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Best Dispersed Camping near Archdale, NC

18 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Archdale, North Carolina centers primarily in the Uwharrie National Forest, with several primitive camping areas providing backcountry experiences without developed facilities. Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area allows free dispersed camping with hike-in access only, while other sections of Uwharrie National Forest permit both drive-in and walk-in primitive camping. The Falls Dam Trail area also supports free dispersed camping with drive-in access for those seeking minimal-impact sites. Shallow Ford Natural Area, accessible by boat or hiking, provides an alternative option with primitive campsites along the Mountains to Sea Trail.

Many dispersed sites in the Uwharrie National Forest require short hikes or four-wheel drive vehicles to access, particularly during wet seasons when forest roads may become difficult to navigate. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in most areas. Birkhead Mountain Wilderness maintains strict regulations with no alcohol allowed and fires permitted only in established rings. Water is generally unavailable at primitive sites, requiring campers to filter from streams or pack in their supplies. Most dispersed areas lack amenities such as toilets, trash service, or drinking water, though some established Uwharrie campsites provide more facilities.

The region's primitive camping opportunities range from secluded forest settings to waterside locations. Shallow Ford Natural Area offers peaceful riverside camping with "lots of shade and it is very peaceful. It is pretty flat for your tent and there are fire rings." Birkhead Mountain features "very nice trails, well maintained" though trail markings can be minimal at intersections. During hunting seasons, extra precautions are necessary in the Uwharrie National Forest, with one visitor noting campers should "wear bright colors during hunting season because there are a ton of people out deer hunting in this area." Many Uwharrie dispersed sites include established fire pits, but visitors should plan to pack out all trash as some areas show evidence of previous campers leaving debris behind.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Archdale, North Carolina (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Archdale, NC

10 Photos of 5 Archdale Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Archdale, NC

18 Reviews of 5 Archdale Campgrounds

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2021

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Truly Primitive Camping in a National Forest

    Personally, I would give dispersed camping here four or five stars, but I have to be objective from the point of view of many campers. This is not an RV camping area, at least not the dispersed camping area. You cannot drive up to the campsites. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. There might be at the more developed campgrounds, but if you are camping along the Uwharrie Trail or the Dutchman’s Creek Trail, it is completely primitive. With that said, I have enjoyed camping in the Uwharrie National Forest. 

    This makes my third time in the Uwharrie National Forest. The first time was with a Royal Ranger Junior Training Trails group when I was a Royal Ranger leader. We camped along the Dutchman’s Creek Trail. The second time was with the Boy Scouts when we were preparing the boys for a longer backpacking trip to Philmont in New Mexico. This time was my third time, and I was by myself. I hiked along the creek at what was marked as campsite 1 along the Uwharrie Trail. It was a short hike and easy to moderate. Unfortunately, it wasn’t far enough away to hear distant noises from Hwy 24, so if you want to get away from traffic noise completely, hiker farther in. 

    Obviously, there are no facilities, so I had to take my own water and a water filter. Since I was close to a stream, I had to take care of personal business about two hundred feet farther away. There was evidence that others had been at this site because of the trash, but as always(and I am not patting myself on the back), I left the site cleaner than I found it. I am sure there are other views, but my favorite view was from Dennis Mountain, which is only about 700 feet above sea level. I didn’t make it to Dennis Mountain this time, and I wish I had taken pictures when I was there before. On my previous trips, I also wish I had taken more photos. Nevertheless, backpacking and camping in the Uwharrie Mountains gives you a sense of being in the wilderness.

  • Marvin D.
    Nov. 11, 2022

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Good challenging hiking, and plenty of campsites along the trails. This is a good place for a 'shakedown hike' if you ever plan on through hiking the AT. There are a few different trailheads, so you are never too far from your car or civilization. 23/27 trailhead has a decent sized parking lot and allows for overnight parking for backpacking etc. Rt 109 trailhead has slightly smaller parking.

    If you are car camping, there are established campsites for that, and you can basically disperse camp anywhere there is a site in the Uwharrie.

  • Wyatt M.
    May. 22, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Little River National Forest Area

    This area was one of my favorite ares for dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest while living in North Carolina. The area can be accessed by boat on the Little River, or by hiking in. Me and my friends would always float our kayaks down the river to a place we called "Bird Dog" and camp for the night. If you are looking for a place that has very little traffic, this is the place you want to go! This area would be limited to dispersed camping due to no campsites. It is a National Forest so be mindful of rules and regulations while visiting!

    link: 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd485941.pdf

     There is a boat ramp where PEKIN ROAD crosses the Little River.  PLEASANT GROVE CHURCH ROAD pretty much cuts right through the area on the PDF.

