Butner Lake WMA, near Butner, North Carolina, is a straightforward spot for those looking to enjoy some rustic camping without the frills. This area is perfect for tent camping or car camping, with easy access right off the road and a few small sites tucked away in the woods.

Visitors have noted that it’s a great place for a quick overnight stay, especially if you’re passing through. One camper mentioned, “Works perfectly, especially in a pinch,” highlighting its convenience. While the amenities are minimal—think fire rings and a place to hang your gear—many appreciate the peace and quiet, especially during hunting season when the crowds thin out.

The surrounding nature is a big draw, with plenty of trees and open spaces to soak in the outdoors. If you’re comfortable with a more primitive experience, this location offers a chance to disconnect and enjoy a night under the stars. Just remember, it’s free camping, so you can save some cash while enjoying the great outdoors.

Free camping from September 1 - February 28, and March 31 - May 14. Designated as Hunter Camping, accessible to all.

Butner lake WMA

Stem, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Stem is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Stem

The Best Camping Near Stem, North Carolina

You have a fire ring and a line to hang things from thats about it here, really nice place to camp if youre comfortable not having a toilet. Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didnt think he would fit but found a spot just fine. And the best part is its FREE CAMPING!!

Very rustic dispersed camping

Very primitive, but close to town if you need anything.  Sites are very close together, no privacy.  Most campers are here to hunt so are gone most of the day.  It was not crowded when I was there during the week. I was only there on a Tuesday.

Free during hunting season

Only open Sept 1 to Feb 28th and March 31 to May 14

Warning Seasonally Open! 

Very easy to get too, right off interstate. very primitive but you have a decent signal if you need to park and get work done. Great spot to sleep if you are passing through!

Very basic camping

This is a small road and if you had a camper of any size it would take you a while to turn around.    Very few places.   Like someone said earlier this is a place to pitch a tent or to Car Camp.

Very Small and not made for trailers.  

Good no cost tent site

Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent. Only open during hunting seasons though.

Great small sites

first time doing any type of dispersed camping but it was really easy to find, just off the road in the woods, just follow the coordinates and its a lil past, look for the signs, with lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods, though you can still see the headlights coming from the road.

I'm not a hunter but no one else was there and I pulled up at 10pm and left 6am on the first day of open season.

terrific spot to pull up for a night

My fiance and I camped out a little longer than the actually extension period for individuals, but never had a problem. Several others have showed up to camp out a couple days but were gone shortly. For the most part it was just us. And whatever it is running around in the woods. I heard many coyotes elks and a an owl but nothing never stumbled to our campsite close enough to get a look at it other than one young fox which was running away when we pulled in one late night. I think the animals are aware that the campground is human territory so they stay away. It's at 10 different spots to set up with your car parked right next to your tent. Our Boost mobile wi-fi worked perfectly fine. There is a lake 2 mins away one way and another 7 mins away the other way. The city dump is also 2 mins away. And town is 5 mins away. I wish the gates never closed because we would still be there.

Photos of Butner lake WMA

Real photos from real campers