The Battle of South Mills or Battle of Camden, took place on April 19, 1862 in Camden County, North Carolina as part of Union Army General Ambrose E. Burnside's North Carolina expedition during the American Civil War.

Learning that the Confederates were building ironclads at Norfolk, Burnside planned an expedition to destroy the Dismal Swamp Canal locks to prevent transfer of the ships to Albemarle Sound. He entrusted the operation to Brig. Gen. Jesse L. Reno's command, which embarked on transports from Roanoke Island on April 18. By midnight, the convoy reached Elizabeth City and began disembarking troops. On the morning of April 19, Reno marched north on the road to South Mills. At the crossroads a few miles below South Mills, elements of Col. Ambrose R. Wright's command delayed the Federals until dark. Reno abandoned the expedition and withdrew during the night to the transports at Elizabeth City. The transports carried Reno's troops to New Bern where they arrived on April 22.

Battle of South Mills
Part of the American Civil War
Date April 19, 1862 Location Camden County, North Carolina Result Confederate victory (Union withdrew)
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Jesse L. Reno	Ambrose R. Wright
Strength
21st Massachusetts and 51st Pennsylvania	3rd Georgia
Casualties and losses
114	25