Top Free Dispersed Camping near Burlington, NC

Looking for the best Burlington dispersed camping? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Burlington, including photos, reviews, and tips. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Burlington, NC (3)

    Camper-submitted photo from Shallow Ford Natural Area

    1. Shallow Ford Natural Area

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    17 Saves

    The Shallow Ford Campsites are located along The Haw river. The Haw River Trail provides public access to Alamance County’s most important natural feature. Built on the idea of conservation through recreation, the land and paddle trails allow the community to explore and appreciate its river while helping to conserve and protect this important resource.

    Primitive backcountry campsite located approximately one mile from parking area. Access by hiking or paddling only!

    The department requires that a responsible adult accompany each group. Group limit is 10 people.

    Fee: $10 per group (County & Non-County Resident)

    Please choose your arrival day for your reservation, we will know you are staying the night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA

    2. Butner lake WMA

    8 Reviews
    10 Photos
    162 Saves

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • No image available

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Burlington

    10 Reviews of 3 Burlington Campgrounds


    • S H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
      Apr. 1, 2024

      Butner lake WMA

      terrific spot to pull up for a night

      first 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.

    • Joe F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
      May. 17, 2023

      Butner lake WMA

      Great small sites

      Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent. Only open during hunting seasons though.

    • Linda
      Camper-submitted photo from Shallow Ford Natural Area
      Jun. 24, 2022

      Shallow Ford Natural Area

      Peaceful 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. Someone left me a bundle of wood. I hear the river in the background and lots of birds and squirrels. I would highly recommend this place.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
      Jan. 26, 2022

      Butner lake WMA

      Very Small and not made for trailers.

      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.   Like someone said earlier this is a place to pitch a tent or to Car Camp.

    • c
      Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
      Oct. 12, 2021

      Butner lake WMA

      Very basic camping

      Very easy to get too, right off interstate. very primitive but you have a decent signal if you need to park and get work done. Great spot to sleep if you are passing through!

    • B
      Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
      Sep. 11, 2020

      Butner lake WMA

      Free during hunting season

      Very primitive, but close to town if you need anything.  Sites are very close together, no privacy.  Most campers are here to hunt so are gone most of the day.  It was not crowded when I was there during the week. I was only there on a Tuesday.

    • Max O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
      Aug. 24, 2019

      Butner lake WMA

      Very rustic dispersed camping

      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. Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didnt think he would fit but found a spot just fine. And the best part is its FREE CAMPING!!



    Guide to Burlington

    Camping near Burlington, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

    What to do:

    What campers like:

    What you should know:

    • No Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Badin Lake Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor pointed out, "If I wasn’t paying for the facilities...may as well do that in the lake!"
    • Limited Amenities: Some sites, such as Crosswinds Campground - Jordan Lake, have fewer amenities. A camper noted, "The on-site bathroom & shower facilities are just slightly north of passable."
    • Busy During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. One camper at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area - Poplar Point mentioned, "We normally camp in a tent here, but never in the hottest part of summer."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Weekdays: To avoid crowds, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Hanging Rock State Park Campground suggested, "I'd suggest going during the week when there is less people."
    • Bring Your Own Water: Many campgrounds, like Eno River State Park Campground, recommend bringing your own water. One camper advised, "Bring in your own water, or at least your own containers to fill up."
    • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground said, "There are many hiking and equestrian trails within the park."

    Tips from RVers:

    Camping around Burlington, NC, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Burlington, NC?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Burlington, NC is Shallow Ford Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Burlington, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.