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North Carolina
21

North Carolina State Parks

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USA Parks
North Carolina
Coastal - Eastern Region
Fort Macon State Park
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Fort Macon State Park Canon Balls © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Fort Macon State Park Kitchen © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Fort Macon State Park kitchen © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Fort Macon State Park © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Fort Macon State Park Reenactment © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
July 21, 2013 reenactment
Fort Macon State Park Reenactment © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
July 21,2013 Reenactment
Fort Macon State Park Reenactment © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
July 21,2013 Reenactment
Fort Macon State Park Reenactment © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
July 21, 2013 Reenactment
Fort Macon State Park Nature © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Plant life on the grounds
Fort Macon State Park Canon © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Fort Macon State Park Door Latch © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Latch on the door
Fort Macon State Park Reenactment © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
July 21,2013 Reenactment
Fort Macon State Park Reenactment © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
July 21,2013 Reenactment
Fort Macon State Park Reenactment © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
July 21.2013 Reenactment
Fort Macon State Park © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Fort Macon State Park Hinge © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
One of the hinges by the cannons
Fort Macon State Park Flag © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Flag on the Fort Macon Grounds
Fort Macon State Park © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Fort Macon State Park © Kendal McNeill-Meyerhofer
Fort Macon State Park © Douglas Ashton
Fort Macon State Park © Douglas Ashton
Fort Macon State Park © Douglas Ashton
Fort Macon State Park © Douglas Ashton
Fort Macon State Park © Douglas Ashton
Fort Macon State Park © Douglas Ashton
Fort Macon State Park © Douglas Ashton
Fort Macon State Park © Douglas Ashton
Fort Macon State Park © Douglas Ashton
Fort Macon State Park © Douglas Ashton
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FORT MACON STATE PARK
FORT MACON STATE PARK
P.O. Box 127
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina   28512

Phone: 252-726-3775
Email: park email button icon
Fort Macon offers public access to the surf, sun and sand of the Crystal Coast - as well as a historic landmark. Located at the eastern end of Bogue Banks, one of a series of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast, the park is surrounded on three sides by water - the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort Inlet and Bogue Sound. This area of undisturbed natural beauty is the perfect place to explore salt marshes and estuaries vital to the coastal ecosystem.

The park is also home to a Civil War fort with a history as intricate and unique as the waterways of the sound. Visit Fort Macon to enjoy the land's natural beauty and soak up some history.
Nature of the Area
While most visitors to Fort Macon spend their time at the fort or relaxing on the beach, the park is also an excellent introduction to the varied and abundant plant and animal life of the North Carolina coast.

Explore the base of the jetty at low tide or walk the beach in search of mollusk shells washed ashore by a storm. Sea urchins, sea stars and coral may be spotted on or under rocks or other objects in the shallow water. Park flora includes live oak, yaupon, cedar and black locust.

Nearby natural attractions include the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, eight miles west of Fort Macon. With extensive maritime forests and freshwater ponds, this area is also the site of the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
History of the Area
Five-sided Fort Macon is constructed of brick and stone. Twenty-six vaulted rooms also called casemates are enclosed by outer walls that average 4 1/2 feet thick.

Blackbeard and other infamous pirates were known to have passed through Beaufort Inlet at will while successive wars with Spain, France and Great Britain during the Colonial Period provided a constant threat of coastal raids by enemy warships. Beaufort was captured and plundered by the Spanish in 1747 and again by the British in 1782.

North Carolina leaders recognized the need for coastal defenses to prevent such attacks and began efforts to construct forts. The eastern point of Bogue Banks was determined to be the best location for a fort to guard the entrance to Beaufort Inlet, and in 1756 construction of a small fascine fort known as Fort Dobbs began there. Fort Dobbs was never finished, and the inlet remained undefended during the American Revolution.

Fort Macon was a federal prison from 1867 to 1876, garrisoned during the Spanish-American War and closed in 1903. Congress offered the sale of the fort in 1923, and the state purchased the land, making it the second state park. Restored by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1934-35, the fort was garrisoned for the last time during World War II.

