Wildlife activity runs high at Butner Lake WMA, a free dispersed camping area managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service in Butner, North Carolina. Two lakes sit within a short drive of camp, one roughly two minutes out and another about seven, giving anglers and wildlife watchers quick access to water without much setup. Coyotes, owls, and the occasional fox have all been reported moving through the surrounding woods, though one camper noted the animals tend to keep their distance from occupied sites.
The campground holds around ten pull-in spots set just off the road in a wooded area, with each site sized for one car and a tent. Sites are close together with minimal separation between them, so expect to see and hear neighbors. "Very primitive, but close to town if you need anything," one reviewer noted, which sums up the tradeoff well. Most campers here are hunters, which means sites often empty out during daylight hours, particularly on weekdays. Crowd density tends to stay low outside of hunting season openers, though one camper arrived on the first day of open season and had the place to herself.
Cell coverage is workable. At least one camper confirmed a mobile hotspot functioned reliably, and several reviewers mention using the site as an overnight stop while passing through the region. Campfires are permitted, and each site has a fire ring. There is no toilet on site. Trash service and a dump station are listed amenities, and the town of Butner is roughly five minutes away for resupply. Campers interested in developed alternatives nearby can compare options at Lake Michie Recreation Area to the west or Rollingview SRA further south.
Access is straightforward but worth noting for larger rigs. The road in is narrow, and at least one reviewer flagged that turning around a camper of any real size would be difficult. A 30-foot trailer has reportedly fit, but the driver had to work for a spot. Those exploring camping near Stem should check current gate hours before arriving, as the campground appears to operate on a seasonal schedule tied to hunting seasons. Bring everything you need for a self-contained stay, and verify open dates in advance if you're planning a trip outside of fall.
Description
Free camping from September 1 - February 28, and March 31 - May 14. Designated as Hunter Camping, accessible to all.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsButner lake WMA is located in North Carolina near Stem
Coordinates
36.15930971 N
78.75584055 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/21/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/11/25- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/21/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/11/25
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Butner lake WMA needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 15 min from Durham, NC
- 34 min from Raleigh, NC
- 44 min from Burlington, NC
