🌤 Weather at Dismal Swamp State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–81 °F | 58–91 °F | 33–84 °F | 24–56 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Wallaceton-Lake Drummond, 5 mi away, elevation 20 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Dismal Swamp State Park is a public state park in North Carolina near South Mills in Camden County. Spanning 14,432 acres and established in 1974, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | North Carolina |
| Nearest City | South Mills |
| County | Camden |
| Park Size | 14,432 acres |
| Established | 1974 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Dismal Swamp State Park is located near South Mills, North Carolina. The park’s coordinates are 36.5333, -76.3833.
Things to Do
North Carolina state parks span from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks barrier islands, offering extraordinary diversity. Activities include hiking along the Blue Ridge Escarpment with spectacular waterfall views, swimming at mountain lakes and Atlantic beaches, fishing in mountain trout streams and coastal estuaries, rock climbing at Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock, camping in diverse ecosystems, kayaking through coastal marshes and whitewater rivers, mountain biking through piedmont forests, and exploring Civil War and colonial history.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May) brings spectacular wildflower displays, especially in the mountains. Summer (June–August) is ideal for coastal and mountain lake parks, though humidity is intense in the piedmont. Fall (October–November) delivers excellent foliage in the Blue Ridge, peaking mid-to-late October. Winter is mild at coastal parks and cold in the mountains, offering peaceful hiking. The Outer Banks parks are especially appealing in shoulder seasons when summer crowds thin.
Visitor Tips
North Carolina state parks are free to enter — no vehicle or admission fees. Camping fees are modest. Reservations through the NC State Parks reservation system. Linville Falls, Chimney Rock, and Hanging Rock are among the most popular — arrive before 10 AM on fall weekends. Ticks are prevalent in all seasons. Dogs are allowed on most trails on leash but are prohibited at swimming areas.
Explore More North Carolina State Parks
Dismal Swamp State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in North Carolina. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in North Carolina guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Dismal Swamp SP — 14,432 acres on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp (112,000 acres) — one of the largest swamps on the East Coast. The swamp was a refuge for escaped slaves who formed maroon communities deep in the wilderness. George Washington surveyed and attempted to drain it. Black bears, bobcats, and barred owls inhabit the swamp. Over 200 bird species recorded.
Nearby Attractions
South Mills — adjacent. Great Dismal Swamp NWR — surrounding. Dismal Swamp Canal — adjacent — one of the oldest man-made waterways in America. Elizabeth City — 20 miles east.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Merchants Millpond State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Chowan Swamp State Natural Area (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Dismal Swamp State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in all North Carolina state parks as long as they are on an attended leash and under the constant control of the owner.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Attended leash or other restraint no longer than 6 feet required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted at swim areas or in bathhouses
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are strictly prohibited from entering any building, including cabins; no pet-friendly cabin program
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Not all campgrounds allow pets (contact the park office first); pets must be confined to tent or vehicle during quiet hours (10 p.m.-7 a.m.); at Hammocks Beach visitors must arrange their own transportation for pets to Bear Island
Are dogs allowed at Dismal Swamp State Park?
Pets are permitted in all North Carolina state parks as long as they are on an attended leash and under the constant control of the owner. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ncparks.gov. More: North Carolina state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Dismal Swamp State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
