Fort Macon State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

Bike Trails

Open

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Fort Macon State Park

Located in Carteret County 39 miles southeast of New Bern, Fort Macon State Park is centered on an impeccably restored pre-Civil War fort that offers daily guided tours and frequent cannon and musket demonstrations. Extensive exhibits educate visitors on fort history and the natural surroundings. The beach is perfect for swimming, beachcombing, or even spotting a dolphin or two. Trails traverse the salt marsh and dune fields and provide the opportunity to see one of the 300-plus species of birds found in the park. 

Camping

There are no camping facilities at Fort Macon. The closest state park with camping is Hammocks Beach State Park.

Activities

  • Hiking (4 miles)
  • Biking (4 miles)
  • Paddling (ocean beach)
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Amenities

  • Concession stand (seasonal)
  • Visitor center and exhibits
  • Beach accesses (ocean and inlet)
  • Bathhouse (seasonal)
  • Foot rinse station

Plan Your Visit

Address

2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512

GPS: 34.6979, -76.6783

 

Current Weather

28512 Atlantic Beach, NC

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Month

Hours

January 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
February 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
March 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

 

Month

Hours

January 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Lifeguards are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, as staffing permits, from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a 1-hour lunch break closure from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Photo Gallery

Top: Inside the fort, K. Bonifacio

Gallery: Rainbow over Fort Macon, J. Fullwood  |  Beachgoers, C. Peek  |  Sunrise explosion behind cannon, B. Fleming  |  Oak trees over the Elliot Coues Trail, R. Newman  |  Outer walls of the fort, E. Farr