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Best Dispersed Camping near Asheboro, NC

18 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas in the Uwharrie National Forest dominate the free and primitive camping landscape near Asheboro, North Carolina. The Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area provides hike-in dispersed camping with no facilities, while other sections of Uwharrie National Forest permit drive-in primitive camping at unmarked sites. Falls Dam Trail offers free dispersed camping suitable for tents, RVs, and small cabins. The Shallow Ford Natural Area, though farther north near Elon, provides boat-in and hike-in camping options for those seeking a water-accessible site.

Access varies considerably across these dispersed camping areas. Birkhead Mountain Wilderness requires hiking in, with no vehicle access to campsites. The terrain includes multiple creek crossings and moderately maintained trails that may not be clearly marked at all intersections. Most Uwharrie National Forest dispersed sites require AWD or 4WD vehicles, particularly after rain. Falls Dam Trail offers drive-in access, though road conditions vary seasonally. Fire restrictions apply throughout these areas, with established fire rings at some locations. No amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service exist at these primitive sites, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

The primitive camping experience in this region features diverse forest settings with opportunities for solitude. "There are a ton of great campsites that are private and secluded," notes one Uwharrie visitor, though they caution wearing bright colors during hunting season. Uwharrie National Forest's dispersed areas attract off-road enthusiasts and backpackers alike. One camper mentioned, "We picked a nice one near a stream. There was a lot of road traffic even late into the night." Water access varies by location, with several sites positioned near creeks or rivers. While some established sites have rock fire pits, campers should be prepared for variable conditions. Visitors to Birkhead Mountain Wilderness appreciate the "well maintained" trails and "plenty of creeks," though signage can be limited at trail intersections.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Asheboro, North Carolina (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Asheboro, NC

10 Photos of 5 Asheboro Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Asheboro, NC

18 Reviews of 5 Asheboro 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 Asheboro

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Asheboro, 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 escape into the wilderness.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Asheboro

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The Shallow Ford Natural Area is located along the Mountains to Sea Trail, providing a picturesque setting with ample shade and a soothing river backdrop.
  • Campers at Robbins Branch Trail can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding wilderness while taking advantage of the drive-in access for convenience.
  • The area around Uwharrie National Forest is known for its diverse wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching and photography.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Asheboro, North Carolina

  • Always check for nearby amenities before heading out; for instance, Uwharrie National Forest provides drinking water and restroom facilities, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • If you're looking for a more primitive experience, Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed allows for a true escape into nature without the need for permits.
  • Be prepared for varying conditions; the Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail offers no amenities, so bring everything you need for a self-sufficient camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Asheboro, NC?

Uwharrie National Forest offers free dispersed camping and is the primary option near Asheboro. The forest features multiple access points with sites that can be reached by hiking in or using 4WD/AWD vehicles. Most dispersed sites have rock fire rings but no facilities (no toilets, water, or hookups). For the best experience, arrive early to secure your spot, especially on weekends, as these areas can be popular. Some dispersed sites are accessible via the Little River by kayak or boat. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared to pack out all waste and trash.

Are there any free tent camping areas near Asheboro?

Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed provides excellent free tent camping opportunities near Asheboro. This area features well-maintained trails with hike-in dispersed camping spots. The terrain is relatively flat for tent setup, with plenty of creeks for water (filter before using). Shallow Ford Natural Area is another free option, located along the Mountains to Sea Trail. It offers shady campsites with established fire rings, flat tent pads, and the soothing sounds of a nearby river. Both areas are tent-focused and don't accommodate RVs or vehicle camping.

What campgrounds are available in and around Asheboro, NC?

The Asheboro area offers diverse camping options beyond free dispersed sites. Robbins Branch Trail provides both drive-in and walk-in access for a more accessible experience. For those seeking facilities beyond primitive camping, Uwharrie National Forest also has developed campgrounds with more amenities than their dispersed options. The region features a mix of camping experiences from fully primitive wilderness camping to sites that can accommodate pop-up campers with generators. Many campgrounds in the area offer activities like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, OHV trails, and water recreation. Visit local stores for supplies, as there are several within driving distance of most camping areas.

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