Merchants & Bennetts Millpond Camping and paddling

This paddle is always a favorite just before Halloween, with its craggy trees and Spanish moss. But please note: because we go far up Lassiter Creek and cross multiple beaver dams, this is NOT a good trip for novice paddlers, nor for kayaks without sturdy construction (no inflatables, foldables, sups).

If it's likely to rain constantly, we may cancel or postpone this event, and will try to announce that by Thursday afternoon. Small amounts of rain in forecast will not trigger cancelling. Please let event hosts know if you need to cancel, and change your RSVP so we don't wonder if you got lost.

Important: Cell service is iffy. We suggest using the google maps app to download a map of the two millponds that will work even without cell service. A backup phone charger is also very useful.

Sadly, our usual camping area is closed because the bathhouse is being renovated. For this year only, I have booked GROUP WALK-IN SITE #2, which is off of Mill Pond Rd, south of the Visitor Center and the kayak launch, on the right as you are heading south.

PDF map of the park: https://www.ncparks.gov/maps/merchants-millpond-state-park-map/open

Cars need to be parked in a lot by the showers, but the ranger said you can drive fairly close to campsite #2 for unloading. Unfortunately, the only showers/bathrooms at the group sites are in a small house at the parking area, with one stall for men and one stall for women. On the plus side, I'm told it's hot water and the building is heated.

The group site has picnic tables and fire pits. Water will be from a pump that is not right on the site, but along the gravel road about half way to the showers, I think. I will bring a few 5-gallon coolers (and a small wagon) for everybody to use, but you may want to bring your own water containers too.

At the Visitor Center (open 8:00-6:30) they have wifi, paper maps of the park, and nice toilets with multiple stalls. :-) They sell bundles of firewood for $7 or so.

The general plan is to get to the campsite Friday to set up, any time after 3:00. We typically wait until Saturday night for a potluck, but whoever is there at dinner time on Friday can also gather and either just bring your own food or something to share.

Weather permitting, we will paddle Merchants Millpond Saturday, launching at 10am. It’s a full day of paddling, approximately 8-9 miles, which includes paddling through some areas thick with water lilies and over beaver dams. Bring snacks or a lunch, and water.

On Sunday we will pack up camp and head over to paddle nearby Bennett's Millpond, a 30 min drive to the south, with a probable launch time of 11:30. If you google "Bennett's Mill Pond Public Access" it should bring up the launch area on Rocky Hock Road in Edenton. Rocky Hock Road is a horseshoe that meets the main road on both ends--you want the one further south, or the second one if you're coming from Merchant's Millpond. On the corner of Rocky Hock Road where you turn right there is a Dollar General (although, to make things more confusing, it's the second Dollar General you'd pass on the way there).

Once on Rocky Hock Road, the entrance to the launch is on the right. It is a gravel road that looks like a driveway, marked by a very small white sign. If you cross over a creek on Rocky Hock Rd (guardrails along the edge of the road) you've gone too far.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XuK1mABah6u9PaHm6?g_st=ic

Most of us will head home after a 3-4hr Bennetts Millpond paddle.

Things to bring: PFD and whistle (both required), bug spray, sunscreen, food and water, folding chair, flashlights or headlamps, standard camping gear for cooking and sleeping.

If you forget anything, unfortunately the nearest Walmarts or similar are a 35 minute drive away (30 miles) in Ahoskie or Elizabeth City. There is a Dollar General about 10 minutes away on Rt 158 in Gatesville. Food options are very limited, but there is a basic Chinese restaurant near the corner of 158 and Mill Pond Rd.

Hope all of that is helpful. Please remember that Simply Kayaking is not responsible for you safety or convenience. Our motto is more fun, less drama. :-)