Tucked away in the quiet northeastern corner of the state, Camden County, North Carolina is home to one of the most mysterious and breathtaking landscapes in the South: the Great Dismal Swamp. While it might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a North Carolina getaway, it absolutely should be. This vast wilderness—rich with wildlife, history, and serene beauty—is more than just a natural wonder. It is the perfect launch point for a peaceful escape into nature, and a gateway to discovering the hidden charm of Camden County. Whether you are a paddler, hiker, history buff, or just looking to unplug, here is why the Great Dismal Swamp and its surroundings belong on your North Carolina bucket list.
Explore the Great Dismal Swamp and Top Things to Do in Camden County NC
Camden County has one of the smaller populations in the state while boasting one of the most unique landscapes in the state, the Great Dismal Swamp. The swamp and its canal are along the Virginia and North Carolina border. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is not the only attraction, though! There are incorporated towns filled with history, a driving tour highlighting African American Heritage Landmarks, and beautiful natural scenery. There are also annual events that are worth the trip, including Paddle for the Border, a 7.5 mile event on the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Camden County is located along what is known as the Inner Banks of North Carolina, which includes other areas such as Hertford, Edenton, New Bern, and Belhaven. Most people know about Camden County for when they are driving to the Outer Banks or coming to explore the Great Dismal Swamp Canal by paddle. This area has a lot to offer visitors and is a short drive to many coastal towns and cities, both in North Carolina and southeastern Virginia.
What is the Great Dismal Swamp
The Great Dismal Swamp is a vast and mysterious wetland ecosystem that spans southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, with much of its accessible natural beauty located in Camden County. Covering over 100,000 acres, it is home to dense forests, winding waterways, and Lake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in Virginia. Protected as part of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Dismal Swamp State Park, the area is rich in biodiversity, offering a haven for black bears, bobcats, otters, and more than 200 species of birds. Beyond its natural beauty, the swamp holds deep historical significance as a former refuge for maroons—escaped enslaved people who lived in hidden communities within the swamp. Today, it is a destination for hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and learning about a lesser-known chapter of American history.
History of the Great Dismal Swamp
This natural phenomenon once covered more than one million acres across North Carolina and Virginia. The first recorded encounter of the swamp was in 1728 by Colonel William Byrd II. In 1763, George Washington, then a land surveyor, heard of the area and visited with the hopes of ditching, draining the swamp, and removing the timber to transform this area into fertile farmland. This task proved to be near impossible and upon his death, his shares of the swamp were passed to his heirs.
The Great Dismal Swamp has been an important component throughout history, including a known route for the Underground Railroad as people escaped enslavement. One of the more fascinating pieces of history are the Dismal Swamp Maroons, communities inhabited by formerly enslaved people, who built hidden communities deep within the swamp’s dense wilderness. These maroons dated back to the 1600s when Native Americans first took refuge here, and were joined by those seeking freedom. These individuals carved out lives of resilience and autonomy, surviving off the land and evading capture in one of the South’s most impenetrable landscapes. Their presence in the Dismal Swamp is a powerful testament to resistance and survival, adding a rich layer of human history to this already remarkable natural area. For more information on research about this topic, check out this article!
How to Visit the Great Dismal Swamp from Camden County
Dismal Swamp State Park
The Dismal Swamp State Park is a key attraction that shares the mystery of the swamp and offers activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, birding, and Ranger-led programs. The Welcome Center features a small museum with a timeline of the Swamp and the canal, and park is free for day use, unless you are renting a boat. There are 20 miles of trails to explore, a 2,000 foot boardwalk, and so many opportunities to take in the forested wetlands, many birds and other wildlife, unique tree species, like globally rare Atlantic white cedar.
The Dismal Swamp State Park is at 2294 US-17, South Mills, NC 27976.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is adjacent to the State Park and creates a combined 126,000 acres of protected property in North Carolina and Virginia, which is a perfect habitat for the multitude of diverse species. The refuge’s conservation priority endeavors to restore the biological diversity of the swamp ecosystem through hydrological restoration, forest management, and fire management. The refuge is home to over 200 species of birds, nearly 100 species of butterflies and skippers, many turtles, numerous white-tailed deer, bobcats, otters, and one of the largest black bear populations on the east coast. The refuge has more than 40 miles of trails and boardwalks open for hiking and biking, as well as a self-guided driving tour, two lake-front piers, and a boat ramp.
