6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Uwharrie National Forest dispersed camping provides free pet-friendly camping options near Badin, making it one of the most accessible dog-friendly campgrounds areas in the region. Dogs can stay at all campsites throughout the forest, including Deep Water Trail Camp and several established campgrounds along Badin Lake. Visitors bringing pets must keep them leashed in developed recreation areas and campgrounds, though some spots allow pets to swim in designated areas with supervision. At Badin Lake Campground, the leash law remains strictly enforced with no reported issues from campers with dogs. Unfortunately, many visitors at Deep Water Trail Camp report excessive trash left behind by previous campers, requiring pet owners to be vigilant about potential hazards to animals.
Morrow Mountain State Park campground accommodates pets at all standard campsites with tent pads that drain well during rain. The park requires dogs to remain on leashes no longer than six feet at all times, including on the numerous hiking trails accessible from the campground. The rough road conditions accessing Deep Water Trail Camp require vehicles with decent ground clearance, though the secluded location provides dogs ample space to explore. Multiple reviewers mention seeing wildlife, including deer walking through campsites at Morrow Mountain, requiring pet owners to keep dogs secured, especially during early morning and evening hours. Dan Nicholas Park offers pet-friendly cabin options in addition to tent and RV sites for those seeking more amenities while camping with dogs.
"Within a short drive there is Town Creek Indian Mound that you can visit as well. Badin Lake is nearby as well."
"Lots of shade, plenty of trails that cover this State Park. The Kron house nearby, the swimming pool ( closed at time of our visit)."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $107 / night
"I camped here with a friend and the dogs over the weekend. I've been multiple times at Badin Lake before and always wanted to camp here."
"Sites along Badin Lake in the lower loop are often reserved. The surroundings are beautiful!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $40 / night
"Equestrian campgrounds, hunting camps and then Arrowhead and Badin Lake campgrounds, along with the boat launch area."
"The campsites do not offer a view of the water of Badin Lake, but it is nearby with a drive or hike. "
Available this weekend
from $20 - $54 / night
"The drive down the trail can be a bit much if you’re in a smaller car like we were, we had to drive slowly down because of all of the rocks."
"Short but steep walk down to the river. I would be careful when the river is swollen, but otherwise it is gorgeous. My friends both caught a couple of channel cats."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April. "
"Check out the walk through video in 360° to get a real feel for the National Forest Campground. https://youtu.be/NsKiCNFALVs](https://youtu.be/NsKiCNFALVs)"
"The pool doesn’t have normal steps that you walk down into the pool on, they only have the ladder steps which make it a little tricky getting in with a small child."
"The bath houses near our site were clean and functional, though I don't think they were the main ones."
from $42 - $70 / night
"And it you are an off road enthusiast, they have made some fantastic off road trails south of the Forrest."
"While at Uwaharrie NF stayed at Biden Lake campground. Beautiful place with great views. Clean facilities close to sites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $75 / night
"Nice lake to walk around, but paddle boats and center were closed. Lots of ducks that were used to human presence and feeding. Located in a nice sized park. Would definitely go back."
"Site next to one of the lake access trails. Spacious site. We were able to get our 37 ft camper level. Shaded so the a/c s were able to keep up with the heat no issue."
GuideDriving 14 1/2 hrs I was cooked called and had the most easiest booking. There was a sites available so I booked it. Needless to say I got there in the dark and a kind person helped me to my site and got me backed in. Soo exhausted I hooked up electric only hit the bed passed out
GuideStopped here after our fiasco with holly bluff. Beautiful campground with trees. Very quiet during the day and peaceful. The only thing we found curious was the vehicle in and right back out activity between 10:30-pm and 1am back and forth to campers that were long term stays. Made nighttime hard to sleep in site 3 with vehicles back and forth for hours .
GuideStopped in to get a spot for a few nights nights because it said they had available rv spots Unfortunately they didn’t know which end was up and tried to squeeze us into a spot that might have hookups that maybe worked but they couldn’t be sure. It was a joke. We left after waiting several minutes waiting while they were looking for a place to maybe squeeze us in because we had a small camper. No thanks. Would not recommend staying here til they get there act together
RangerThis is a newer campground. It has a stocked pond with beautiful woods surrounding it.
RangerThis is a newer campground. It is peaceful.
ScoutLooking for a nice place for a camping getaway? We highly recommend checking out the Deep River Campground in Asheboro, NC. The location itself is beautiful. It is literally on the Deep River and features a hiking trail that runs along the river past the remnants of a historical damn, where a small area of rapids gently swirls around the big rocks spanning the river. There’s also a large lake with a nice grassy expanse for picnics, playing games or just lazing around lakeside. This campground has been around for a while, but it has new owners now and they are breathing some for real new life into the place. They have already made lots of repairs and improvements, and you can see more in progress. There are sites for RVs with all the hook-ups, and great primitive sites for tent camping, several located right on the river. If you don’t have an RV and sleeping on the ground doesn’t spark joy, they have a few small rustic but nicely-appointed cabins. You’ll find two pools, several covered picnic shelters, a playground for the small ones, and several options for older kids and adults to play, like a horseshoe pit and a nice game room. They also have planned activities like movie nights and weiner roasts most evenings to entertain and create community among campers. They are pet friendly and have their own pet mascots on site— a flock of ducks including beautifully colored teals and mallards. We were just there for 2 nights, but I have a good feeling we’ll be visiting there again soon. Definitely worth a visi
TravelerThis property should not be advertised. It was next to a cow pasture and the flies were horrible. We could not even get out of our van. The other trailers there were obviously long term and not well maintained. The inn had n the property was dilapidated and closed. Nothing in the description was anything like our experience. We decided to leave after seeing the condition of everything. Real bad.
