Primitive camping near Bynum, North Carolina centers primarily on two main areas: Uwharrie National Forest to the southwest and Butner Lake WMA to the northeast. These locations offer undeveloped camping experiences on public lands with minimal facilities. Camping access varies seasonally, with Butner Lake only open during specific hunting seasons from September through February and March through mid-May.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Anderson Creek County Park provides dispersed camping opportunities with water recreation nearby. The primitive sites require hikers to bring all supplies including water filtration equipment.
Hiking the Mountains to Sea Trail: Shallow Ford Natural Area offers primitive camping along this long-distance trail. "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," notes camper Linda.
Off-road vehicle exploration: Uwharrie National Forest provides extensive trail systems for various vehicles. A camper mentioned, "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."
Wildlife observation: The forested areas host diverse animal populations. One camper at Butner Lake WMA reported: "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 which was running away when we pulled in one late night."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many dispersed sites offer isolation from other campers. In the Uwharrie Forest dispersed areas, a visitor noted: "This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot."
Proximity to water: Several camping locations feature creek or river access. At Shallow Ford Natural Area, a camper appreciated that "I hear the river in the background and lots of birds and squirrels."
No-cost camping options: Butner Lake WMA provides free camping during hunting seasons. A visitor commented: "Works perfectly, especially in a pinch," while another emphasized "the best part is its FREE CAMPING!!"
Trail connectivity: The wilderness areas offer networks of connected trails. At Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area, a camper observed: "Very nice trails. Well maintained. Not marked the best... signs at intersections. Plenty of creeks. Hike in for dispersed camping."
What you should know
License requirements: Some areas require specific permits. At Butner Lake WMA, a camper warned: "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."
Seasonal limitations: Access to primitive camping areas follows strict schedules. A reviewer cautioned about Butner Lake WMA: "Only open Sept 1 to Feb 28th and March 31 to May 14."
Trail marking quality: Navigation can be challenging in some areas. In the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness, a camper noted trails are "Not marked the best... signs at intersections."
Safety during hunting season: Visitors should take precautions when camping during active hunting periods. A camper advised: "Make sure to wear bright colors during hunting season because there are a ton of people out deer hunting in this area."
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to emergency services: Choose sites with reasonable access to towns. At Butner Lake WMA, a camper noted: "The city dump is also 2 mins away. And town is 5 mins away," providing reassurance for families needing quick access to civilization.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies by location and carrier. One camper at Butner Lake reported: "Our Boost mobile wi-fi worked perfectly fine," which can be essential for families needing to stay connected.
Primitive site preparation: Prepare children for truly basic camping. A visitor to Uwharrie described: "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."
Camping near water sources: Look for sites with natural water features for filtering. At Birkhead Mountain Wilderness, a reviewer mentioned: "Plenty of creeks," which provides water sources if you bring proper filtration equipment.
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: Many primitive sites have challenging approaches. Regarding Butner Lake WMA, a camper cautioned: "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."
Site sizing for larger vehicles: Some areas can accommodate bigger rigs despite appearances. One visitor to Butner Lake WMA observed: "Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didn't think he would fit but found a spot just fine."
Campsite selection strategy: Arrive early to secure suitable spots. In Uwharrie National Forest, a camper advised: "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."
Generator limitations: Check rules before planning to use power equipment. Most primitive areas either prohibit generators or have strict hours for operation.
