Trip Tip Host: Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Travel Consultants
Outdoor Passion: Paddling, Hiking, Nature Photography & Camping
Location: Dismal Swamp State Park (South Mills, NC)
Most over looked area to recreate? The Dismal Swamp State Park in South Mills, NC is rich in natural & cultural history and offers 20+ miles of old logging trails for hiking, biking, and a historic waterway to paddle.
Favorite season to recreate in NC & why? What level of experience is needed to recreate this area? o Spring and Fall – it’s less buggy, not as humid and foliage is bursting with color and blooms. Any level of experience can enjoy the Dismal Swamp State Park. There is an ADA accessible visitor center with a ½ mile board walk for an easy stroll through the park, or over 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
How long should you plan on visiting the area? Plan on overnighting in the area to fully experience the swamp and other popular local eats & attractions.
What sets the area apart from other destinations? Camden County is surrounded by water, scenic views and parks that offer lots of recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, meditation, birding, wildlife photography & much more.
What is unique about the facilities and infrastructure of the area? The Dismal Swamp is the largest remaining wetland in the southern USA and the historic Dismal Swamp Canal is the oldest man-made waterway that is still in use today for paddling as well as an alternate route on the Intracoastal Waterway. You can kayak and enjoy views of large sailing or power boats cruising through!
How do you plan ahead and prepare for your recreational activity? Learn about the site before visiting, plan accordingly with attire, bring bug spray, sunscreen, good walking shoes & have fun!
What piece of outdoor equipment is your must have? Bug repellent is a must have for all outdoor activities. If you love to camp, bring your RV and portable fire pit to enjoy a peaceful stay at North River Campground.
How do you put one Outdoor NC Leave No trace principle in action before/during/or after your activity? When on the trails, we always stick to the designated trail system and read the signage. The swamp is home to incredible wildlife and plants- we take lots of pictures to share or learn from but respect nature and leave things as they are.
Favorite place to visit before or after an outdoor adventure for a meal/coffee/ beverage? After a day of paddling or hiking, head over to Taylor’s Oak Restaurant in Shiloh to grab one of their signature burgers & made from scratch desserts. Waterfall Blossom Café is go-to for a coffee, lemonade or iced refresher with fruity poppers.
Share a unique place to stay in the area. Whey would you recommend this? North River Campground is great for those with RV’s but they also offer tent camping and cabins to rent! The property and facilities are well kept with a catch and release pond for fishing along with access to the North River. They were voted one of the best private campgrounds in NC by RVLife.com.
Other overlooked and under visited locations in the area to see while in town? Treasure Point Park in Camden along the Pasquotank River is beautiful and a great place for fishing, paddling and hiking. For history lovers, the Camden County Heritage Museum & Historic Jail are must see sites featuring hundreds of artifacts ranging from the Indigenous People, Colonial period, Civil War, through World War II. The historic jail has original bull pen cells from the 1920s.
What is your can’t miss experience in the area? Paddling the historic Dismal Swamp Canal- which was all hand dug by enslaved labor in the late 1700s and surveyed multiple times by George Washington. The dark mirrored waters are the perfect place to take in nature sounds, reflect on the incredible history of the area and recharge mind, body & spirit. The area is a designated site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and NC Black Heritage Trail.
Insider tip! Visit the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center & Rest Area- the only rest area in the United States for travelers via highway & waterway. Staff provide information on current local events and things to do in the area.
Camden County is a proud partner of the Outdoor NC Alliance and we’re thrilled to share our commitment to stewardship of our shared outdoor spaces with you. We have joined the Outdoor NC movement to preserve and protect our cherished outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy. Our goal is to actively promote stewardship and responsible recreation in the outdoors, which will ensure our state is the world-class destination we know and love, forever. Find out more here.