State Parks Near Elizabeth City, North Carolina

6 state park units lie within 50 miles of Elizabeth City, including 2 parks across the line in Virginia. The closest is Dismal Swamp State Park, about 18 mi northwest of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Dismal Swamp State Park18 mi northwest
Within 25 miles
1of 6 within 50 mi
With camping
61 with cabins
Dog-friendly
6pets allowed

State parks near Elizabeth City, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Elizabeth City; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Dismal Swamp State Park

    18 miles northwest · South Mills, North Carolina · State Park

    Popular activities here are canoeing and kayaking, boating, biking, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes boat or kayak rentals.

    CampingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Dismal Swamp State Park →

  2. Merchants Millpond State Park

    27 miles west · Gatesville, North Carolina · State Park

    Things to do include canoeing and kayaking, boating, biking, fishing, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp and boat or kayak rentals.

    CampingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Merchants Millpond State Park →

  3. False Cape State Park

    29 miles northeast · Virginia Beach, Virginia · State Park

    Popular activities here are canoeing and kayaking, biking, hiking, and picnicking. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites and group camping.

    1 alertCampingDogs allowedHikingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for False Cape State Park →

  4. Pettigrew State Park

    36 miles south · Creswell, North Carolina · State Park

    Things to do include canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, biking, and fishing. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp.

    CampingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Pettigrew State Park →

  5. Jockey's Ridge State Park

    41 miles southeast · Nags Head, North Carolina · State Park

    The park supports surfing, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. On the water side, there is a swimming beach.

    CampingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Jockey's Ridge State Park →

  6. First Landing State Park

    44 miles north · Virginia Beach, Virginia · State Park

    The park supports canoeing and kayaking, boating, biking, hiking, and picnicking. The official site lists about 20 miles of trails. Water access includes a boat ramp.

    CampingCabins/lodgingDogs allowedHikingBoatingAccessible features$7 per vehicle

    Hours, fees and rules for First Landing State Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Elizabeth City

  1. Dismal Swamp State Park 18 mi northwest · Campground listed
  2. Merchants Millpond State Park 27 mi west · Campground listed
  3. False Cape State Park 29 mi northeast · Campground listed
  4. Pettigrew State Park 36 mi south · Campground listed
  5. Jockey's Ridge State Park 41 mi southeast · Campground listed

+ 1 more in the list above

Cabins and lodging near Elizabeth City

  1. First Landing State Park 44 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays

Dog-friendly state parks near Elizabeth City

  1. Dismal Swamp State Park 18 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules
  2. Merchants Millpond State Park 27 mi west · Pets allowed under park rules
  3. False Cape State Park 29 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
  4. Pettigrew State Park 36 mi south · Pets allowed under park rules
  5. Jockey's Ridge State Park 41 mi southeast · Pets allowed under park rules

+ 1 more in the list above

Swimming near Elizabeth City

  1. Pettigrew State Park 36 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. Jockey's Ridge State Park 41 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near Elizabeth City

  1. Dismal Swamp State Park 18 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
  2. Merchants Millpond State Park 27 mi west · Hiking trails listed
  3. False Cape State Park 29 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
  4. Pettigrew State Park 36 mi south · Hiking trails listed
  5. Jockey's Ridge State Park 41 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed

+ 1 more in the list above

Fishing near Elizabeth City

  1. Dismal Swamp State Park 18 mi northwest · Fishing listed
  2. Merchants Millpond State Park 27 mi west · Fishing listed
  3. Pettigrew State Park 36 mi south · Fishing listed

Questions about state parks near Elizabeth City

What is the closest state park to Elizabeth City?

Dismal Swamp State Park is the closest, about 18 miles northwest of Elizabeth City in a straight line. Next are Merchants Millpond State Park and False Cape State Park.

How many state parks are near Elizabeth City?

6 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Elizabeth City have camping?

6 parks list camping, the nearest being Dismal Swamp State Park, Merchants Millpond State Park and False Cape State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Elizabeth City?

Yes, at 6 parks, including Dismal Swamp State Park, Merchants Millpond State Park and False Cape State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.

Are there free state parks near Elizabeth City?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

State parks near other cities

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.