Current Events

Merchants Millpond State Park Camping trip. Come by land or sea!

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE **** Update #1 - Mandatory RSVP will be required for all canoe/kayak/backpacking/camping participants  to get an accurate head count.  Only those that send an RSVP will receive a return email with important details on contact information;  check-in/overnight parking pass details and early boat launch meetup time for attendees that want to launch with the NBOAC club.  Please send RSVP NLT Thursday October 15th to nboaclub@gmail.com   

Update #2 - Join NBOAC for a Campfire Potluck scheduled for Oct 17th Saturday night. Why the RSVP is also needed! 

Merchants Millpond State Park Primitive Camping Trip October 16th - 18th 2026

Merchants Millpond State Park Canoe/Kayak/Hiker primitive camping trip. Come by land or sea!

New Bern Outdoor Adventure Club announces their next camping event at the Merchants MillPond State Park.  Reservations have been made for Group Canoe-In Primitive Camp Site number three for Friday October 16th with checkout on Sunday October 18th.

**UPDATE ** All camping paddlers and hikers must send an RSVP to NBOAC to attend this event before checking in at the Visitors Center located at 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC to obtain an overnight vehicle parking pass (see Update # 1). 

Paddlers will park and launch at the Merchants MillPond Boat Ramp located on 288 Mill Pond Rd.  Those hiking in to the campsite should park at the designated picnic area parking lot beyond the Visitor Center Office and should hike in to the camp site using the Lassiter Trail. All hikers are advised to get a trail map from park office personnel. The Visitor Center closes daily at 6:30pm.

Distance for hikers using the Lassiter Trail and from the boat ramp to the Group Canoe-In Primitive Camp Site is approximately 1.25 mile. NBOAC will coordinate kayak/canoe launch based on participation. Please RSVP so we know who to expect. Cost for the campsite will be based on the number of campers, so bring a friend. Paddlers should follow the orange buoys till you see yellow buoys, then follow yellow buoys to the camping area.  Don't start your trek to late in the afternoon.  Plan to be set up well before sunset!  Campers are welcome to come on Saturday as well. 

There is a shared pit toilet near the camp sites but no potable water or bath house.  Campers are responsible for bringing their own water, food, shelter, and gear. Canoes are available for rent at the park office. All paddlers must wear their PFD's while on the water.

Weather permitting a group paddle on Saturday will be announced on the day of the event.  

For more information or questions please contact New Bern Outdoor Adventure club via email: nboaclub@gmail.com

In case of cancellation due to inclement weather conditions, updates will be posted on the NBOAC internet website and NBOAC Facebook page.

 UPDATE ** UPDATE ** UPDATE ** UPDATE ** UPDATE ** UPDATE **

Love camping, hiking & socializing in the great outdoors?

The New Bern Outdoor Adventure Club next event will be held at the Flanners Beach Campground on September 25th-27th.

Flanners Beach Campground is located in the Croatan National Forest near New Bern, NC and offers shaded electric and non electric campsites, beautiful scenic forest trails and the "Now Open" beach access to the Neuse River!

We welcome all those interested in camping and knowing more about our club's activities.

Reserve your camping site at www.recreation.gov. This is a popular campground so early registration is highly recommended.

Not interested in camping but want to know more about our club? There will be a scheduled day hike on Saturday morning September 26th at 10:00 am. Day hikers meet Saturday morning at 9:45 in the campground recreational parking lot near the restrooms, step off is at 10 a.m. for a leisurely hike with options for longer hikes. 

Comfortable hiking shoes, water, maybe a snack and bug repellent are recommended.  The trail is a easy hike with well maintained loops with some small sections of hills and possible wet areas, so good supportive footwear is highly recommended. The total hiking distance is approximately 2.5 to 3 miles and should take about 2 hours to complete.

Campers will be responsible for their own camp site registration. Day hikers will be responsible for their own transportation to the Flanners Beach Campground parking lot.

RSVP for campers and day hikers is not required - feel free to bring a friend and a smile!

For more information or questions please contact New Bern Outdoor Adventure club via email: nboaclub@gmail.com

In case of cancellation due to inclement weather conditions, updates will be posted on the NBOAC internet website and NBOAC Facebook page.