Fort Macon State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

Bike Trails

Open

Activities

Trails

Facilities

Education

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 map (PDF)

Fees

There are no fees required to access Fort Macon State Park for day use. Fees are charged for certain event permits.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park, except they are not permitted on the swim beach, inside the fort, or inside buildings. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

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.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at Fort Macon State Park

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderfully. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Friends of Fort Macon

Join, volunteer, or donate! The Friends of Fort Macon promotes, supports, and advocates for Fort Macon State Park through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

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