Dan Nicholas Park

Day Use Rules

Reservations are required on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Any person using a shelter or picnic area without a reservation on these days will be asked to leave. Payment must be received at the time the reservation is made. Reservations will not be held without payment. You do not get the shelter overnight. Shelters are for day use only. 

Please refrain from moving any tables at the shelters or picnic areas.

Music at shelters and picnic areas will be monitored by park staff. No bands or disc jockeys are allowed in shelters or picnic areas, with the exception of the Company Shelter.

• There is no electricity at shelters or picnic areas, with exception of the Company Shelter.
• No generators are allowed.
• Food trucks and/or ice trucks require prior approval.
• You cannot sell merchandise or food from the shelters or picnic areas.
• Do not dump grease or food on the ground.
• No balloon or lantern releases are allowed on park property.
• You must vacate your shelter by the designated time.

Any violation of these rules while reserving a shelter or picnic area may result in a $50 fine. In case of disorderly conduct or if any prohibited substances are found, 911 will be called.

Dan Nicholas Park does not allow the following on park grounds:

• Intoxicating substances, including alcohol.
• Disorderly conduct or nuisance behavior
• Registered sex offenders.
• Electric scooters
• Skateboards
• Battery operated or remote-controlled vehicles.
• Generators.
• Soliciting.

Pets must be on a 6-foot handheld leash at all times. No wet clothing is allowed on the train or carousel, or inside the Gem Mine Store, so please plan accordingly if using the Splash Pad. Children under the age of 16 must wear a helmet while riding bicycles.

You must sign in at the concessions stand to fish, and you must have a valid North Carolina fishing license. No fishing is allowed from the boat dock. North Carolina fishing rules apply.

Campground Rules & Policies

The following are prohibited in the campground: 

• Any intoxicating substances, including alcohol
• Smoking (Rowan County Parks are smoke-free parks, including e-cigarettes)
• Fireworks, sparklers, and flamethrowers 
• Generators
• Axes, hand axes, hand saws, and chain saws 
• Swimming pools, hot tubs, and splash pads/slip-n-slides

Other Rules:

• Adults 21 years of age must register for and occupy site. No one under the age of 21 can reserve a site or stay without an adult 21 years old or older.
• A two-night minimum is required on weekends, Friday – Sunday.
• A maximum occupancy of 6 individuals per campsite and 5 individuals per cabin is enforced for safety. 3 vehicles are allowed per site.
• One camper or two tents are permitted on each site.
• Check-in time is 3 pm. Please call to see if early check-in is available before arriving early.
• Check-out time is 11 am for campsites and 11 am for cabins.
• Do not operate any unlicensed vehicles or let an unlicensed driver operate any vehicle within park boundaries.
• Anyone 16 years of age or older must have a valid NC state fishing license. Campers fish for free, but must check in at the Concessions Stand by the lake to obtain an armband.
• Bike and scooter operators under the age of 16 must wear a helmet.
• Leashes are required for all pets not performing a task for an individual with a disability. Please be sure to pick up after your pet for the safety of other pets, guests, and campground staff. Pets are not allowed in park buildings, excluding service animals. Aggressive dogs will not be tolerated.
• Campers must put all trash in the dumpster during their stay and before leaving. Campground staff will not take your trash for you. Do not place daily waste in the bathhouse trash cans.
• Do not dump gray or black water onto the ground. The dump station is located at the first bathhouse and is available to call campers.
• Do not throw food onto the ground or into the woods. Please leave your campsite in a clean and neat condition. Water down fire pit when you leave. Park staff will clean up ashes. Do not burn trash.
• Do not move picnic tables to other sites.
• Do not dig, trench, or cut any shrubs or trees. Contact park staff for any hanging limbs.
• Quiet hours are from 10 pm – 8 am.
• All visitors that are not camping must leave the campground 10 minutes prior to the park closing.
• Be sure to always lock the park gate behind you after hours. Do not give gate combination to visitors.
• Familiarize yourself with the campground store hours upon arrival.

Cabin Rules & Policies

The following are prohibited at cabins:

• Any intoxicating substances, including alcohol
• Smoking (Rowan County Parks are smoke-free parks, including e-cigarettes)
• Pets, excluding service animals
• Tents (tent campers must reserve their own site)
• Candles
• Grilling on the porch. Each site includes an outside charcoal grill.
• Inside coolers (due to chance of leaking and damaging cabin floors)

Other Rules:

• Adults 21 years of age must register for and occupy site. No one under the age of 21 can reserve a site or stay without an adult 21 years old or older.
• A two-night minimum is required on weekends, Friday – Sunday.
• We do not give refunds. Rain checks will be issued if campground staff are notified 4 days prior to a reservation start date. Sites are non-transferable.
• The cabins DO NOT include: toiletries, towels, sheets, blankets, dishes, cooking equipment, pillows, or food. You must bring these items yourself.
• There is no water or bathroom inside the cabins. There are 2 bathhouses in the campground convenient to cabins.
• The cabins DO include: 1 extra-long bed (queen sheets will fit), 1 set of bunk beds (2 single beds), ceiling fan, air conditioner, table and 4 chairs, curtains, refrigerator, microwave, heater, fire extinguisher, and carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• The outside of the cabins includes: water hydrant, picnic table, fire/charcoal ring, and pedestal grill.
• Upon arrival, a $50 key/security deposit will be taken via cash, check, or credit card authorization. Your deposit will be returned to you after your cabin has been inspected and approved and keys returned. You must check-in on time to leave your deposit and get the keys. Keys will not be left outside of cabins.
• Check-in is 3 pm. Please call to see if early check-in is available before arriving early. 
• Check-out is 11 am.
• Do not move cabin furniture outside.