Merchants Millpond State Park RV & Campground Guide
North Carolina
Located in the sparsely populated northeastern corner of North Carolina, Merchants Millpond State Park is a unique ecosystem boasting over 3,296 acres of lush swamp forest and a coastal pond. Just like the rest of the state, the weather at Merchants Millpond State Park is generally sunny all throughout the year, which makes it a perfect spot for outdoor adventurers. This state park is home to an assortment of wildlife, including alligators, bobcats, mink, otter, and more. But perhaps the fascinating thing about Merchants Millpond is its proximity to the towns of Gatesville and Elizabeth City as well as an abundance of local museums. If you're planning a visit to Merchant Millpond sometime soon or are just curious to know what else makes it a favorite for North Carolina campers, read on.
Spring 40-70 F
Summer 70-90 F
Fall 46-67 F
Winter 31-56 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Merchants Millpond State Park
There is a variety of camping opportunities in and around Merchants Millpond State Park. If spending a night inside a tent isn't your cup of tea, we genuinely recommend the comfort, warmth, and all-around glamping that an RV provides. If you don't own a recreational vehicle, consider getting a rental on RVshare that suits your personal needs. Of course, all rentals come with 24/7 roadside assistance, nationwide insurance, and a world-class team committed to helping you succeed.
Merchants Millpond State Park Campground
The good news is that Merchants Millpond State Park has a family campground of its own, equipped with drinking water, showers, and restrooms. One of the best-kept secrets in North Carolina, this campground has 20 trailer and tent sites. Unplug from the everyday noise and get out into the heart of nature with a stay in one of the sites at Merchants Millpond. Nightly charges start at $30.
- Water hookup: No
- Electrical hookup: No
- Sewer hookup: No
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Boat launch, picnic tables, grills, dock
Rocky Hock Campground
Rocky Hock Campground is located at the heart of Edenton, just a hop, skip, and jump away from Merchants Millpond. It prides itself on providing affordable camping amenities such as much larger back-in RV sites without sacrificing the "small town" vibe. It's within walking distance of beautiful golf courses, shopping, restaurants, and just minutes from Elizabeth City. Rates start at $40 per night.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Laundry room, pool tables, hot showers
Davis Lake Campground
Located just 25 miles from Merchants Millpond State Park, Davis Lakes Campground features three beautiful lakes: 6-acre Catfish Lake stocked with largemouth bass and blue grill, 25-acre Lake Neal for fishing, and 18-acre Lake Helen for swimming. Here, you'll find 14 campsites, many of them with ample space to anchor a boat.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Boat ramp, restrooms, group shelter, flush toilets
What to Do at
Merchants Millpond State Park
Inside Merchants Millpond State Park
Merchants Millpond State Park isn't just popular among campers; it's a hot spot for anyone who loves to have outdoor fun. It offers a beautiful ecosystem for nature lovers to explore. Don't miss a chance to hike or bike through the nine miles of trails encompassing Coleman Trail, Bennet Creek Trail, and Lassiter Trail. Don't end your vacation at the park without gliding through Merchant Millpond's tranquil, shallow waters aboard a kayak. You'll also want to spend a day exploring the Lassiter Swamp, a distinctive swamp where cypress trees loop out of the water.
Outside Merchants Millpond State Park
With Merchants Millpond State Park being located just 79 miles from iconic Kitty Hawk, which is arguably the state's most beautiful town, there's no shortage of fun activities to enjoy outside the state park. You'll also find a myriad of shops in Elizabeth City, some of which sell native North Carolina art, crafts, and jewelry. From sightseeing in Asheville to dining hotspots in Raleigh, there's something for everyone outside Merchants Millpond.
Restaurants
Cypress Creek Grill
A 40-minute drive from the state park is Cypress Creek Grill. This vibrant, family-friendly restaurant features American favorites such as guacamole, crab and shrimp dip, loaded potato wedges, and more. Popular menu starters include fried calamari, bacon-wrapped scallops, and hand-breaded oysters. Tantalizing!
Type: Seafood
Location: 113 S Water St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Montero's
Are you craving a melt-in-mouth dinner during your state park stay? Head out to Montero's for its famous crab dip, shrimp tacos, and brown sugar-encrusted pork chops. From falafel and vegetable pot pie to steaks, chicken, briskets, and more, there's something to tingle every taste bud.
Type: American
Location: 414 McArthur Dr, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Ciao Down Italian Café
Ciao Down Italian Café is a locally owned and operated restaurant, sitting just 5.2 miles from Merchants Millpond. They're famous for their delectable Italian dishes as well as their pizzas. Here, you can expect a friendly atmosphere, quick service, quality food, and, of course, value.
Type: Italian
Location: 504 Main St, Gatesville, NC 27938
Shopping
Chowan Crossing Shopping Center
The nearest shopping mall to Merchants Millpond State Park, Chowan Crossing Shopping Center, is just 34 minutes away. You can check out a ton of dining options, on-site banks, and a host of retail storefronts that are stocked with camping supplies, of course.
Location: 300 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932
Dollar General Store
Dollar General Store is one of the most convenient shopping centers within the vicinity of Merchants Millpond, so it's ideal if you've forgotten some much-needed food supplies for your camping stay.
Location: 712 Main St, Gatesville, NC 27938
Sightseeing
Museum of the Albemarle
Just a hop, skip, and jump away is the Museum of the Albemarle, a 7,000-square-foot central gallery with antiques and graphics showcasing the ecology and geography of northeastern North Carolina. Get to peek into the region's cultural development over the past 10,000 years. Here, kids can engage in various activities, such as exploring historical buildings' reproductions and dressing up in historical attire.
Location: 501 S Water St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
The North Carolina Aquarium has four coastal outlets, but it is the Roanoke Island location that you should consider for a day's visit. Here, you can get up-close and personal with marine wildlife like humpback whales in their natural setting. Bring your kid to take advantage of an enjoyable 45-minute learning session using crafts in the aquarium.
Location: 374 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC 27954
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
The breathtaking scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound awaits you if you decide to visit the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, located within a two-hour drive from the state park. With 220 steps, it might take you only six or seven minutes to reach the crest. But if you rush your tour, you're likely to miss out on the lighthouse's important history and unique features.
Location: 1101 Corolla Village Road, Corolla, NC 27927
How to Get to
Merchants Millpond State Park
From I-95, take the eastern exit on US-158. Travel northbound on US-158/US-13 and bear right to follow US-158 east. Then, turn right on Millpond road, drive approximately 0.5 miles, and go in at the picnic area entrance. You’ll find the Visitors Center on the right.
Entering Merchants Millpond State Park
Merchants Millpond State Park opens every day at 8 a.m. Between November and February, it closes at 6 p.m. March to May and September to October, it closes at 8 p.m. From June to August, it closes at 9 p.m.
Day use : $0
Campsite : $33
Starting at $33
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