A Family Adventure
Take a trip out to South Mills with your family for a great day of adventure at the Dismal Swamp State Park. If you are like me, and you’ve been before but not recently, visit again! The park is located in Camden, just three miles south of the Virginia border on U.S. 17 North near mile marker 273.
March through October, the park is open from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The park is open year round with the exception of Christmas Day.
Hike the Trails
We walked several trails on our visit, but definitely did not see them all. There are ten trails, ranging from 0.5 mile to 5.4 miles. A very large black snake crossed in front of us at one point, and the kids saw a deer. The park notes, “Copperheads and cottonmouths also call the swamp home.” Visitors are advised not to feed or approach wildlife.
Bears are known to be residents, so I felt better in a group. Some smaller residents are ticks, and we found a few tiny ones on us when we got home even though we used insect repellent. Mosquitoes were not bad at all during our visit.
You are allowed to bring a bike or rent a beach cruiser bike from the park by the hour. The kids enjoyed the day even more than we expected, got some great exercise, and are already asking to go back.
Launch a Canoe/Kayak
You can rent a canoe or kayak by the hour at the park. Your rental will include a life jacket and a paddle. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license or other ID in order to do this, and remember that you have to be out of the water and packed up by the time the gate closes. You are also allowed to fish with a valid N.C. fishing license.
Check out the Visitor Center
There is a small Visitor Center with items available for purchase, water fountains, bathrooms, and most importantly AC! The kids will enjoy the educational exhibits, and adults will too. I have lived here all my life but I learned some new, interesting things about the “mysteries” of the swamp and how people reported seeing “ghosts” there and strange lights. The history and the beauty of the Dismal Swamp State Park is worthy of a trip.
Packing List
1.) Lots of cold water
2.) Snacks! I did not think about this, but the friends we were with did and the kids greatly appreciated it.
3.) Bug Spray/Tick Repellent (light colored clothing is recommended)
4.) Sunscreen
5.) Hat/Sunglasses
6.) $ in case you want anything from the gift shop
7.) Good walking shoes
8.) A leash no longer than 6 feet if you are bringing your pet
If you are a Dismal Swamp State Park enthusiast and have tips to share or favorite trails, please share them with us in the comments! Learn more about all of the N.C. State Parks here: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks
Great overview of a resource that is worth revisiting! Your packing list and photos are helpful! Did anyone have the opportunity to visit the Dismal Swamp State Park on Dismal Day?
Hi Sharon! Thank you! I completely missed Dismal Day this year! I have no idea how! It was over before I even realized it was happening. We plan to go back soon though because Belle wants to walk on the trail that you can see from the highway. We didn’t do that one last time we were there and she thinks it looks really cool. I bet it’s so pretty now with the leaves changing colors.