Best Tent Camping near Aberdeen, NC

Tent campsites around Aberdeen, North Carolina range from established camping areas to more primitive woodland settings. Sandhills Campground B provides a truly primitive camping experience within the Sandhills Gamelands, requiring campers to bring all supplies including water. Chalk Banks in Lumber River State Park offers spacious tent sites with platforms elevated and framed with wooden railroad ties, providing a more developed yet still natural camping environment.

Access to walk-in tent sites requires preparation and appropriate vehicles in many locations. Sandhills Campground B is accessible only via dirt roads, necessitating four-wheel drive or vehicles with good ground clearance. Most tent locations provide fire rings or pits, though amenities vary significantly between sites. At Lumber River State Park, tent campers have access to vault toilets and potable water from spigots, while more primitive locations like Sandhills Campground B lack any facilities. Weather conditions can affect site accessibility, particularly after rainfall when dirt access roads may become muddy and difficult to navigate.

The tent camping experience near Aberdeen offers substantial privacy and natural immersion. Tent sites at Chalk Banks are notably spacious and set back in the woods, creating a sense of seclusion even when other campers are present. Sites 9-11 at Lumber River State Park "sit WAY back in the woods, so its like almost like having your own campground," according to one visitor. Many areas provide good opportunities for outdoor recreation, with fishing lakes in the Sandhills Gamelands and access to the Lumber River for kayaking and canoeing at Chalk Banks. Foraging for firewood is possible at several locations, with one review noting "TONS of forage wood" at Lumber River State Park. Most primitive walk-in tent locations maintain quiet environments with minimal crowds, especially on weekdays outside of major holidays.

Best Tent Sites Near Aberdeen, North Carolina (11)

    1. Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park

    10 Reviews
    Wagram, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 628-4564

    $17 - $47 / night

    "It was a little tricky finding the entrance to this campsite, but when we managed to Google map our way in into the park, we were very happy with our selection!"

    "There was a path walkable to the river, and each campsite was clean, had plenty of space on level ground to set up camp, a fire pit, and very clean toilet. I would definitely go back!"

    2. Sandhills Campground B

    1 Review
    Pinebluff, NC
    11 miles
    +1 (910) 281-3917

    "This is a campground located in the Sandhills Gamelands in NC. If you're looking for primitive, this is it. No bathrooms, no water spigots, no camp store, nothing like that."

    3. San-Lee Park

    3 Reviews
    Sanford, NC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 776-6221

    $15 / night

    "Contrary to what has been written, I would highly recommend San-Lee Park to anyone looking for a short and easy escape from the nearby Raleigh-Durham area."

    "There are hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and other water sports on the lake there."

    4. Deep Water Trail Camp

    8 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    41 miles
    Website

    "I’ve got a 13 foot pull behind. Backed in mostly but a few could be pulled in an out. Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don’t go."

    "First of all.. this place is FREE to camp at and surrounded by beautiful water, beautiful trees and the ancient rock of Uwharrie. A lovely place that we are so lucky to have access to... BUT. People."

    5. Uwharrie Hunt Camp

    6 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "Horse trail riding is second on the list of activities within the park judging by the number of trails."

    "My husband and I took our two dogs backpacking for a weekend at Uhwarrie Park. After a long drive trying to find my husbands original spot we found a new one. Beautiful scenery."

    6. East Morris Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    "Only three sites on this little out of the way fire trail. We go to the end of the road for complete privacy. No amenities other than a fire pit."

    7. Deep Water Trailt Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "Too much trash left by previous campers"

    "Thankfully some campers nearby helped me rearrange my direction and get me out of the mud, but I still don’t know how I’m going to make it back out of here 😬. This might be my forever home?!"

    8. Owl Creek Horse Camp - Bankhead NF

    Be the first to review!
    Mamers, NC
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (334) 832-4470

    $5 / night

    9. Woodrun

    Be the first to review!
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391
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Tent Camping Reviews near Aberdeen, NC

387 Reviews of 11 Aberdeen Campgrounds


  • A
    Oct. 27, 2021

    West Morris Mtn.

    Individual campsites

    Several individual campsites. Has trash bins located throughout the loop. There are picnic tables and fire rings at each site. No electric and no water. All spots are full shade.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Badin Lake Campground

    A relaxing lakeside atmosphere

    Uwharrie National Forest-Badin Lake Campground, New London, NC.

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48934 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE\_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368418.pdf

    Campground Overview: 34 sites, two loops...upper loop and lakeside loop. Relatively large sites with vegetation that blocks constant view of neighbors. 

