Neusalufta Chapter of Occoneechee Lodge #104

Yeah, we're talking snakes here, big ugly ones. I mean you don't even have to look close to know they're after y-o-u! And snapping turtles? If you count with your fingers be prepared to do math in a different base. ( 8 + 8 = 20 after that alligator snapper gets through with you!) And lets not forget the occasional real alligator. Pack all that into a swamp so thick with Spanish moss, cypress, swamp tupelos and birch that it looks the same no matter which way you look (you've got it : lost  - from the minute you turn the first corner.) Throw in a generous helping of ducks, geese, beaver, bobcats, and deer, and what do you get??? One fantastic campout!

Merchants Millpond, near Gatesville, NC, was impounded over 175 years ago, and as the egret flies, is only 4.7 miles across.   It is a true wonderland. Trees as old as one thousand years have been reported in interior areas. Wildlife, especially reptiles, abound. Reasonable precautions should be taken! Group camping areas are excellent: the level floor of a beautiful Birch forest.  Metal fire rings and latrine are provided. No water is available except at the launch. A series of orange and yellow markers are strung to assist in navigation to and from the camping areas. Ticks and other insects can be a problem during summer months.

This is definitely a canoe campout... you can't get there by hiking! The NC Park Service rents very good quality Old Town tandem canoes right at the launch site. Rental information is subject to change, so call ahead of time to make arrangements. No motors are allowed.

Directions: Directions: (For those interested)