The Dismal Swamp State Park is at 2294 US-17, South Mills, NC 27976.
Dismal Swamp Annual Events
Paddle for the Border
Dismal Day
Every October at Dismal Swamp State Park, join in for Dismal Day with food trucks, music, nature & cultural exhibits, bounce house, wagon rides, scavenger hunt, kids crafts, live animals, and more. There is a free 5K run/walk on the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.
Top Outdoor Activities in Camden County, NC: Rivers, Trails, and Parks
One Mill Park
Photo via Education NC
One Mill Park is located on One Mill Road in Shiloh and features a boardwalk, boat ramp, and pier. It also has a pavilion, picnic tables, canoe and kayak launch, and a playground. It is perfect place to stop and take in the Albemarle Sound.
One Mill Park is at 293-299 1 Mill Rd, Shiloh, NC 27974
Treasure Point 4-H Camp
Photo via Camden County NC
Nestled on the Areneuse Creek of the Pasquotank River, sits Treasure Point 4-H Camp. Treasure Point is a public park in Camden County. Open to the public 6:00 a.m, to 9:00 p.m., there are nature walking trails, a pier with a canoe/kayak launch and an open green space. Here is a trail map to help plan your visit.
Treasure Point 4-H Camp is at 123 Treasure Point Rd, Camden, NC 27921.
Discover Camden County’s Historic Sites, Local Eats, and Small-Town Charm
Historic Sites
Camden County Heritage Museum and Historic Jail
Explore Camden County’s history through arrowheads, varsity jackets, pottery, photographs, military uniforms, census records and much more at the Camden County Heritage Museum! Camden’s history, from the early Native American groups like the Yeopim and Poteskeet to the Colonial era as well as the Civil War period through World War II are interpreted through stories, artifacts and talented docents. Learn about the construction of the Dismal Swamp Canal and Moses Grandy, who was born into enslavement in the late 1700s and years later gained his freedom and became a prominent abolitionist. The Historic Jail is furnished to resemble an old sheriff’s office along with historic photographs that contextualize the history of the county.
The heritage museum is open Thursdays and Fridays from 8:00-5:00 and Saturdays from 10:00-2:00. Other tours can be arranged by appointment in advance. The museum is open to the public and free admission.
Camden County Heritage Museum and Historic Jail is at 117 NC Hwy 343 N, Camden, NC 27921.
NC Black Heritage Driving Tour
The African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina celebrates the contributions of African Americans and encourages a deeper understanding of the significance of the region’s cultural heritage in order to build more inclusive communities. This project is a collaborative project between nine NC counties that include: Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Martin, Pasquotank, Perquimans, and Washington.
The Great Dismal Swamp for the Underground Railroad and the Camden County Heritage Museum and Historic Jail with the exhibit on Moses Grandy are two of the stop on the NC Black Heritage Tour in Camden County. Other stops include Parksville AME Zion Church, Sawyer’s Creek High School, and McBride Colored School Marker.
Battle of South Mills Driving Tour
After United States forces captured Roanoke Island in February 1862, US troops turned their attention inland. Among their targets was the Dismal Swamp Canal, which was an important supply artery to Confederate Army in the area and a potential “back door” to Norfolk. The United States infantry attempted an attack on Confederate forts protecting the canal near South Mills on April 19, 1862. A self-guided driving tour brochure on the battle and the Civil War history of the canal is available at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center or can be downloaded via the website. The driving tour features two interpretive NC Civil War signs located at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center and the South Mills Lock. Additional information and artifacts can be viewed at the Camden County Heritage Museum & Historic Jail.
Local Eats
Belross Biscuit Company
Photo via Our State Magazine
This cozy spot serves a great breakfast and lunch menu, plus great baked goods. It is open from 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Belross Biscuit Company is at 269 US-158, Camden, NC 27921.
