Established Camping
Merchants Millpond State Park Campground
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Merchants Millpond State Park has 6 campsites on Bennetts Creek. This is a 4.5 mile paddle to get to the sites. Visitors are regularly getting here too late to make the journey to the campsites and this can cause conflict. We would like for visitors to have to call the park office to make reservations so the information can be provided to them and they know they must arrive early to get to their site.
Merchants Millpond State Park Campground, near Gatesville, North Carolina, is a peaceful retreat that invites you to unwind in nature. With spacious sites that offer privacy, it’s a great place to set up camp and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding forest and swamp.
The campground features clean facilities, including a well-maintained bathhouse with warm showers, which visitors appreciate after a day of exploring. Many campers have enjoyed the extensive trail system, with one reviewer describing it as “magical” for its therapeutic hikes through the lush landscape. You can also rent canoes to paddle around the pond, where you might spot turtles, birds, and even alligators.
For those who love a bit of adventure, the area is perfect for hiking and biking, with trails that lead you through stunning scenery. While some campers have mentioned noise from nearby sites, the overall vibe is one of calm and connection with nature. If you’re looking for a quiet escape with plenty of outdoor activities, Merchants Millpond State Park Campground is worth a visit.
Description
State Park
Merchants Millpond State Park
Located in Gates County 10 miles south of North Carolina's northeastern border with Virginia, Merchants Millpond State Park centers on a 760-acre millpond more than 190 years old. Hiking the surrounding trails or paddling the placid, shallow waters of the pond offer a great way to explore this wetland environment. Old-growth cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss create an "enchanted forest," particularly at Lassiter Swamp. Visitors have even spotted the American alligator here, at the northernmost point of its range.
Location
Merchants Millpond State Park Campground is located in North Carolina
Directions
Merchants Millpond is in northeastern North Carolina in Gates County near the community of Gatesville. The park may be reached from US 158, NC 32, and NC 37. From I-95 take US 158 east. The Visitor Center is located by driving south on Millpond Road from 158. The Visitor Center address is 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC 27938.
Address
176 Millpond Road
Gatesville, NC 27938
Coordinates
36.4453075 N
76.69409736 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonFair
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly