Asheboro camping areas sit within the Piedmont region of North Carolina at elevations between 400-1,000 feet. The Uwharrie National Forest dominates the southwestern landscape with some of the oldest mountain formations in North America, dating back 500 million years. Winter camping remains viable with average lows rarely dropping below freezing, while summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity levels from June through September.
What to do
Off-roading adventures: Arrowhead Campground serves as a hub for 4x4 enthusiasts exploring the extensive trail system throughout Uwharrie National Forest. "Great campground that seems to be expanding and improving. Bathrooms are excellent. Wifi and cell signal are great. Minutes to the zoo," notes adam B. The campground features paved sites and roads that accommodate off-road vehicles and their trailers. "Most users were off-roaders with either 4x4's or quads," confirms another camper.
Fishing opportunities: Oak Hollow City Campground provides direct lake access for anglers. The campground includes tent platforms with views of Oak Hollow Lake. "Great spot, really calm and quiet and right on the lake. Perfect for non-partying types (no alcohol allowed)," writes one camper. Several sites include private beach areas ideal for bank fishing or launching small watercraft. "Our site had a great view of the beautiful lake," adds Larisa C.
Backpacking trails: The 20-mile Uwharrie National Forest trail system offers numerous backpacking opportunities with free dispersed camping. Sean R. explains, "The Uwharrie Trail, which pretty much spans the park north/south is about 20 miles point to point." For those seeking seclusion, primitive camping along the trail provides genuine wilderness experience. "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," adds Wyatt M.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Badin Lake Campground receives praise for its well-designed layout and natural setting. "We had campsite 002 which was nice and shady and very private. It's a short walk over to the lake where the dogs enjoyed their swimming," writes Katrin M. The campground features 34 sites across two loops with ample separation between campers. Another visitor notes, "Relatively large sites with vegetation that blocks constant view of neighbors."
Clean facilities: Morrow Mountain State Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean amenities. "I campground as well kept and clean. The bathhouse is brand new. The camp host was very helpful and checked on everybody, every day," shares Robert D. The park includes modern bathhouses, accessible trails, and well-maintained camping areas. Another visitor notes, "Nice campground with a decent bathhouse. There is no AC in the bathhouses."
Affordability: Several camping options near Asheboro offer budget-friendly rates. Dispersed camping in the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area is free with no permit required. Badin Lake Campground provides lakefront camping for around $20 per night, with discounts for America the Beautiful pass holders. "Great area with 22 parking areas. Right on the lake. Water, toilets and shower. 10 with America Beautiful pass, 20 without," confirms Michael W.
What you should know
Water access variability: Access to drinking water differs significantly between established and dispersed camping areas. Zooland Family Campground offers full hookups with reliable water connections. At Hagan-Stone Park, "Water is shared between sites," requiring campers to bring splitters during busy periods. In contrast, dispersed campers in Uwharrie National Forest must bring their own water or filtration systems as noted by Myron C., who explains, "Obviously, there are no facilities, so I had to take my own water and a water filter."
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require extra equipment for leveling. Oak Hollow campers mention that "many sites are not level so plan ahead and bring extra levelers." At Arrowhead Campground, campers should prepare for uneven terrain: "Great sites but hardly any are level so be prepared to manage that," reports one reviewer. Hagan-Stone Park visitors faced similar issues with one noting, "Our site (B20) was reaaally uneven but we made it work for 2 tents!"
Seasonal considerations: Hunting seasons significantly impact camping safety in wilderness areas. From October through January, dispersed campers should wear bright colors. "Make sure to wear bright colors during hunting season because there are a ton of people out deer hunting in this area," advises Brandon D. Summer weekends see high demand for the best places to camp near Asheboro, particularly at Morrow Mountain and Uwharrie campgrounds, requiring reservations months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Deep River Campground offers numerous family-oriented features just minutes from the North Carolina Zoo. "Very well kept, level spots, pet friendly, big rig friendly with pull through and back-in sites available. 2 pools, game room, store, and private pond," reports Steven N. Families can enjoy fishing and swimming without leaving the campground.
Zoo proximity planning: Camping options near the NC Zoo include multiple established campgrounds within a 15-minute drive. Zooland Family Campground positions itself as a zoo-adjacent option with one camper noting, "Great stay. Minutes from the zoo." Another visitor advises, "Wake up early and go to the zoo and come back to camp early and cool off in the pool!" This strategy helps families avoid the hottest part of the day at the zoo while maximizing campground amenities.
Activity scheduling: Family-oriented campgrounds near Asheboro offer structured programming for children. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park provides scheduled activities throughout the day. "This is a great family campground. They have activities all day for the kids and family," mentions Josh Q. Zooland Family Campground features similar programming with one camper reporting, "Absolutely the most fun we've had on a campground. Tons and tons of things to do."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking at Asheboro area campgrounds. At Hagan-Stone Park, "Loop C is basically a field with RV parking along the perimeter" while "Loop B is heavily wooded with 30amp and water every-other site...If you're longer than 30' you may find Loop B tough to navigate." Some campgrounds like Arrowhead offer double sites ideal for larger rigs or group camping.
Hookup preparation: Water and electric connections vary widely between campgrounds. Oak Hollow requires longer power cords as one camper discovered: "I was excited to have a lake view spot with electric but my 25 foot cord was not long enough so make sure you have at least 50 feet." At Hagan-Stone, "there is one water connection for each two sites so would advise bringing a splitter."
Cell service considerations: Remote camping areas have variable connectivity affecting RVers who need reliable internet. Arrowhead Campground offers "wifi and cell signal" described as "great" by one camper, while Deep River Campground has "Verizon cell coverage" rated as "weak." This information proves crucial for remote workers or those needing to stay connected while camping near Asheboro.