In 1923, Fort Macon was offered for sale as surplus military property. However, at the bidding of North Carolina leaders, a Congressional Act on June 4, 1924, sold the fort and surrounding reservation for the sum of $1 to the state of North Carolina to be used as a public park. This was the second area acquired by the state for the purpose of establishing a state parks system.

During 1934-35 the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the fort and established public recreational facilities, which enabled Fort Macon State Park to officially open May 1, 1936, as North Carolina's first functioning state park.

At the outbreak of World War II, the US Army leased the park from the state and actively manned the old fort with Coast Artillery troops to protect a number of important nearby facilities. The fort was occupied from December, 1941, to November, 1944. On October 1, 1946, the Army returned the fort and the park to the state.
Swimming
The beautiful beach is a popular source of recreation at the park. A seaside bathhouse and refreshment stand are open Memorial Day through Labor Day for your convenience and comfort. Memorial Day through Labor Day, staff permitting. Because of strong water currents, visitors are encouraged to swim only in the protected area. Surfing is not allowed in protected swimming area.
Boating
The park, located in North Carolina, offers a variety of boating options for visitors. The waters surrounding the area are perfect for sailing and motor-boating with several nearby marinas offering boat rentals. Kayaking is also popular due to calm water conditions suitable even for beginners. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy both saltwater and freshwater fishing from their boats as well.
Fishing
Fish are abundant in the inlet and the ocean. Flounder, bluefish, spot, croaker, sheepshead and whiting provide plenty of sport and lots of good eating. Fishing may be enjoyed throughout the year at Fort Macon.

Spring Fishing starts slow but will improve as the water warms with catches of flounder, bluefish, red drum and various other species that return this time of year.

Summer Fishing this time of year is usually a mixed bag of black drum, spot, flounder, bluefish, pompano, red drum and sea mullet.

Fall Fall is the time when surf anglers enjoy runs of sea mullet whiting, pompano, spot, gray trout, red drum, bluefish, black drum and various other species.

Winter Fishing becomes tougher as the water cools. Determined anglers can target speckled trout and redfish in the surf. This time of year also has good numbers of dogfish.


Location
Fort Macon State Park is located near Beaufort, Havelock and Morehead City

Picnicking
Picnic facilities in the park include outdoor grills, drinking water, picnic tables, shelters and restrooms. Trash containers are centrally located. The restrooms, located close to the picnic tables, are open year-round, unless in the event of freezing weather.
Bicycling
Biking is permitted on park roads and in the parking area. Be cautious as these areas can be busy.

There are no designated biking trails within this coastal site, so stay alert for vehicles.

Remember to wear a helmet when cycling; safety should always come first while enjoying your ride.

Please note that bike rentals aren't available onsite - bring your own or rent from nearby facilities before visiting.

Cyclists must follow all traffic laws including stop signs and yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks.

Avoid riding after dark due to limited visibility which could lead to accidents with cars or pedestrians.
Trails
Fort Macon has over 1.5 miles of ocean beach for hiking. As you walk along the beach you may see one of the 302 different species of birds found in the park or experience the thrill of watching Dolphins playing in the ocean.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can enjoy spotting various species like the Brown Pelican, Osprey and Black Skimmer. The park's diverse habitats attract a wide range of birds throughout the year. There are also bird-watching events organized periodically for visitors to participate in.

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Area Campgrounds
Water's Edge RV Park
1463 Highway 24
Newport, NC
252-247-0494
Beaufort Waterway RV Park
327 Core Creek Road
Beaufort, NC
252-728-4500
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Fort Macon State Park is located in Carteret County on the eastern end of Bogue Banks. From I-95, take US 70 east to Morehead City, and turn south on Atlantic Beach Causeway. Cross the bridge to Atlantic Beach, and turn left on NC 58. The fort is located at the tip of the island.

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North Carolina
21

North Carolina State Parks

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