Merchants Millpond State Park
00 review176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, North Carolina, 27938, United States
Merchants Millpond State Park
$15.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 higher, likely around $80 based on typical NC park structures.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicap access is explicitly mentioned as available within the facility, ensuring basic accessibility.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and providing privacy.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as secluded, private, and wooded. Users appreciate the large size and the privacy provided at individual sites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are spacious, offering privacy and quiet environment.
Best CampsitesNone specifically mentioned.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe layout includes wooded campsites with spacious sites for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonNovember–February, Visitor Center hours are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; March–October, hours are extended to 8:00 AM–6:30 PM.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Camp Store
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.
Hiking
Numerous 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.Fishing
Fishing is available within the facility, though no specific details or user feedback about the types of fish or fishing conditions were provided.Boating
Boating is a popular activity, particularly kayaking in Bennetts Creek. User feedback (Hillary Colvin, May 2024) describes the area as 'gorgeous for kayaking.'Wildlife viewing
The park offers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife, though specific species are not mentioned.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs are offered within the park, enhancing the educational experience for visitors.Winter Activities
Camping facilities include heater units in shower areas, indicating they are operational during winter seasons.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are supported, with Bennetts Creek highlighted for its scenic beauty.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours provided, though reviews praise the quiet environment.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes noted during summer visits.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be contacted by calling 911. The gate to the family campground does not close, allowing easy access in emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates not explicitly mentioned.
Trash and 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').
Proximity to water featuresKayaking in Bennetts Creek noted as a beautiful activity.
Common complaintsSome road noise from Hwy 158. Dumpster emptying service at 3 AM caused disturbances as per reviews.
HostNo information on hosts.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Merchants Millpond State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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...
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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).
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).
Seasonal Insights
Visitors in warmer months (June) noted mosquitoes but found them manageable. Winter visitors appreciated the heated facilities.
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...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite numbers are not mentioned; however, the family campground is praised for its seclusion and quiet atmosphere.
Accessibility Features
Handicap access is explicitly available, but no further user feedback on accessibility.
Pet-Friendly Features
Described as dog-friendly with no additional details about pet policies or specific features for pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025