  • b
    May. 22, 2021

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Uwharrie campground

    The State Forest has camping. We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations. There are hiking, horse, OHV, dirt bike, ATV, and mountain bike trails.

  • Misery C.
    Nov. 3, 2021

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Primitive camping

    We primitive camping here at least every other weekend. We love it. Great trails, beautiful scenery. A peaceful experience

  • Sean R.
    May. 30, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Backpacking In Uwharrie

    It should be no shock to those familiar with North Carolina’s geography that if one is seeking higher altitudes and breathtaking overlooks, Uwharrie is not the place he should go. Notwithstanding, as much of the higher elevations are impassable during the winter months, the forest offers backpackers an opportunity to stay on the trail a few days. The Uwharrie Trail, which pretty much spans the park north/south is about 20 miles point to point. The trailhead is kind of hard to follow sometimes, sections of the trail are prone to flooding and creek crossings can become difficult following heavy rains. Overall, however, the forest is a good place for backpacking in this region of the state. Th streams, provided one has filtration or iodine tablets, provide ample sources of drinking water.

  • Zachary S.
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Dispersed camping

    This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot. Some of the sites may have a little trash left from the last user, so please try to leave it cleaner than you came to. No toilets for disperesed areas. Most sites have rock fire pits and room to set up. Love it here. Plenty of OHV trails as well.

  • Wyatt M.
    May. 22, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Dispersed camping/hunting area

    This area was a place that I went often to deer hunt in the fall. I have never came across another camper/hunter at this location. It is a good location if you are looking for an area that is away from camp grounds and heavy traffic. I never shot a deer here but they are in the area.  The area is just SW of Troy, NC down HWY 109/24. On the map below, it is the most western forest area. 

    Link to Map: 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd485941.pdf

  • Erica
    May. 26, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Great off-roading

    First time at Uwharrie and we drove about 5 hours to get there but it was worth it! It’s a huge area with several campgrounds. We stayed in 2 different dispersed primitive sites and they were both great. Plenty of space and trees and privacy! There are a 6 different stores/gas stations that have the overnight passes available for purchase. We got our passes from Eldorado outpost and the attendants there were very knowledgeable and helpful! We also took our Jeep on the OHV trails and had a blast. There are several places you can take a canoe or kayak on and the scenery on the lake was beautiful as well. They also have several hiking trails throughout. Canebrake horse camp is located in Uwharrie and has horse trails throughout. We didn’t come across a park store but they did have showers and bathrooms in the actual campgrounds. There’s a store/gas station (Eldorado Outpost) right down the road and they also have an air compressor for inflating tires (which is handy for off-roading). It was definitely a long drive but we will definitely be making the trip again. We really liked the secluded primitive campsites and the various trails we were able to take our Jeep on.

Guide to Archdale

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Archdale, North Carolina, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers several well-reviewed spots for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Trails for Hiking Enthusiasts

  • Explore the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed, which features well-maintained trails that wind through lush forests and alongside tranquil creeks, perfect for a day of hiking.
  • The Uwharrie National Forest offers a variety of challenging hiking paths, making it an ideal location for those preparing for longer treks like the Appalachian Trail.
  • For a peaceful experience, check out the Shallow Ford Natural Area, where you can hike along the Mountains to Sea Trail, surrounded by shade and the sounds of nature.

Relaxing by the Water

  • Enjoy the calming sounds of flowing water at the Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail, where you can set up camp near serene creeks and enjoy the natural beauty.
  • The Uwharrie National Forest provides opportunities for camping near water, allowing you to unwind by the riverside after a day of hiking.
  • At the Shallow Ford Natural Area, you can listen to the river while enjoying a peaceful camping experience, complete with fire rings for evening gatherings.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Archdale, North Carolina

  • Always check for specific regulations regarding fires and pets at locations like the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed, where fires are allowed and pets are welcome.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience at the Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail, as there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, making it essential to bring your own supplies.
  • When visiting the Uwharrie National Forest, take advantage of the established campsites and the option for both drive-in and walk-in access, ensuring a convenient setup for your camping adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Archdale, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Archdale, NC is Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Archdale, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Archdale, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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