Dispersed camping near Woodleaf, North Carolina is primarily concentrated in the Uwharrie National Forest area, which sits at relatively modest elevations between 300-1,000 feet above sea level. The forest encompasses approximately 50,000 acres and features a mix of hardwood forests, pine stands, and small stream ecosystems. Winter camping remains accessible throughout the year with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods, making it an option when higher elevation camping areas become inaccessible.
What to do
Kayaking access points: The Little River area offers excellent opportunities for paddle-in camping. "The area can be accessed by boat on the Little River, or by hiking in. Me and my friends would always float our kayaks down the river to a place we called 'Bird Dog' and camp for the night," notes one Uwharrie National Forest visitor. A boat ramp where Pekin Road crosses the Little River provides convenient water access.
Hunting opportunities: Fall and winter offer hunting possibilities in designated areas. "This area was a place that I went often to deer hunt in the fall. I have never came across another camper/hunter at this location. It is a good location if you are looking for an area that is away from camp grounds and heavy traffic," shares a regular visitor to the forest.
Off-roading trails: Multiple OHV trails accommodate different vehicle types and skill levels. "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," explains an experienced Robbins Branch Trail camper who traveled five hours to experience the area.
What campers like
Privacy at primitive sites: Dispersed camping areas offer significant separation between sites. "We stayed in 2 different dispersed primitive sites and they were both great. Plenty of space and trees and privacy!" reports one visitor who appreciated the secluded nature of Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail.
Well-maintained wilderness trails: The hiking infrastructure receives regular maintenance despite minimal signage. "Very nice trails. Well maintained. Not marked the best... signs at intersections. Plenty of creeks. Hike in for dispersed camping," notes a visitor to Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed.
Creek water availability: Multiple water sources provide filtration options throughout the forest system. "Along the Uwharrie trail. Water available on both sides of camp / trail," shares a camper who appreciated the consistent access to filterable water during their backpacking trip through the region.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some areas require overnight passes available from local vendors. "There are 6 different stores/gas stations that have the overnight passes available for purchase. We got our passes from Eldorado outpost and the attendants there were very knowledgeable and helpful," advises a frequent Uwharrie National Forest visitor.
Pack out trash system: No formal trash collection exists at dispersed sites. "This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. 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," explains a regular visitor.
Site availability competition: Popular dispersed camping areas fill quickly, especially during weekends with favorable weather. "Had a good time camping and enjoyed the song of wind and birds," reports a camper who secured a prime spot by arriving early in the day on a spring weekend.
Tips for camping with families
Trail marking navigation: Prepare children for occasionally confusing trail intersections. "It should be no shock to those familiar with North Carolina's geography that if one is seeking higher altitudes and breathtaking overlooks, Uwharrie is not the place he should go. The trailhead is kind of hard to follow sometimes," notes a backpacker who recommends bringing detailed maps when hiking with children.
Campground host presence: Developed campgrounds offer additional security through staff oversight. "The host drove through many many times in the 3 days I was there. Bathrooms are what you can expect from a state park clean with little bugs here and there but nothing you can do about that in the middle of the woods," reports a visitor appreciating the regular oversight.
Generator options: Some rustic sites permit generator use for camping with power needs. "The State Forest has camping. We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations. There are hiking, horse, OHV, dirt bike, ATV, and mountain bike trails," shares a camper who brought a family setup requiring occasional power.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle requirements: Four-wheel drive accessibility varies significantly between sites. "This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot," advises an experienced dispersed camper who notes the terrain can be challenging for standard passenger vehicles.
Air compressor access: Local outfitters provide services for off-road vehicles. "There's a store/gas station (Eldorado Outpost) right down the road and they also have an air compressor for inflating tires (which is handy for off-roading)," notes a visitor who appreciated the convenience after trail driving.
Site leveling challenges: Come prepared with leveling blocks for camper setups. "The tent sites nice and clean and level," reports a visitor who specifically sought out flatter areas suitable for larger camping setups.
