Best Dispersed Camping near Chapel Hill, NC

Looking for dispersed camping near Chapel Hill? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Chapel Hill, including photos, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your North Carolina excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Chapel Hill, NC (3)

    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

    1. 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 from Shallow Ford Natural Area

    2. 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

    • No image available

      3. Anderson Creek County Park- Dispersed Camping

      Be the first to review!
      11 Saves
      Mamers, North Carolina

      Located 4 miles outside of Anderson Creek County Park this dispersed camping site is a calming and restorative getaway location.

      Anderson Creek County Park is located in southwestern Harnett County and consists of 1014 acres between Nursery Rd and Powell Farm Rd. The park will be developed through phases into a multi-use facility that will offer a variety of activites and experiences for the local residents.

      • Pets
      • Dispersed
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    Showing results 1-3 of 3 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Chapel Hill

    9 Reviews of 3 Chapel Hill Campgrounds


    • 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.

    • 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 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.

    • 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.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!!


    Guide to Chapel Hill

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.

    Tips for free and dispersed camping near Chapel Hill, North Carolina

    • For a no-cost option, check out Butner Lake WMA, which provides easy access and allows for a peaceful night under the stars.

    Dispersed campers should check out Shallow Ford Natural Area

    • Nestled along the Mountains to Sea Trail, Shallow Ford Natural Area offers a tranquil environment with plenty of shade and fire rings, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

    Unique experiences at Anderson Creek County Park

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chapel Hill, NC is Butner lake WMA with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

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