Merchants Millpond State Park

4.81

18 reviews

176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, North Carolina, 27938, United States

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Boating Camping North Carolina

Quick Facts

46 ft

Price

$15 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

November–February, V...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Merchants Millpond State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

46 ft

Price

$15 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

November–February, V...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Merchants Millpond State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Merchants Millpond State Park

$15.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary depending on site type. Family campground sites are standard, and hike-in sites seem to be at the lower end. Group camping sites are priced...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$80.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.81

Top-Rated

Based on 18 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews consistently highlight the campground's tranquility, cleanliness, and excellent natural setting. Campers appreciate the seclusion, privacy, and well-maintained facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, North Carolina, 27938, United States

Merchants Millpond State Park

176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, North Carolina, 27938, United States

Driving directionsMerchants 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.

The campground is accessible via US 158, NC 32, and NC 37, with directions providing access from major highways and roads. It appears to be easily reachable with no specific warnings about challenging terrain or seasonal closures.

Nearby places

Approx. 30 miles to Edenton, NC.

Nearby supplies

Firewood is available for sale at the visitor center. Easy access to nearby gas station and essentials as noted in user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Merchants Millpond State Park

The park transforms with each passing season, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer nights come alive with the magical dance of fireflies, their bioluminescent ballet complemented by surprisingly manageable humidity and mosquito levels. As autumn approaches, the canopy above shifts through a painter's palette of colors, while winter brings crisp, cool air perfect for cozy campfire gatherings. The region's generally dry climate means fewer weather interruptions to your outdoor adventures, though summer visitors should still pack insect repellent for maximum comfort.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers fireflies and paddling; mosquitoes noted but described as manageable by visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Park 'transforms with seasons'; fall visitors report pleasant conditions though some road noise noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely strong for paddling and wildlife as seasons change; park noted to vary by season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 22% in NC

Winter visitors appreciated heated facilities and lower use, though few winter-specific activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: November–February, Visitor Center hours are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; March–October, hours are extended to 8:00 AM–6:30 PM.

About Merchants Millpond State Park

Tucked away in northeastern North Carolina's pristine wilderness, Merchants Millpond State Park Family Campground beckons those seeking refuge from the everyday hustle. This hidden gem wraps visitors in a cocoon of towering trees and tranquil solitude, where wooded campsites offer generous privacy and the outside world fades to a whisper. Seasoned campers consistently praise the park's ability to deliver that elusive combination of seclusion and serenity, making it a cherished secret among those who've discovered its charms.

The campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, featuring options for tent campers, RVers, and those seeking primitive experiences.

Weather and SeasonsThe park transforms with each passing season, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer nights come alive with the magical dance of fireflies, their bioluminescent ballet complemented by surprisingly manageable humidity and mosquito levels. As autumn approaches, the canopy above shifts through a painter's palette of colors, while winter brings crisp, cool air perfect for cozy campfire gatherings. The region's generally dry climate means fewer weather interruptions to your outdoor adventures, though summer visitors should still pack insect repellent for maximum comfort.

ElevationElevation not specified.

Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry takes center stage at Merchants Millpond, where ancient trees create a living cathedral overhead, filtering sunlight into gentle, dappled patterns across the forest floor. The crown jewel of outdoor activities here is paddling through Bennetts Creek, where kayakers glide past mysterious swamp vistas draped in Spanish moss and teeming with wildlife. The dense woodland canopy provides natural air conditioning, offering blessed shade during warm days, while June evenings transform the campground into an enchanted landscape illuminated by thousands of fireflies.

Geological RegionNestled in the East District of northeastern North Carolina, where ancient coastal plains meet mystical swamplands, creating a unique ecosystem found nowhere else in the state.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Minimum 1 hour before sunset for canoe-in/backpack sites.

Stay Limit

Stay limit information is not clearly defined.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific number mentioned.

Groups

No specific details provided about group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe layout includes wooded campsites with spacious sites for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservation information not specified.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability details are not specified. Backpack and canoe-in sites require check-in at Visitor Center minimum 1 hour before sunset.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies not specified.

AccessibilityHandicap access is explicitly mentioned as available within the facility, ensuring basic accessibility.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and providing privacy.

PrivacyCampsites are described as secluded, private, and wooded. Users appreciate the large size and the privacy provided at individual sites.

Recommended SitesSites are spacious, offering privacy and quiet environment.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a variety of recreational activities in a serene, natural environment. The activities primarily revolve around exploring the natural beauty of the area.

HikingNumerous trails are accessible directly from the campground, and they connect to additional trails within the park. Trails are described as 'very easy' and 'lovely' by a user (Hillary Colvin, May 2024), with options suitable for all levels.

FishingFishing is available within the facility, though no specific details or user feedback about the types of fish or fishing conditions were provided.

BoatingBoating is a popular activity, particularly kayaking in Bennetts Creek. User feedback (Hillary Colvin, May 2024) describes the area as 'gorgeous for kayaking.'

Wildlife viewingThe park offers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife, though specific species are not mentioned.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs are offered within the park, enhancing the educational experience for visitors.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes noted during summer visits.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No explicit quiet hours provided, though reviews praise the quiet environment.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be contacted by calling 911. The gate to the family campground does not close, allowing easy access in emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information about trash or recycling facilities, though a user review mentioned a dumpster service with disruptive timing ('dumpster emptying service came at 3 am and was very loud').

Water FeaturesKayaking in Bennetts Creek noted as a beautiful activity.

Camp HostNo information on hosts.

Weather at Merchants Millpond State Park

Reviews

4.8

18 reviews

Top-Rated

Merchants Millpond State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently highlight the campground's tranquility, cleanliness, and excellent natural setting. Campers appreciate the seclusion, privacy, and well-maintained facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Reported as 'one of the best state parks' with 'very private' and 'spacious' sites, clean bathrooms, and 'gorgeous' kayaking opportunities. Campers frequently noted the absence of light pollution and...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Some noise issues, such as a 'very loud' dumpster service at 3 a.m. (Hillary Colvin, May 2024) and minor road noise from Highway 158 (Mark Stone, October 2023).

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Buy firewood at the visitor center as it is not available at the campground. For stargazing, consider finding a clearing away from the bright lamps near the amenities (Marc Ness, May 2023).

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors in warmer months (June) noted mosquitoes but found them manageable. Winter visitors appreciated the heated facilities.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very private with large sites and nice, clean bathrooms with hot showers.' (Robin B, 2022) 2. 'No light pollution if you're into star or moon gazing.' (Marc Ness, 2023) 3. 'Kayaking in Bennetts...

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite numbers are not mentioned; however, the family campground is praised for its seclusion and quiet atmosphere.

Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

Handicap access is explicitly available, but no further user feedback on accessibility.

Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Described as dog-friendly with no additional details about pet policies or specific features for pets.

Based on 18 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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Merchants Millpond State Park