Best Tent Camping near Concord, NC
State parks and public lands surrounding Concord, North Carolina offer diverse tent camping options ranging from walk-in wilderness sites to established campgrounds. Lake Curriher Wilderness, located within easy driving distance of Concord, provides tent-only camping areas with both open field sites and more secluded options. Crowders Mountain State Park, approximately 45 miles southwest of Concord, features backcountry tent camping accessible via a one-mile hike from the Sparrow Springs access point. For those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences, the Uwharrie National Forest region east of Concord contains several tent-friendly campgrounds including Deep Water Trail Camp and Uwharrie Hunt Camp.
Most tent campsites in the Concord region require some preparation for primitive conditions. Crowders Mountain's walk-in tent sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads, but campers must pack in all supplies along the mile-long trail. Lake Curriher Wilderness offers basic amenities including drinking water and toilets, though the tent loop provides minimal privacy between sites. Deep Water Trail Camp requires visitors to bring their own water and pack out all trash, with rough access roads that may require high-clearance vehicles. Uwharrie Hunt Camp provides rustic tent sites for approximately $5 per night with basic amenities including pit toilets and water spigots.
Tent campers frequently report varying levels of seclusion across these campgrounds. One visitor to Lake Curriher Wilderness noted it was "the quietest stay we've had," though cautioned the main tent area is "one big open field with few trees around it, so there's absolutely no privacy." At Crowders Mountain, campers describe the walk-in sites as "very private" with designated tent pads, though some mention the hike can be challenging when carrying gear. According to reviews, East Morris Mountain Camp offers complete privacy with only three primitive tent sites along a fire trail, providing a true backcountry tent camping experience with no amenities beyond fire pits. Fall and spring typically offer the most comfortable tent camping conditions with fewer crowds at most locations.
