Discover North Carolina’s State-Owned Shooting Ranges: Your Guide to Safe and Accessible Practice

The Benefits of Using Public Shooting Ranges

Shooting ranges aren’t just places to practice marksmanship; they’re community hubs for firearm education and safety. The NCWRC ensures these facilities meet high safety standards, offering:

1. Accessibility – Locations are distributed across the state, ensuring most residents can find a range within a reasonable drive.

2. Affordability – Many ranges feature low entry fees, making them a budget-friendly option.

3. Safety – With well-maintained infrastructure and trained range officers, public shooting ranges offer a secure environment for everyone.

4. Education – Ranges often host training events, including hunter education courses and firearms safety classes.

Types of Ranges Available

North Carolina’s public ranges cater to a variety of shooting disciplines, including:

• Rifle and Pistol Ranges: Designed for target shooting at various distances, ideal for hunters, competitive shooters, and firearm enthusiasts.

• Archery Ranges: Perfect for those practicing traditional or modern archery.

• Shotgun Ranges: Many ranges include areas for skeet, trap, and sporting clays.

Find Your Nearest Range

North Carolina offers a variety of public shooting ranges, each providing unique facilities to cater to shooting and archery enthusiasts. Here's an updated overview of each location, including the county they're situated in:

Flintlock Valley Shooting Range

Troy, NC

Located in Montgomery County, this range is a collaboration between the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the U.S. Forest Service. It features a 25-yard pistol range and a 100-yard rifle range, both with covered shooting stations. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. N.C. Wildlife Resources

Foothills Public Shooting Complex

Cherryville, NC

Situated in Cleveland County, this is one of the largest public outdoor shooting complexes in the Southeastern U.S. The 185-acre campus offers a 250-yard precision rifle range, 20-yard handgun range, and various other facilities. The complex operates year-round with specific hours for each range. Foothills Public Shooting

Holly Shelter Shooting Range

Rocky Point, NC

Found in Pender County, this range is a partnership between the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Pender County Parks & Recreation. It includes a 200-yard rifle range, 50-yard pistol range, two 5-stand fields, a shotgun patterning lane, and a 3-D archery range. N.C. Wildlife Resources

John Lentz Hunter Education Complex

Ellerbe, NC

Located in Richmond County, this newly renovated complex features three rifle and pistol ranges (25-yard, 50-yard, and 100-yard) with 10 shooting stations each, a static archery range and tower, a 3D archery course, a redesigned five-stand shotgun field, and two combination skeet/trap fields. Visit North Carolina

McDowell County Shooting Range

Marion, NC

Situated in McDowell County, this range offers a 100-yard rifle range with 10 shooting stations, a 25-yard pistol range with 12 stations, and an archery range. It's designed to be safe and fun for all, emphasizing proper firearm safety. McDowell County Shooting Range

Odom Shooting Range

Jackson, NC

Located in Northampton County, this range features a 100-yard rifle range with eight shooting stations, a 25-yard pistol range with eight stations, and a 3-D target archery range with six stations. Operating hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. N.C. Wildlife Resources

R. Wayne Bailey-Caswell Shooting Range

Yanceyville, NC

Found in Caswell County, this range offers a 100-yard rifle range with five shooting stations, a 25-yard pistol range with five stations, and a roaming archery course with 10 separate 3D targets. It's universally accessible and free to the public. N.C. Wildlife Resources

Van Camp Family Shooting Range at YMCA Camp Hanes

King, NC

Situated in Stokes County, this range is a partnership with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. It serves guests of YMCA Camp Hanes, summer camp participants, shooting sports teams, and is open to the general public. Registration is required through the camp. N.C. Wildlife Resources

Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center

Apex, NC

Located in Wake County, this center is a collaboration among Wake County, the Wake County Sheriff's Office, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. It features a 100-meter rifle range, three 50-meter multi-use ranges, and an indoor range. Operating hours vary, and the center is open to the public. Wake County Government

Wayne E. Smith Cold Mountain Shooting Range

Canton, NC

Found in Haywood County, this range offers a 100-yard rifle range with five shooting lanes and a 50-yard pistol range with five lanes. It's universally accessible and operates Wednesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. N.C. Wildlife Resources

These facilities provide safe and accessible environments for shooting enthusiasts across North Carolina. Before visiting, it's advisable to check each range's specific operating hours, rules, and any required fees or reservations.

1. Check Regulations: Each range has specific rules, such as caliber restrictions or target guidelines.

2. Bring the Right Gear: Don’t forget safety equipment like hearing and eye protection.

3. Plan Ahead: Some ranges operate by reservation, while others are first-come, first-served.

4. Follow Safety Protocols: Always handle firearms responsibly and adhere to posted range rules.

North Carolina’s public shooting ranges are a fantastic resource for firearm and archery enthusiasts, offering safe, affordable, and accessible locations to improve your skills. Whether you’re training for hunting season, building self-defense capabilities, or simply enjoying the sport, these ranges provide a supportive environment for all.

Explore a range near you today and take advantage of this valuable resource!

Tips for Your Visit