In Camden County, you’re sure to find incredibly rich history and beautiful scenery at every turn.  Located in northeastern North Carolina, within an hour drive of the Outer Banks, Camden is home to the Great Dismal Swamp, the largest remaining swamp in the eastern United States.  You can enjoy miles of trails and shoreline along with wild swamps and rural country roads.

Lace up your shoes and hike over 20 miles of old logging trails and a half-mile boardwalk at the Dismal Swamp State Park. The Dismal Swamp is recognized as a site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program, NC Civil War Trail and NC Moonshine & Motorsports Trail. 

Your bound to see an abundance of flora and fauna while biking, birding and snapping nature photography.  Keep your eyes peeled for birds, butterflies, black bear, deer, bobcats, otters, turtles and many other wildlife species. Dip your paddle into the silent, tea colored waters of the historic Dismal Swamp Canal, the oldest man-made canal in the United States. Whether you are visiting by highway or waterway, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Centerprovides travel and tourism information for Camden County and North Carolina. Boaters are welcome to tie up at the 150’ face dock while traveling the Intracoastal Waterway.

Visit the Camden County Heritage Museum & Historic Jail to discover hidden gems of this rural county, including Native Americans, Freedom Seekers, Moonshiners and Civil War figures. 

Rediscover the great outdoors during your stay at one of our local vacation rentals overlooking the Albemarle Sound or 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 location is just a short trip from the Outer Banks Beaches, Elizabeth City and the Dismal Swamp State Park.  

Local restaurants like Belcross Biscuit Company, Taylor’s Oak Restaurant and Topside Deli are serving up delicious favorites like sweet potato biscuits, eastern NC BBQ and fried chicken.  Grab a “Blackbeard” Latte or Honey Boba Milk Tea from The Kraken Coffeehouse and Waterfall Blossom Café to start off your day of outdoor adventures. Shop our robust farmers market and carry home that vintage treasure that makes your heart sing!

We invite you to explore our beautiful landscapes, paddle our waterways, hike & bike our many trails, and uncover Camden’s history! 

(Additional promo videos can be found on the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center Youtube page- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYfBrfGrv_lmLYa7ytE0eMw)