Tent campsites near Elizabeth City, North Carolina typically offer more isolation than typical state park facilities due to limited accessibility. This coastal region sits at near-sea level elevations with cypress swamps and maritime forests characterizing the natural landscape. Summer humidity indexes regularly exceed 90%, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for most visitors.
What to do
Paddle the millpond: At Merchants Millpond State Park, visitors can navigate the 760-acre millpond's cypress forest. "The cypress trees, swamp flora and fauna are amazing. One of my kids caught a gar, we saw a bald eagle's nest, snakes, frogs, turtles, and lily pads everywhere," reports one camper.
Wildlife observation: The waterways contain diverse aquatic species including gar fish and amphibians. According to a Bennett's Creek camper, "The scenery is TOP KNOTCH! Absolutely beautiful in the lake which is not well marked due to limited visibility in the swampy environment."
Hiking through coastal environments: False Cape State Park provides multiple trail options. "There's tons of hiking, interesting things to see, beautiful nature. We saw dolphins playing in the ocean! The beach alive with crabs! Osprey catching fish! We saw an old graveyard and church steeple at Wash Woods, that's definitely worth the hike."
What campers like
Beach isolation: Some campsites offer rare oceanfront camping with minimal crowds. "Really there wasn't hardly anyone else out there, so it felt like we had our own private beach. We hiked out to our spot, but we saw some people biking into theirs," notes one camper at False Cape.
Historic sites: Abandoned settlements provide exploration opportunities alongside camping. "We saw an old graveyard and church steeple at Wash Woods, that's definitely worth the hike. We walked to the North Carolina border. There's a Loveworks and a buoy that marks the southernmost Virginia State Park."
Fishing access: Bennett's Creek Canoe-In Campground offers fishing opportunities despite navigation challenges. "It was a 4.5 mile paddle to the site, then roughly 1.5 down to the dock with a staged vehicle," reports one visitor who rated the experience highly despite noting "houses near the sites had a dog that barked all night."
What you should know
Water navigation challenges: The millpond requires careful navigation. "Lots of underwater obstructions so use caution. U DO NOT want to end up in that water," cautions a Bennett's Creek camper. Another visitor notes: "The kayak/canoe round was not easy to navigate so bring your 3rd party map/GPS. The maps they provide are almost useless because it's a swamp the terrain changes with the water level."
Wildlife awareness: Alligators inhabit area waterways. "This park was great but do recognize that is a true swamp. Alligators included. The water there does not move therefore is not recommended for filtering for consumption."
Access limitations: Merchants Millpond Backpack Campground requires advance planning for accessibility. "So we arrived pretty late. Around 7pm because we had a late start. Unfortunately we didn't stay because our site was hike in and I thought I did drive in," notes one visitor who had to find alternative accommodations.
Tips for camping with families
Consider age-appropriate access routes: Several tent camping options require substantial hikes. "We brought our 2 and 4 year old children. My husband and I each hooked a trailer to our bikes, and I towed the kids and he towed our gear. The kids loved riding through Back Bay, and all of us enjoyed having the beach essentially to ourselves."
Pack extra bug protection: Insect activity varies seasonally but requires preparation. "Bring bug spray--we went in May and the bugs were already overwhelming--including many, many ticks."
Site selection affects experience: Merchants Millpond Canoe-In Campground offers different site locations. "Our campsites were not directly on the water. At first we were a little bummed the waterfront weren't available but it worked out for the best. Our sites were more private, a shorter walk to the pit toilet, and the trees provided a slight buffer from the tremendous sounds of the frogs at night!"
Tips from RVers
RV access severely limited: Tent-only accommodations dominate camping options near Elizabeth City. "This is my kind of day at the beach. I loved it. Also, pets are allowed, but they are not allowed through Black Bay. You either have to bring them in via boat, or coming up south from North Carolina."
