Best Dispersed Camping near Burlington, NC

Want to go dispersed camping near Burlington? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Burlington, North Carolina (4)

    Linda's photo of a dispersed camping area at Shallow Ford Natural Area near Elon, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Shallow Ford Natural Area near Elon, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Shallow Ford Natural Area near Elon, NC

    1. Shallow Ford Natural Area

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    20 Saves
    Elon, North Carolina

    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

    Max O.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC

    2. Butner lake WMA

    8 Reviews
    10 Photos
    172 Saves
    Stem, North Carolina

    Free camping from September 1 - February 28, and March 31 - May 14. Designated as Hunter Camping, accessible to all.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo at Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed near Cedar Grove, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed near Cedar Grove, NC

    3. Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    34 Saves
    Cedar Grove, North Carolina

    Disperse camping is allowed in the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness. Camp at least 200 feet from all streams, creeks, roads and wildlife fields. When using fire rings, please disperse the ring before leaving camp. Use of cook stoves is highly recommended. Firewood is available as dead and down in the forest, please do not cut live trees for firewood. Also hunting is allowed in this area, orange would be advisable to wear during the hunting seasons, when hiking the trails.

    Please pack all trash out with you when you leave. No mountain bikes or ATV's are allowed within the Wilderness area.

    No permenant camps are allowed in the Wilderness area. Camping is allowed for a 14 day period with in a 30 day time frame. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash and kept under control.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Robbins Branch Trail near Cedar Grove, NC

    4. Robbins Branch Trail

    Be the first to review!
    14 Saves
    Cedar Grove, North Carolina
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
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Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Burlington, North Carolina

10 Reviews of 4 Burlington Campgrounds


  • Max O.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!!

  • S H.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Linda The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Burlington

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Burlington, North Carolina, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Peaceful Retreats for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience the serene environment at Shallow Ford Natural Area, where the sounds of the river and wildlife create a calming backdrop for your camping experience.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Burlington, North Carolina

  • For those seeking a no-cost option, Butner Lake WMA offers easy access and a variety of small sites perfect for a tent or car camping.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Burlington

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 4 dispersed camping locations near Burlington, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.