Boating/Paddling

The Dismal Swamp State Park and miles of waterfront along the historic Dismal Swamp Canal, Pasquotank and North Rivers, and the Albemarle Sound qualify Camden as a prime eco-tourism destination.  The Albemarle Sound is the largest freshwater sound in North America and a popular place for recreational fishing, paddling and boating.  The Dismal Swamp Canal is also a part of the Intracoastal Waterway, connecting the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia to the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina.  The Dismal Swamp State Park offers visitors a variety of recreational activities including paddling and fishing.  The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is home to a 150′ face dock that provides a rest stop to nearly 2,000 boaters yearly.

Visit  Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center’s Website for additional information.

Dismal Swamp Canal OPEN to navigation & locks resume normal operational schedule as of 4/8/24.

Dismal Swamp Canal – – Deep Creek  Bridge Replacement Project

~ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed campgrounds including, Lake Drummond Reservation are open, but visitors must comply with Virginia  State Parks guidelines. ~

Boat Access Ramps

Click here to view North Carolina’s Boating Access Area-Guide:  Access Areas Provide a Free Launch.

  • Sawyer’s Creek Ramp: US Highway 343 North in Camden County
  • Camden Point: US Highway 343 South in Camden County
  • Lambs Marina: US Highway 158  in Camden County
  • Dog Corner Park and Waterfront Park Ramps: Elizabeth City Waterfront – There are height restrictions at Dog Corner Park
  • The Sawmill Park Ramp: Weeksville

To view the multiple page and latest version of the NC Coastal Boating Guide Map click here.

To view the large map version of the NC Coastal Boating Guide Map click here.

Visit NC Wildlife Resources Commission tor additional information.

Local Fishing Charters