Butner Lake WMA offers primitive dispersed camping sites with seasonal availability restrictions, open only from September 1 to February 28 and March 31 to May 14. The area features basic camping with fire rings and hanging lines but no toilets or other facilities. Sites accommodate both tent campers and some RVs, though space is limited. Access is straightforward via drive-in or walk-in routes, and camping is free of charge.
The camping area is conveniently located near town, providing easy access to supplies if needed. Sites are positioned relatively close together with minimal privacy. A visitor commented, "Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent." Hunters frequently use these sites during hunting season. All campers must possess a valid fishing or hunting license, which costs approximately $30 and can be purchased at nearby retailers. The proximity to interstate makes this location convenient for overnight stays while traveling through the area.
"And whatever it is running around in the woods."
"And the best part is its FREE CAMPING!!"
"This campsite is on the Mountains to Sea Trail for those that are doing that. There’s lots of shade and it is very peaceful. It is pretty flat for your tent and there are fire rings."
from $10 / night
ScoutSpot was not far off the road, so there’s a bit of noise of traffic but not too bad. There were a couple other people camping. They were all quiet and kept to selves. There were plenty of other pull off spots available, Some with fire pits some without. Felt super safe and at peace here.
GuideLike this campground. Was a tight fit with our 20 ft trailer but it is super quiet at night. Nearby road with some noise during the day but overall great place to camp. We have seen several people pull in for over nights but left the next day. Will be back. Also make sure you buy a NC hunting or fishing license before you camp here
ScoutWe didn’t realize the campground was only open for hunting season. We showed up late at night in the end of July and saw it was roped off but decided to pitch our tent anyway and woke up with a State Trooper shining a flash light in our tent😂😭 He let us off, but we still had to pack up and find a hotel at 1am since there’s no other free camping that we knew of around the area.
It’s a sad day when you can’t just pitch a tent and sleep in the woods peacefully but it is what it is! Would come back during the legal season for sure though, the woods were really nice and cleared out.
ScoutNo camping we broke down here ppl were friendly
RangerI got pretty excited when I saw this listed as offering dispersed campsites as my daughter lives nearby, and the only camping near her is Raven Rock, and for whatever odd reason, when you camp at NC state campgrounds, you have to be in the campground for the night at 9PM in peak season, and 6PM in off season, or you will be locked out! Unfortunately, at this phase of development, Anderson Creek County Park only offers ONE group campsite. Hopefully they will offer dispersed camping as they develop further, they are doing so in phases.
ScoutWhen I pulled up, there was a large, unattended RV with 4 aggressive dogs in a cage outside. A couple other camps gave a sketchy vibe, and they were all close together. We bailed.
TravelerAll Campers MUST have a fishers/hunters license. Rangers wrote us a warning ticket for not having our own, but we are headed to Walmart to get one for about $30
TravelerMy 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.
Guidefirst 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.
Butner Lake WMA operates under strict seasonal availability from September 1 to February 28 and March 31 to May 14. Wildlife management regulations govern this free camping area near B. Everett Jordan Lake, requiring all visitors to obtain a valid hunting or fishing license regardless of their planned activities. The sites feature minimal improvements with natural terrain and densely wooded surroundings typical of North Carolina's Piedmont region.
Fishing nearby lakes: Two public lakes sit within minutes of Butner Lake WMA, providing convenient fishing opportunities. "There is a lake 2 mins away one way and another 7 mins away the other way," notes camper Donnelle, highlighting the proximity to water recreation.
Wildlife observation: The surrounding woods host diverse wildlife, making this an excellent spot for nature watching. "I heard many coyotes elks and an owl but nothing never stumbled to our campsite close enough to get a look at it other than one young fox," shares a camper who spent extended time at the site.
Day hiking: The Shallow Ford Natural Area connects to the Mountains to Sea Trail, offering hiking opportunities with riverside views. A hiker reports, "I hear the river in the background and lots of birds and squirrels. I would highly recommend this place."
Convenience to urban amenities: The proximity to town provides easy access to supplies without sacrificing the camping experience. "Very primitive, but close to town if you need anything," confirms Billy B., noting the practical advantage of this location.
Cell service availability: Unlike many dispersed camping areas, cell reception remains reliable here. "You have a decent signal if you need to park and get work done," explains Courtney, making this location suitable for remote workers needing connectivity.
Easy overnight stop: The area's accessibility from major routes makes it ideal for travelers needing a quick, no-cost camping option. "Very easy to get too, right off interstate... Great spot to sleep if you are passing through!" mentions a reviewer who appreciated the location for transit breaks.
License requirement enforcement: Rangers actively patrol the area checking for required documentation. "All Campers MUST have a fishers/hunters license. Rangers wrote us a warning ticket for not having our own, but we are headed to Walmart to get one for about $30," warns Donnelle in a recent visit report.
Site limitations: The campground layout has specific constraints campers should anticipate. "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," cautions Mike S., suggesting careful consideration before arrival.
Variable atmosphere: The camping community varies significantly by day and season. "When I pulled up, there was a large, unattended RV with 4 aggressive dogs in a cage outside. A couple other camps gave a sketchy vibe," reports Paula M., indicating potential concerns about fellow campers.
Consider weekday visits: Weekend crowds may impact the family camping experience. "It was not crowded when I was there during the week. I was only there on a Tuesday," notes a reviewer, suggesting midweek visits might provide a more controlled environment for families.
Prepare for basic conditions: The primitive nature requires proper preparation with children. "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," explains Max O., emphasizing the need to bring all essentials.
Scout for sites during daylight: Arriving after dark complicates finding suitable family camping spots. A camper arriving at 10pm mentioned being able to "look for the signs, with lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods," though noted headlights from the road remained visible, suggesting daytime arrival would ease site selection.
Size restrictions: Larger rigs face significant challenges at this free camping area near B. Everett Jordan Lake. "Very Small and not made for trailers," warns Mike S., though some exceptions exist as another camper observed, "Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didnt think he would fit but found a spot just fine."
Limited turnaround space: The narrow access road creates logistical challenges for motorhomes and trailers. Site reviews consistently mention the compact nature of both the road and individual sites, suggesting smaller rigs under 25 feet will have the most success.
Consider site angle and levelness: With minimal site development, RVers should bring leveling equipment. The natural terrain features typical Piedmont slopes and uneven ground that may require additional stabilization for comfortable overnight parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near B. Everett Jordan Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near B. Everett Jordan Lake is Butner lake WMA with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near B. Everett Jordan Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near B. Everett Jordan Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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