Merchants Millpond State Park, NC
If you’re looking for a winter camping site near the coast you may be surprised to learn that North Carolina has its own little bayou known as Merchants Millpond State Park in Gates County, less than three hours from the Raleigh-Durham area.
Beautiful boardwalks created fairytale-like pictures spanning over and across the swamp. It’s especially breathtaking in the winter.
While they don’t advertise it heavily at the park, Merchants Millpond runs into Lassiter Swamp. If you hike the entire Lassiter Trail, it will take you along the swamp. A quick view of the park map shows the swamp starts just past the southern intersection of Fire Road and Lassiter Trail.
The park has 4 hiking trails, a bike trail, a family campground, backcountry campground, and canoe-in campsites.
And there are alligators. Merchants Millpond and Dismal Swamp State Parks in North Carolina are the northernmost areas where alligators are known to live. I’ve never seen an alligator at the park, but the Rangers assured me there have been confirmed sitings.
This is also the closest camping to Dismal Swamp State Park which is about 30 minutes away.
Finding hidden gems like Merchants Millpond State Park is why I love exploring North Carolina’s outdoors.
History of Merchants Millpond
In 1811, Norfleets Millpond was built with the intention of being a gristmill and sawmill. It thrived and the area began to grow, soon becoming known for its trade and merchant activity. The millpond began being referred to as Merchants Millpond and was later renamed.
The millpond came to a halt right before World War II. Luckily, A.B. Coleman purchased the property in the 1960s and recognized it was an area of beauty worth protecting. Rather than develop it, he donated 919 acres, including the millpond, to the state.
Merchants Millpond State Park was established in 1973 and the Nature Conservancy contributed 925 additional acres of woodlands that same year.
Today the park boasts over 3200 acres of land, including the 750 acre millpond.
What to Know Before Visiting
In the winter months, the park is not crowded. While this is great for some, if you’re not comfortable hiking alone, the trails can be dark and cell signal is spotty. Every trail is a loop and if you follow the blazes you should be fine, but be prepared and grab a map.
The Rangers love to tell you that due to the dragonflies there are no mosquitoes. I found the mosquitoes. Wearing 30% DEET, I was bitten several times. Bring whatever you use to defend yourself.
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You can rent canoes at the Visitor Center. While kayaking and canoeing on the Millpond is allowed, swimming is not. And, you know….alligators.
There is plenty of parking throughout the park. Lassiter Trail is at one end to the left of the Visitor Center, Bennetts Creek Trail is in the middle, and the rest are at the far end of the park. You can park close to Lassiter Trail and hike, then move your car to the lot closer to Coleman Trail. Bennetts Creek Trail requires a little bit of a walk along the road wherever you park.
You can camp at Merchants Millpond and enjoy the trails here, then drive 30 minutes to Dismal Swamp State Park and bike along their trails or hike the Great Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.
Entrances to Merchants Millpond State Park
There’s one entrance to the park off Millpond Road in Gatesville, NC, however the Family Campground and start of the bike trail are not located at the main entrance.
To help orient you, the main entrance with the Visitor Center and hiking trails is on Millpond Road which is off 158. To reach the Family Campground, just keep driving down US158. You’ll need to check in at the Visitor Center and they’ll help you with directions.
The bike trail parking area is a gate with a few spots at 231 US-158, Gatesville, NC 27938.
Things to do at Merchants Millpond
Hiking
There are 4 trails totaling around 10 miles. The longest is the 7 mile Lassiter Trail and the shortest is the 0.3 mile Cypress Point Trail that provides beautiful views of the Millpond.
All trails are relatively flat and easy.
Cycling
There’s a 5 mile Bicycle Trail that starts on Fire Rd off 158, past the Family Campground. It doubles up with Lassiter Trail for a short bit along the Millpond before breaking off again.
The Bicycle Trail is a lollipop. You use the stem to reach the loop, then use it to get back to your car when you’re done
Paddling
There is a boat launch for a Kayak or Canoe at the park.
Camping
There are multiple campsites at the park. All sites must be reserved. You’ll check in at the Visitor Center and you can also purchase fire starter and wood there.