RangerWas a monthly Camper when I came in to the campground. Nobody was cleaning the men’s room. No one was trying to collect the fall leaves. This is an old run down campground. I cleaned the men’s room for free because there was no staff to clean. I regret helping the owner for free on multiple occasions.
TravelerThis is/was marked as dispersed camping but this is primarily an OHV area, with a shooting range nearby that can be heard from some campsites. Most, if not all, of the campsites are intended to be large group sites. The empty site we found was filled with trash, discarded tents, air mattresses, and trashed electronics from OHVs. There's so much trash we would not even be able to take it all out with us if we wanted to. This may be a national forest, but it is not peace and quiet as one would expect from "dispersed and primitive" camping.
Uwharrie National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities within a modest range of elevations from 350 to 1,000 feet, creating a relatively accessible terrain for campers near Badin. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing nights. Fall camping provides ideal temperatures between 50-70°F with minimal rainfall, making it the most popular season for visitors.
Hiking accessible trails: The Lake Loop Trail at Badin Lake Campground offers an easy walking path suitable for most ability levels. "There is a trail that takes you around the lake edge, easy walking. Not a lots if fishing right from the edge by the campsites due to tall grasses but there is a great fishing area with docks in a short drive or 20 min walk," explains Ellen E.
Mountain biking routes: Trails throughout the forest accommodate various skill levels with well-maintained paths. "Moutain biking is also not to be left off the list, and there are some great trails through here as well, that you don't have to share with the motorized enthusiast," reports Shari G. from Badin Lake Campground.
Kayaking and fishing: Norwood Campground offers lake access for water activities without crowds. "Lake Tillery 2 minutes away by foot (slip is private for campers I believe), Badin lake a short drive, Uwharrie NF a short drive," notes Matthew W. The proximity to multiple water bodies creates options for anglers and paddlers alike.
Quiet atmosphere: Arrowhead Campground provides a calm environment away from urban noise. "Zero noise except from other campers/vehicles and the occasional aircraft passing over. Cell signal is pretty spotty but passable," writes Mambo M., highlighting the peaceful setting that many visitors appreciate.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting allows for animal sightings throughout the forest. "The park is gorgeous and full of life. I saw plenty of frogs and tadpoles in the creeks, listened to a symphony of birds, and I'm pretty sure heard a few coyotes throughout the night," shares James H. from Morrow Mountain State Park Campground.
Affordable camping options: Several sites offer economical stays with basic amenities. "Great spot, really calm and quiet and right on the lake. Perfect for non-partying types (no alcohol allowed). Showers, bathrooms, trash, fire pit, and grill all available," notes Marlene L. about Badin Lake Campground, which maintains reasonable rates despite providing necessary facilities.
Alcohol restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce no-alcohol policies. "Perfect for non-partying types (no alcohol allowed)," mentions Marlene L. about Badin Lake Campground. This rule helps maintain the family-friendly atmosphere but requires advance planning for those expecting to bring alcoholic beverages.
Seasonal considerations: Hunting season affects hiking safety and requires specific clothing. "Caution: During hunting season, the National Forest is open to hunters...wear brightly colored or hunter orange clothing especially dawn and dusk," advises Dave V. about Uwharrie National Forest.
Road conditions: Deep Water Trail Camp requires vehicles with adequate clearance. "Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don't go. Steep rocky Muddy," warns Michael W., highlighting access challenges that unprepared visitors might face.
Playground access: Dan Nicholas Park offers extensive recreational facilities beyond standard camping. "The park has more to do other than the campground it is a wonderful place if you have young kids," notes Eddie B. The developed amenities provide entertainment options during extended stays.
Swimming options: Several locations feature water access suitable for children. "Great access to Badin Lake for kayaking, swimming and fishing. Our group explored the the trails which were scenic and easy to transverse," reports Andrew K., describing opportunities for water recreation with appropriate supervision.
Wildlife education: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe forest animals safely. "The kids take their bikes, but even without them, they stay plenty busy. The lake offers fishing, paddle boating and feeding the ducks and it's inly a short walk from any campsite," says Lisa M. about Dan Nicholas Park, showing how natural elements engage younger campers.
Electric hookup availability: Arrowhead Campground provides powered sites for those requiring electricity. "Great sites but hardly any are level so be prepared to manage that. Nice fire pits and grills - love having both. Great bathhouse with hot showers," advises Mambo M., noting both the amenities and challenges for RV campers.
Site selection: Choosing appropriate locations impacts the camping experience. "We were in the area for a Land Rover Rally. This camp was perfectly clean. The group bathroom and shower were clean. The grounds were clean. Great little trails down to the beautiful lake," shares Dave L. about Badin Lake Campground, emphasizing the importance of camp cleanliness for longer stays.
Dump station access: Facilities vary between campgrounds, affecting longer RV stays. "The sites do not have power but we were able to work around it!" mentions Andrew K. about Badin Lake Campground, showing how campers adapt to available amenities through proper planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Badin, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Badin, NC is Morrow Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Badin, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 dog-friendly camping locations near Badin, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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