    Each site has a gravel parking pad and separate gravel tent pad, a standing charcoal grill, firepit with adjustable grate, a picnic table and a metal pole for hanging lanterns, etc. I would advise securing online reservations, but they do have an Iron Ranger to drop your payment in should you find an empty site. Note: There are warnings that online reservations take precedence, so if you use the Iron Ranger payment drop chute and someone reserved the same campsite...you will be required to move to a different location when the online reservation campers arrive. Just so you know.

    No electric. 

    Oddly, no firewood for sale...although scrounging produced plenty of things and fallen branches to keep a fire going.

    I preferred the lower loop as nearly every outer site was on the lake with great views and lake access and sites are spread out. The inside sites of the lower loop are pretty spacious and deep. Water spigots were spaced out around the loop, so a short walk as we were equal distance between two. 

    Restroom/showerhouses were quad door buildings. Separate men’s and women’s restrooms and two separate shower rooms. Facilities were kept clean and stocked by resident hosts. 

    With Verizon, I never lost signal...a plus for a National Forest!

    The upper loop appeared to offer a little more solitude than the lower lake loop...but no lake views. 

    The lake loop trail crosses the main campground roadway between the two loops. This trail is relatively flat and meanders around the lake and it’s many fingers...offering lovely lake views and some nice fishing locations. 

    During my midweek visit it was quiet day and night. The sunset across the lake was gorgeous and relaxing. Loud powerboat noise was minimal as only a couple bass boats thought it essential to travel at high speeds from location to location. Next visit my canoe and mountain one will accompany me. 

    What I enjoyed: as much as I dislike tree rats, I was entertained by two feuding squirrels that chased each other relentlessly and knocking each other out of tree tops. Woodpecker and Turkey wake up calls. 

    For a National Forest, I was surprised by the level of daytime industrial noise nearby. 

    Overall, a fantastic location relatively close to Raleigh/Durham and Fayetteville for a great camping getaway. I was only able to stay one night as the campground was booked, all reserved in advance. So plan ahead.

  • J
    Jul. 10, 2020

    Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park

    Pleasantly Surprised.

    It was a little tricky finding the entrance to this campsite, but when we managed to Google map our way in into the park, we were very happy with our selection! These campsites are in a beautiful pine woods forest. Many sites have a pretty mossy pathway near the tent platform. The platform is elevated and and dirt framed in wooden railroad ties. The sites have great privacy and the campsite was virtually empty except for us and one other family. The campground ranger said they only fill up on the 4th of July. They set-up and trash can with a bag for you upon arrival. There is no general store nearby so bring wood and supplies in with you. There was a water pump/spigot near the restroom with great pressure (potable water). We brought our own pop-up shower and road toilet with us, so didn’t need the restroom. The ranger that greeted us was super nice and respectful. He gave us the gate code in case we needed to leave after they closed the gate at 9:00pm. Very quiet and peaceful.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Outdoor Perfection @ Jordan Lake SRA Poplar Point Campground

    Poplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina! Yes, I know, that’s quite a statement to make, considering all of the amazing places in the great state of North Carolina. So let me explain why I reached this conclusion:

    • Some of the most outstanding hiking trails

    • Heavily wooded forest paradise that delivers privacy and solitude

    • Perfectly maintained amenities such as picnic tables, fold-up fire ring and grills

    • Bathroom facilities are some of the best I’ve experienced with state-run facilities

    • Direct access to a fantastic lakeside experience, complete with boat launches

    • Designated swimming area complete with life vests

    • On-site park staff were nothing short of amazing, helpful and incredibly friendly

    • Close access to purchase anything that might be needed 

    Insider’s tip? Be sure to get down to the lake from wherever your campsite is just after sunset and bring a couple of folding chairs and a telescope (pre-planning here is needed!) to catch a glimpse of one of the most amazing star-studded night skies you’ve ever seen in your life! 

    Happy Camping!

  • Makenzie T.
    May. 18, 2021

    Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park

    Clean, beautiful and river-accessible!

    This was a great campground for a great price. There was a path walkable to the river, and each campsite was clean, had plenty of space on level ground to set up camp, a fire pit, and very clean toilet. I would definitely go back!

  • Katy S.
    Jul. 6, 2020

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Great access to the lake

    This is a pretty nice campground, similar to other state parks in North Carolina. The sites are spacious, we stayed at a double site that allowed up to 4 cars. The site was level and stayed dry during the heavy rain, however we saw other sites that had big puddles, with tents in the water. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly, but they were not very nice. The shower didn't look good at all, we didn't use it.

