Best Tent Camping near China Grove, NC
State parks and national forests surrounding China Grove, North Carolina provide several options for tent camping enthusiasts. Lake Curriher Wilderness, located within a short drive from China Grove, offers tent-only camping areas with both walk-in sites and ADA-accessible options. Further southwest, Crowders Mountain State Park provides backcountry tent camping via a one-mile hike from the Sparrow Springs access point. For those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences, the Uwharrie National Forest, approximately 30 miles east of China Grove, contains multiple tent campgrounds including Deep Water Trail Camp and Uwharrie Hunt Camp.
Most tent campsites in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. At Lake Curriher Wilderness, the tent loop consists of an open field with limited tree cover and privacy, though dedicated tent pads are available. Crowders Mountain requires all gear to be packed in along a moderately challenging trail, with pit toilets and drinking water available at the campground. Deep Water Trail Camp offers primitive tent camping with no potable water, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies. Road conditions vary significantly, with Deep Water Trail Camp requiring high-clearance vehicles to access the best riverside sites. Fire rings or stone fire circles are common at most locations, and campers should check seasonal fire restrictions before arrival.
In early spring and fall, tent campers frequently report more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at these locations. According to reviews, Lake Curriher Wilderness provides "the quietest stay" for tent campers, though the regular tent area lacks privacy between sites. At Crowders Mountain, one camper noted that "the site was very private with a fire ring, picnic table, and two pads for tents," making it suitable for first-time backpackers. The walk-in tent sites at Uwharrie Hunt Camp cost only $5 per night and feature "rustic, grassy and comfortable" sites with clean pit toilets and water spigots. Tent campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, as several reviewers mentioned issues with trash at some of the more remote backcountry tent camping areas.