Overview & Suitability

The North America Parking lot at the North Carolina Zoo serves as a primary access point for visitors to the world's largest natural habitat zoo. This facility is designed to accommodate a wide variety of vehicles, including standard passenger cars, buses, and recreational vehicles (RVs). Please note that while the lot is spacious, it is strictly for daytime visitor use; overnight parking and camping are prohibited.

Access, Dimensions & Clearance

The facility is designed for easy navigation, though visitors should take note of designated zones. Buses and RVs have dedicated parking areas (specifically in lot 'A' or the Solar Pointe area) to ensure safety and efficient traffic flow. It is advised to park these larger vehicles before unloading passengers. The zoo grounds themselves are hilly, and while the parking lot is paved and accessible, visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as the lot can reach capacity during peak seasons and holidays.

Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking

Parking at the North Carolina Zoo is free of charge for all visitors. No pre-booking is required or available, as parking is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. If the North America lot reaches capacity, traffic will be directed to the Africa parking entrance.

Security & Amenities

The North America lot is equipped with modern conveniences to enhance the visitor experience, including:

• Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations: Eight spaces are located in front of the Stedman Education Center, with four additional spaces near the Solar Pointe picnic shelter.
• Free Park Transportation: A shuttle service operates to transport guests between parking lots, and an internal tram system connects the parking entrance to Junction Plaza and the Africa entrance.
• Accessibility: Dedicated accessible parking spaces are available for vehicles with valid license plates or hang tags.

Strategic Alternative

This facility acts as the primary gateway to the North Carolina Zoo. Because the zoo is a linear park spanning over 500 acres, visitors often use the parking lot as a home base before utilizing the complimentary in-park shuttle or tram systems to navigate between the North America and Africa regions of the zoo.