Dismal Swamp State Park: All You Need to Know
I’ve been to several state parks while I lived in Virginia, but I never got the chance to visit one while living in North Carolina until last month. Dismal Swamp State Park is in the middle of nowhere in Camden County, which makes this park underrated, especially for visitors who don’t live nearby.
But believe it or not, Dismal Swamp State Park is not only a place with swamp views but has over 20 miles of hiking trails and a Visitor Center to dive deeper into the history and wildlife that calls the park their home.
But there are a few things to know when you visit to avoid surprises.
Things to Know When You Visit
Dismal Swamp State Park is behind a rest area with a small parking lot overlooking the Canal. It is free to enter, but you will need to register at the small box before crossing the bridge over the Canal.
A park ranger will hand you a pamphlet showing you a map of all of the accessible trails inside the park. It is important that you plan your day, so you don’t find yourself stuck inside the park after dark.
If you’re wanting to ride a bike or rent a boat, you may have to pay a fee. The swamp is also dog-friendly but please make sure to clean up after them.
It is not possible to set up a camping site at the Dismal Swamp State Park. The nearest camping site is the Merchants Millpond State Park.
Park Hours & Address
The park is open from 8 am to 5:30 pm from March through October. The late fall and winter hours slightly vary with closing time being 1 hour earlier.
2294 Hwy 17, South Mills, NC 27976
What is the History of the Great Dismal Swamp?
This state park has witnessed a ton of history and several groups of people who decided to reside at the Great Dismal Swamp during the Civil War including the Native Americans and enslaved people.
The African American slaves who sought freedom by traveling on the underground railroad found the swamp as the ideal resting place in the South, and I can definitely see why, as the park is off the beaten path, helping them hide while also building a community.
At one point, George Washington himself made a stop here.
The Dismal Swamp Canal also served an important purpose for trade between the Chesapeake Bay and the Albermarle Sound in North Carolina.
However, this park wasn’t always a wildlife refuge. For centuries, this swamp was taken over by human activities, nearly destroying the ecosystems that live here.
Did you know that the Dismal Swamp Canal is a famous padding destination?
What Kind of Animals Call the Great Dismal Swamp Home?
As I was walking the boardwalk further into the forest, I spotted a sign highlighting some of the wildlife that are rarely seen but aren’t impossible to come across like the shrew and bobcat. This is due to these animals only coming out at night with secretive behavior or living underground.
When exploring the park, don’t forget to look for evidence of other animals like bear claw marks or otter droppings. You may even come across a red fox if you go at the right time.
Things to do at Dismal Swamp State Park
Walk or bike the 22 miles of hiking trails. You can also spend the day picnicking with your friends or family.
I would recommend checking out the exhibits inside the Visitor Center as they do a great job providing a spotlight on the wildlife that live in the area.
Try out paddling on the Canal or go fishing. Here are more things to do at the state park.
Final Thoughts
After visiting the Dismal Swamp State Park in March, I kind of wish I could go back, so I can see all of the leaves on the trees and the plants in bloom. The park may become busier around the spring, but I still think it is worth visiting as a day trip.
The best part is that it’s only 24 minutes away from Elizabeth City in North Carolina.
Don’t forget to visit these nature spots: