Best Tent Camping near South Mills, NC
Tent campsites in the South Mills area include several established options within Merchants Millpond State Park and the broader coastal region. Merchants Millpond State Park offers multiple tent camping areas including a Backpack Campground, Canoe-In Campground, and Group Walk-In Sites. False Cape State Park, located north in Virginia Beach, provides primitive tent-only sites accessible by hiking or biking approximately 5-7 miles from the nearest parking area.
Most tent sites at Merchants Millpond require some effort to reach, with the Canoe-In Campground needing paddling access across the millpond. The Backpack Campground requires a short hike to reach sites. Fires are allowed at most Merchants Millpond campgrounds, with sites featuring fire rings, though primitive facilities predominate. According to one visitor, "The campsite was clean and enjoyable," though they noted navigation can be challenging in the swampy terrain where "islands can appear out of nowhere." Tent campers should be prepared for encounters with wildlife, as several reviews mention alligators, snakes, and various waterfowl in the area.
Sites at False Cape State Park offer a unique beach camping experience with both oceanside and bay side options. Tent campers must hike or bike 5-7 miles through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge to reach the campgrounds, creating a secluded experience. A camper wrote, "This park is a serene oasis away from traffic, no RV's, not a lot of people. A great place to get away from it all!" Tent sites at False Cape include picnic tables and are relatively secluded. For beach sites, campers can choose between designated areas behind the dunes or directly on the beach in marked locations. Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, Virginia offers additional tent sites with sand platforms, picnic tables, and fire rings with grates, though highway noise is notable at this location.