Best Tent Camping near Elizabeth City, NC
State parks near Elizabeth City, North Carolina offer diverse tent camping options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Merchants Millpond State Park, located approximately 30 miles west of Elizabeth City in Gatesville, provides several tent-only camping experiences including backpack campsites, canoe-in primitive tent camping, and group walk-in sites. False Cape State Park, though in Virginia, is within reasonable driving distance north of Elizabeth City and features highly-rated primitive tent campsites accessible only by foot, bicycle, or boat.
Tent campsites at Merchants Millpond feature a mix of terrain types, with sites set on forest floors surrounded by cypress trees and wetland vegetation. The canoe-in tent sites require paddling through swamp waters with numerous underwater obstructions, making navigation challenging but rewarding for prepared campers. According to reviews, the sites include fire pits, grills, and picnic tables, with pit toilets maintained regularly. Campers should be aware of wildlife including alligators, snakes, and numerous insects, particularly during summer months. Bug spray is essential equipment for tent campers in this region, especially during warmer seasons.
The backcountry tent camping experience varies significantly between the parks. At False Cape State Park, one camper noted, "The park is a serene oasis away from traffic, no RVs, not a lot of people," highlighting the isolation that comes with the 5-7 mile hike or bike ride required to reach the tent sites. Visitors report that even during holiday weekends, the primitive tent campgrounds remain uncrowded. Merchants Millpond offers a different experience, with one visitor explaining that "sites are well maintained and not right on top of each other." Spring and fall provide the most comfortable tent camping conditions in both locations, with summer bringing intense heat, humidity, and insects. Water access points are available at designated locations, though carrying sufficient water for hike-in sites is recommended.