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Hunting Island got its name when the island was once
used for hunting deer, waterfowl and raccoon. Hunting Island, as well as Beaufort, was a
common layover for sailors and pirates, including Blackbeard. In the 1930's, the Civilian
Conservation Corps built the State Park. Hunting Island has remained very conservative with the
natural environment, but that does not mean you have to rough it. There are showers and
dressing rooms on the beach, a 200 site campground, cabins, boardwalk, nature trails,
lagoon, fishing pier and boat landing. In the center of the park stands a historic
lighthouse which gives a magnificent view of the shoreline. Hunting Island is also a
popular nesting ground for the Loggerhead turtle and the park has a hatchery
for the study
and preservation of the species. The weather is nice most of the year and the cool
Atlantic breeze keeps the summer heat at an enjoyable level. The park hours are
6 am to 9
pm from April through October
and 6 am to 6 pm from November through March. |