Carteret County Game Land
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 25, 2025
Carteret County Game Land is located in North Carolina and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
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Summary
The area spans over 2,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and waterfowl. There are several reasons to visit the Game Land, including hiking, birdwatching, and hunting.
One of the main points of interest to see at the Game Land is the extensive network of trails that wind their way through the woods and marshes. These trails are perfect for hiking and offer visitors the chance to explore the area's natural beauty.
Another popular activity at the Game Land is birdwatching. The area is home to a wide variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. Birdwatchers can explore the marshes and open fields to spot these birds in their natural habitats.
For hunters, the Game Land offers a unique opportunity to hunt deer, turkey, and waterfowl. There are specific hunting seasons and regulations that hunters must follow, so it's important to check with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission before planning a hunting trip.
Interesting facts about the Game Land include its history as a former military base during World War II. There are still remnants of the military presence in the area, including old bunkers and gun emplacements.
The best time of year to visit the Carteret County Game Land depends on what activities you're interested in. Hunting season typically runs from September to December, while birdwatching is best in the spring and fall. Hiking can be enjoyed year-round, although summers can be hot and humid. It's important to bring appropriate gear and attire for the season and activity you plan to participate in.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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