The Family Campground is off US 158 and the gate remains open so you can come and go as you need. There are also 3 group campsites near the Coleman Trail which you can drive up to.
Backpackers can hike 3 or 4 miles to the primitive backcountry sites off Lassiter Trail
Paddlers will like the 2 group paddle-in sites and 10 individual sites. There are also sites at the Bennett’s Creek paddle-in campground which is further out from the park.
Trails at Merchants Millpond State Park
The trails are all flat and easy to follow. While there are some roots, overall they’re smooth and there are boardwalks over the marshes. The trails are heavily shaded by trees and can be dark.
Lassiter Trail
Mileage: 7 mile loop
Blaze: White circles
Rated: Easy
Location: You can pick up the trail to the left of the Visitor Center, or drive past the Visitor Center on Millpond Rd and it will dead end in a traffic circle with plenty of parking. There are at least 3 entrances to the trail from this lot.
I really enjoy Lassiter Trail. It’s the longest trail in the park at 7 miles and there’s a sign warning hikers it takes 3 miles to complete. You can hike it faster, but there’s so much to see that a slower pace is welcome.
Just past the picnic area near the parking at the traffic circle is a boardwalk across the pond with a bench. This is one of the best “swamp” views in the entire park. You’ll see trees growing out of thick, green, soupy, water. Further ahead, the water clears. There’s something about the water going from swampy to clear that’s fascinating.
As you pull away from the swamp, you’ll wander through a heavily forested area along a wide trail. It’s a nice hike and a great way to get away from the crowds.
Bennetts Creek Trail
Mileage: 2.25 mile
Blaze: Blue circles
Rated: Easy
Location: On Millpond road to the right and across the street from the Visitor Center (as you’re looking at it). You’ll walk along Millpond Rd to reach the trailhead which is across the street from the dam.
This is a little confusing because the park’s website says 2.25 miles one-way, but it’s a horseshoe that starts and ends on Millpond Rd. The two ends of the trail are about 50 yards apart so there’s no need to go back.
This is the darkest of the trails if you’re concerned about hiking alone. There are several boardwalks, a pretty deck that overlooks Bennetts Creek, and a nice hike overall.
Cypress Point Trail
Mileage: 0.3 mile loop
Blaze: Red circles
Rated: Easy
Location: Cypress Point Trail is a small loop around a little peninsula with great views of the Millpond. It starts near the picnic tables at the small parking lot near Coleman trail.
This is perfect for families thanks to the picnic tables and bathroom. There’s a launch for canoes and kayaks from this area too.
If you’re looking for a pretty photo of the Millpond, this is a good trail to hike. It’s also perfect for small kids who want to run around a little.
Coleman Trail
Mileage: 2 mile loop
Blaze: Orange circles
Rated: Easy
Location: When you pull into the park, head to the right and drive until you reach the end of the road. There’s a small building with a few parking spots. The trailhead is across to the right of the parking lot as you enter. It’s well marked.
The Coleman Trial is also the Kids in Parks Trail although it’s a little long for a KIP trail. It is easy though and wanders along the edge of the Millpond for a bit before heading into the woods. I enjoy the trail, but it can be a little busy in the Spring and Summer.
Families tend to gather in this particular lot for the picnic tables and easy access to the Millpond.
Camping at Park
There is a ton of camping at Merchants Millpond State Park. You can enjoy the Family Campground, get away from it all at the backcountry primitive sites, or enjoy one of the paddle-in sites.
All campsites must be reserved and you’ll check in at the Visitor Center before heading out. If you need any information, the Rangers know the park well.
You can also purchase firewood and fire starter at the Visitor Center.
Family Campground
There are 20 sites at what the parks calls “Tent and RV Camping”. Be aware that these can fill up overnight. On Thursday, I booked a site for a Monday night in October and noted only 2 other sites were reserved. When I showed up, over 15 sites were in use.
The Family Campground is one of my favorites. Each site has a little gravel parking area, tent pad, and picnic table. The convenient bathhouse has flush toilets and showers. You’ll find water spigots with potable water, but not as many as I normally see at a campground. You may have to walk 2 sites over to get water.
Since they keep the gate open, you don’t need to worry about pulling in before a cut off time. This is a nice feature. While it could lead to people driving around all night and parties, I find the crowd here leans towards quiet weekend getaway.
