is treated the same as 100%. The pass covers day-use entry at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake, the Hammocks Beach ferry, the Carolina Beach and Hammocks Beach boat launches, and selected paddle rentals. There is also a 4WD Beach Access version if that is more use to you. Proof is a VA Summary of Benefits Letter.

What it's worth: The $90 Annual Pass at no charge

  • The pass ordinarily costs $90.
  • NO RATING THRESHOLD IS STATED. Any service-connected disability appears to qualify.
  • An honorable discharge is required.
  • Covers day-use entry at FALLS LAKE, JORDAN LAKE and KERR LAKE, the HAMMOCKS BEACH FERRY, the Carolina Beach and Hammocks Beach BOAT LAUNCHES, and SELECT PADDLE RENTALS.
  • A 4WD BEACH ACCESS version is available instead.
  • Proof is a VA Summary of Benefits Letter.
  • THE RESIDENCY TEST IS NOT ESTABLISHED from the sources reviewed.

Who is entitled to it

  • You served in the U.S. armed forces.
  • Your discharge was honorable.
  • You have a service-connected disability.
  • North Carolina state parks.

Not sure whether that describes you?

Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.

How to claim it

  1. 1Download your VA Summary of Benefits Letter — the percentage does not appear to matter.
  2. 2Apply to the Division of Parks and Recreation for the free Annual Pass.
  3. 3Decide between the standard pass and the 4WD Beach Access version before applying.
  4. 4If you live out of state, ask — the residency position is not published.
  5. 5Renew annually; the pass runs for a year.
Form
Application to the Division of Parks and Recreation
File with
NC Division of Parks and Recreation
Documents you will need
va benefit summary letter
Annual
Claimed once a year.
Worth knowingA veteran rated at 10% or 20% is inside this on the same terms as one at 100%, so far as the published page goes. Ask rather than assuming a threshold that is not stated.

Sources

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.