    A great things about the campground is that it has its own kayak/canoe ramp, just a few minutes drive from the site. We saw people fishing from the ramp as well. On our morning paddle we saw a couple of bald eagles, they were amazing. We stayed at the campsite after heavy rains, so the beach was closed. It must be nice when not flooded.

    This is a state campground, so alcohol is not allowed.

  • Sarah G.
    May. 30, 2018

    Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    Lots of activities for family camping

    We had 4 families with children on 1 RV and 3 non-electric tent sites over Memorial Day weekend. Even though the park was at max capacity, it didn’t feel crowded or swarming. The facilities and activities at Morrow Mountain are awesome - a huge, clean pool; canoe rental from a well-maintained boathouse; hikes of various lengths; slightly aged but clean and cared for bath houses; and (our favorite) a gorgeous mountain top picnic shelter (A), which we rented due to a rainy forecast. Great place for family camping. Sites are nicely spaced, but by no means are they private or secluded. Staff were very friendly, but the no alcohol rule is a bummer. If you want to be alone in the woods, Morrow Mountain is not for you. Its also worth noting the climate is much more like south central NC (hot and super humId) and nothIng like the cool mountain air in Western NC. But if your looking for a fun, interactive family or group camping weekend, it’s the perfect spot!

  • R
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Moonshine Creek Campground

    Top Notch

    This is an excellent campground! It’s really woodsy and the creek is fabulous. Nice laundry facilities. Especially nice are the tent sites. They seem to have some of the most scenic spots. The Sanctuary area is awesome and the tent sites are right on the creek. It is for those with no pets or kids and is limited to 2 people per site. It’s a quiet zone. There is one tent cabin and 4 tent sites with water and electric. You CAN park at your sites. We weren’t sure before if it was a walk in area. The bathhouse for this area has two toilets and two showers.Each is completely private. There are outlets and sinks in all four. There is also a very nice sink and counter on the end for dishwashing. It’s all in excellent condition. Very nice picnic tables too. They were easy to wipe off. Sites S1-3 have an awning/ shelter. S4 does not but is much larger. S4 is higher up so you look down on the creek. It is more off by itself. S1 even has access to a 2nd picnic table close to the creek. It is the smallest as far as tent space. We would love to visit again!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2021

    Parkers Creek Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Stellar Campground @ Jordan Lake SRA - Parker's Creek

    I could barely believe that we're only 20 or so minutes away from a large city like Raleigh and we are able to access such amazing natural beauty so easily.  For most of my camping life, I'm used to spending hours on a road (often winding, bumpy and war-torn!) before making it to our ultimate camping destination - so Parker's Creek was a real treat.

    Here, just like so many of the great state parks in North Carolina, I found an exceptional well-taken care of chunk of nature, where the campground has been perfectly carved INTO nature, and this particular area of well-appointed campsites are nothing short of spectacular, especially if you get as lucky as we did in booking this site.  Perhaps because we were in shoulder season, we didn't experience the herds of other campers - in fact, for the most part, we felt like we had the place to ourselves.

    All of the basic amenities are here - picnic table, fire ring, running water and hot showers, restroom facilities.  And oh, like everything's just about new or recently refurbished.  Add this to the excellent views, I don't know that it gets better than waking up after a great night underneath the stars (and a full moon) and going for a nice dip in Lake Jordan before all the boating and fishing crowds mob the lake's water.  This and the hiking trails around, were simply fantastic.  I can't wait to return soon!

    Happy Camping


Guide to Aberdeen

Tent camping near Aberdeen, North Carolina offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from peaceful riverside sites to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park features spacious, primitive sites with picnic tables, fire pits, and access to drinking water, making it a great choice for a comfortable camping experience.
  • San-Lee Park offers essential amenities like showers, toilets, and fire pits, ensuring campers have everything they need for a pleasant stay.
  • Deep Water Trail Camp provides free camping with no permit required, along with pet-friendly policies, making it an ideal spot for families and furry friends.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $5

  • Camping at Uwharrie Hunt Camp costs just $5 per night, offering a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore the outdoors.
  • Deep Water Trail Camp is free to camp at, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.
  • East Morris Mountain is another affordable option, though it is primarily open during hunting season.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • At Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park, visitors can kayak and fish in the beautiful Lumber River, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
  • San-Lee Park features hiking and biking trails, along with opportunities for kayaking and other water sports on the nearby lake.
  • Deep Water Trail Camp is known for its stunning views and hiking trails, making it a great spot for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Aberdeen, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Aberdeen, NC is Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Aberdeen, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Aberdeen, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.