Group Campsites
The 3 group campsites can accommodate up to 35 people each. There’s parking near a bathhouse about 500-700 feet away from the sites. You’ll have to carry gear to the site, but it’s close enough for multiple trips.
These are primitive sites, but they do have picnic tables and fire rings.
Backcountry Campsites
There are 5 primitive sites off Lassiter Trail. These are for backpackers who are comfortable hauling gear 3 or 4 miles. There are fire rings and a pit toilet. You’ll need to carry in your food and water.
I’ve stayed at the backcountry sites before and they’re nice. There’s nothing to define each site so it’s a bit of a free for all which many backpackers will like. They’re far enough off the trail that you don’t run into day hikers traipsing through your camp.
Paddle-In Campsites
There are 10 Canoe In campsites across the Millpond from the Cypress Point trailhead parking area. You’ll find a small boat ramp making it easy to launch from this area and paddle across the pond to your site.
The sites are large, and each has a picnic table and fire ring. You can look at the map and pictures of each campsite on ReserveAmerica. Some sites have water views while others are further back. I recommend checking out the photos of each site before you book.
Paddle-In Group Campsites
The park has 3 group Canoe-in sites further down the Millpond from the individual Canoe-in Sites. I would still recommend launching from the boat ramp at the Cypress Point trailhead parking area.
Each group site can accommodate up to 40 people. They’re large, wooded areas with picnic tables, a light ring, and cut logs to sit on around a campfire.
There’s a pit toilet that’s closest to sites 7, 8, and 9. Everyone else will have a bit of a walk.
Bennetts Creek Paddle-In Campsites
Bennetts Creek has 3 high ground campsites, and 3 platforms campsites. The platform sites are further down the creek.
The high ground sites are large, wooded areas with a light post, fire ring, and picnic table. The platform sites have a series of boardwalks leading to wooden platforms. Keep in mind you’ll need to be able to tie your tent or have the stakes specially made for use on wooden platforms.
There’s a pit toilet with is a bit of a walk from the sites.
Tips for Visiting Park
It can be a bit difficult to orient yourself at the park due to the three parking areas and the Bennetts Creek Trail starting in the middle of the road. I would stop at the Visitor Center and grab a map.
Bring bug spray. If the dragonflies are taking care of the mosquitoes, great. If not, you’ll want protection.
The best area to get photos of the Millpond is from the dock behind the Visitor Center. I found mid-afternoon provided beautiful blue sky and water. When I came back at dusk, the photos weren’t as good.
It’s difficult to get good photos of the swampy area from the bridge off Lassiter Trail. The direction of the bridge is bad, and the trees cast shadows regardless of the time of day. Head to Cypress Point Trail instead. Mid Afternoon towards dusk, you can get great photos. Start the loop clockwise and you’ll find the best photo views about 100 yards in.
If you plan on camping, reserve your site ahead of time.
The park rents canoes if you don’t have a boat of your own.
Dress Accordingly
Most of the park is shaded, but I would still wear a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt and having something to put on to protect from the bugs.
The trails are easy, and you can get away with sneakers, but having some tread is helpful. The boardwalks can be slick after rain.
Ask for Help
This is not the busiest park. You may not run into other hikers if you do the entire Lassiter Trail, or hike Bennetts Creek Trail. Also, cell phone service is spotty.
Check in with the Rangers at the Visitor Center, get a map and some advice, and stay on the trail. All of the trails are loops or horseshoes so you should come back out to a road or parking lot if you simply follow the blazes.
Merchants Millpond State Park – Wrap Up
Merchants Millpond is one of North Carolina’s most unique State Parks. It offers a Millpond that backs up to a swamp, plus it’s one of the few parks with paddle-in campsites.
What I love about the park is it offers a rural experience. You can truly get away from it all with no frill campsites and serene hiking. This is one park where you can truly feel like you’re getting out in nature.
Another great feature is the fact there are only 10 miles of hiking trail. It’s the perfect weekend getaway. Head out Saturday morning, hike the trails, take in the views, then head to your campsite. In the morning, enjoy breakfast, finish hiking, then head home relaxed and recharged.