The Kraken Coffeehouse
Looking for the perfect spot to grab a delicious coffee and a pastry? The Kraken is your spot! It is known for its signature lattes (iced, hot or frapped) named after famous pirates, Blackbeard, Anne Bonney, and Mary Read, to name a few. This local chain has locations in Elizabeth City, Edenton, and here.
The Kraken Coffeehouse is at 264 US-158, Camden, NC 27921.
Paradiso Roma Ristorante
Photo via Visit Elizabeth City
This incredibly popular restaurant is located on Machelhe Island, a river island in the Pasquotank River, in Camden County. Everything is made homemade, including some great pizzas, pastas, and desserts with beautiful river views. It is popular, so get there early to snag a table. It is open Tuesdays-Saturdays 12:00-9:00 PM.
Paradiso Roma Ristorante is at 35 Camden Causeway, Elizabeth City, NC 27909.
Taylor’s Oak
This locally owned restaurant features made-from-scratch sweet potato biscuits, seafood, delicious burgers, homemade pickles, fried chicken and variety of cheesecakes and other desserts. It is open for all three meals. Check out their daily specials, too!
Taylor’s Oak is at 101 Taylors Ln, Camden, NC 27921.
Topside Catering & Deli
Photo via Yelp
This deli is takeout only, and offers Eastern NC BBQ, famous fried chicken, daily specials, cold boxes of premade sides- potato salad, pasta salad, banana pudding, cakes and would be great for picnicking. You could consider picking up dinner to go on the way to check in to North River Campground.
Topside Catering & Deli is at 133 U.S. Hwy 158 W, Camden, NC 27921.
Small-Town Charm
Poor Boys Market
This is a fantastic market for local produce, jams and jellies, salsas, pound cakes, fresh seafood, and more. This family owned business is a popular local market as well as roadside stop for OBX traffic. It also has flowers, planters, and other greenery for purchase.
Poor Boys Market is at 263 US-158, Camden, NC 27921.
Williams Strawberry Farm
This family-owned and operated business has been raising strawberries in Camden County for more than 30 years. Their fresh-baked strawberry biscuits are delicious and their homemade ice cream is made in an old-fashioned five-gallon churner. Open seasonally for pre-picked and U-Pick strawberries (April – May). After berry season, it stays open to offer ice cream, baked goods, locally grown corn and pumpkins and gourds.
Williams Strawberry Farm is at 1381 N Carolina Hwy 343 S, South Mills, NC 27976.
How to Plan a Trip to Camden County and the Great Dismal Swamp
Where to Stay
North River Campground
Rediscover the great outdoors during your stay at North River Campground. Offering full hook-up RV sites, cabins, motel rooms and numerous amenities, this campground’s beautiful lake is the perfect spot to cast a fishing-pole or paddleboat during your stay. This secluded and peaceful location is just a short trip from the Outer Banks Beaches, Elizabeth City and the Dismal Swamp.
David and I stayed in a cabin and had lovely evening enjoying the lake, where David caught the biggest fish he has ever caught. It is such a clean, well-maintained place and we had a nice stay.
North River Campground is at 256 Garrington Island Rd, Shawboro, NC 27973
Suggested Itinerary
Friday Afternoon
Camden County Heritage Museum and Historic Jail Guided Tour
Camden Senior Trail Boardwalk — 1/3 mile boardwalk meandering along Sawyer’s Creek with stunning views of waterway (gazebo & pier)
Vintage Shopping at The Vintage Lilley
Pick Up Local Produce at Poor Boys Fruits & Vegetables
Check in at North River Campground
Saturday Morning & Early Afternoon
Coffee at The Kraken Coffeehouse
Explore Dismal Swamp State Park
Pick Strawberries & Grab Strawberry Biscuits to Go from Williams Strawberry Farm
Lunch at Paradiso Roma Ristorante
Use this map to plan your next adventure to Camden County and the Great Dismal Swamp!
Thank you to Sarah Hill and Camden County Tourism Development Authority for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.
