Fort Macon State Park
| Fort Macon State Park | |||||||
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Interactive map of Fort Macon State Park | |||||||
| Location | Carteret County, North Carolina, United States | ||||||
| Coordinates | 34°41′53″N 76°40′42″W / 34.697952°N 76.67834°W | ||||||
| Area | 424 acres (172 ha) | ||||||
| Established | 1924 (purchased); 1936 (opened) | ||||||
| Administered by | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation | ||||||
| Website | Official website | ||||||
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Fort Macon | |||||||
Fort Macon moat | |||||||
| Nearest city | Atlantic Beach, North Carolina | ||||||
| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) | ||||||
| Built | 1826 | ||||||
| NRHP reference No. | 70000445 | ||||||
| Added to NRHP | February 26, 1970 | ||||||
Fort Macon State Park is a North Carolina state park in Carteret County, North Carolina, in the United States. Located on Bogue Banks near Atlantic Beach, the park opened in 1936. Fort Macon State Park is the second most visited state park in North Carolina, with an annual visitation of 1.3 million, despite being one of the smallest state parks in North Carolina with 424 acres (1.72 km2). Fort Macon was built as part of the Third System of US fortifications, and was preceded by Fort Hampton of the Second System.
The Battle of Fort Macon was fought there during March and April 1862.
In addition to the fully restored fort, the park offers visitors both soundside and surf fishing, nature trails, ranger guided tours, a protected swim area, a refreshment stand, and a bathhouse. The park is open year-round, but during the non-summer months the protected swimming area, refreshment stand, and bathhouse are not available.
Fort Macon State Park also surrounds United States Coast Guard Station Fort Macon. The main gate is located directly across from the park office and barracks.