Fort Macon State Park

Fort Macon State Park
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Fort Macon as viewed from one of the shoreward sides
Location of Fort Macon State Park in North Carolina Show map of North Carolina Fort Macon State Park (the United States) Show map of the United States
Location	Carteret, North Carolina, United States
Coordinates	34°41′44″N 76°41′20″W / 34.69556°N 76.68889°W / 34.69556; -76.68889
Area	424 acres (172 ha)[1]
Established	1936
Named for	Fort Macon
Governing body	North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Website	Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Nearest city	Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Area	9 acres (3.6 ha)
Built	1826
NRHP reference No.	70000445[2]
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).^[1] 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. Fort Macon is made up of 2,379,546 bricks—more than any other U.S. fort.^{[citation needed]}

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.