Atlantic Beach, NC
The History of Jungle Land
This page is a living document. As the community contributes more information, we'll fill in the gaps. If you have corrections or additions, please submit them.
What Was Jungle Land?
Jungle Land was a beloved amusement park located in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina — a coastal town on Bogue Banks known for its beaches and summer tourism. For roughly three decades, the park was a fixture of summers on the NC coast, drawing families and thrill-seekers from across the state. Ask anyone who grew up near the Crystal Coast in the '80s or '90s — odds are they have a Jungle Land story.
The Timeline
Here's what we've pieced together so far. Some dates are approximate — that's where you come in. If you can confirm or correct anything below, we want to hear it.
~1970s
Jungle Land Opens
The park opens on Bogue Banks, Atlantic Beach NC, becoming an immediate summer fixture for coastal NC families.
1980s
Peak Years
Summer crowds at their height. Families drive from across the state. The Ferris wheel becomes the park's defining landmark.
1990s
Expansion Era
Go-karts, bumper boats, and an expanded arcade join the lineup. The park becomes a multi-day destination for some families.
~2002–2006
The Gates Close
The park closes. Exact date disputed — community research ongoing. The entrance arch disappears. A piece of the coast goes quiet.
2026
The Archive Opens
Community effort launched to collect and preserve every photo, story, and memory that remains.
Known Attractions
These are the rides and attractions the community remembers so far. Names, locations within the park, and years of operation are still being confirmed.
Ferris Wheel
Go-Karts
Bumper Boats
Mini Golf
Roller Coaster
Arcade
Entrance Arch
Concessions
The End of an Era
Like many independent amusement parks of its era, Jungle Land eventually closed its gates — sometime in the early 2000s, though even the exact year is part of what we're working to confirm. The physical park is gone, but its memory persists in photographs, home videos, and the stories of everyone who visited.
Help Write This History
We're building this page collaboratively. If you have dates, names of rides, photos, or any documented information about Jungle Land, please submit it below. Every contribution helps us preserve this piece of North Carolina history accurately.