Best Tent Camping near Concord, NC

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Concord, North Carolina (11)

    1. Lake Curriher Wilderness

    4 Reviews
    China Grove, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 857-4114

    $10 - $30 / night

    "It’s the quietest stay we’ve had yet, and we go camping nearly every weekend. I will say, having the ADA tent site makes a huge difference."

    "Very close to my home. I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen and trash since the scum can’t seem to pick up after themselves. The cabins here are also great."

    2. Yates Family Camping

    3 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 773-9349

    "There aren’t really any extras here but if you’re just looking for reliable water/electrical/sewer and wifi near Charlotte this is a fantastic option."

    3. Deep Water Trail Camp

    8 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    31 miles
    Website

    "I’ve got a 13 foot pull behind. Backed in mostly but a few could be pulled in an out. Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don’t go."

    "First of all.. this place is FREE to camp at and surrounded by beautiful water, beautiful trees and the ancient rock of Uwharrie. A lovely place that we are so lucky to have access to... BUT. People."

    4. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 853-5429

    $17 - $47 / night

    "This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead."

    "I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing."

    5. Uwharrie Hunt Camp

    6 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "Horse trail riding is second on the list of activities within the park judging by the number of trails."

    "My husband and I took our two dogs backpacking for a weekend at Uhwarrie Park. After a long drive trying to find my husbands original spot we found a new one. Beautiful scenery."

    6. Deep Water Trailt Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "Too much trash left by previous campers"

    "Thankfully some campers nearby helped me rearrange my direction and get me out of the mud, but I still don’t know how I’m going to make it back out of here 😬. This might be my forever home?!"

    7. East Morris Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    "Only three sites on this little out of the way fire trail. We go to the end of the road for complete privacy. No amenities other than a fire pit."

    8. Hippie Holler

    1 Review
    Bessemer City, NC
    38 miles

    $40 - $60 / night

    9. Hiddenite Family Campground

    2 Reviews
    Stony Point, NC
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 838-3579

    $25 - $50 / night

    10. Lake Tillery Family Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 985-3700

    $35 - $65 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Concord, NC

504 Reviews of 11 Concord Campgrounds


  • A
    Oct. 27, 2021

    West Morris Mtn.

    Individual campsites

    Several individual campsites. Has trash bins located throughout the loop. There are picnic tables and fire rings at each site. No electric and no water. All spots are full shade.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Badin Lake Campground

    A relaxing lakeside atmosphere

    Uwharrie National Forest-Badin Lake Campground, New London, NC.

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48934 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE\_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368418.pdf

    Campground Overview: 34 sites, two loops...upper loop and lakeside loop. Relatively large sites with vegetation that blocks constant view of neighbors. 

    Each site has a gravel parking pad and separate gravel tent pad, a standing charcoal grill, firepit with adjustable grate, a picnic table and a metal pole for hanging lanterns, etc. I would advise securing online reservations, but they do have an Iron Ranger to drop your payment in should you find an empty site. Note: There are warnings that online reservations take precedence, so if you use the Iron Ranger payment drop chute and someone reserved the same campsite...you will be required to move to a different location when the online reservation campers arrive. Just so you know.

    No electric. 

    Oddly, no firewood for sale...although scrounging produced plenty of things and fallen branches to keep a fire going.

    I preferred the lower loop as nearly every outer site was on the lake with great views and lake access and sites are spread out. The inside sites of the lower loop are pretty spacious and deep. Water spigots were spaced out around the loop, so a short walk as we were equal distance between two. 

    Restroom/showerhouses were quad door buildings. Separate men’s and women’s restrooms and two separate shower rooms. Facilities were kept clean and stocked by resident hosts. 

    With Verizon, I never lost signal...a plus for a National Forest!

    The upper loop appeared to offer a little more solitude than the lower lake loop...but no lake views. 

    The lake loop trail crosses the main campground roadway between the two loops. This trail is relatively flat and meanders around the lake and it’s many fingers...offering lovely lake views and some nice fishing locations. 

    During my midweek visit it was quiet day and night. The sunset across the lake was gorgeous and relaxing. Loud powerboat noise was minimal as only a couple bass boats thought it essential to travel at high speeds from location to location. Next visit my canoe and mountain one will accompany me. 

    What I enjoyed: as much as I dislike tree rats, I was entertained by two feuding squirrels that chased each other relentlessly and knocking each other out of tree tops. Woodpecker and Turkey wake up calls. 

    For a National Forest, I was surprised by the level of daytime industrial noise nearby. 

    Overall, a fantastic location relatively close to Raleigh/Durham and Fayetteville for a great camping getaway. I was only able to stay one night as the campground was booked, all reserved in advance. So plan ahead.

  • Nora C.
    Jun. 8, 2018

    Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    Large shady spaces near Kings Mountain Military Park.

    Large spacious spots for RVs and Tent campers. Close to Kings Mountain Military Park. Several trails from easy to strenuous and varying lengths. Lake with fishing, kayaking and canoing. Clean facilities with bathrooms, showers and camp store.

    Spaces have electric, water, fire rings and picnic tables. Tent only areas.

  • Todd S.
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    Great place to stay

    We enjoyed our stay. The park office had everything well taken care of. We arrived late almost at sundown but they had an envelope waiting with instructions, a parking tag and a map. This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead. The site was very private with a fire ring and picnic table and two pads for tents. The only complaint (and this isn’t the parks fault) is you aren’t far off the beaten path so car exhaust and jet noise was prevalent throughout the night. All in all happy with the stay and it served us perfectly as we were just passing through the area!

  • Sarah G.
    May. 30, 2018

    Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    Lots of activities for family camping

    We had 4 families with children on 1 RV and 3 non-electric tent sites over Memorial Day weekend. Even though the park was at max capacity, it didn’t feel crowded or swarming. The facilities and activities at Morrow Mountain are awesome - a huge, clean pool; canoe rental from a well-maintained boathouse; hikes of various lengths; slightly aged but clean and cared for bath houses; and (our favorite) a gorgeous mountain top picnic shelter (A), which we rented due to a rainy forecast. Great place for family camping. Sites are nicely spaced, but by no means are they private or secluded. Staff were very friendly, but the no alcohol rule is a bummer. If you want to be alone in the woods, Morrow Mountain is not for you. Its also worth noting the climate is much more like south central NC (hot and super humId) and nothIng like the cool mountain air in Western NC. But if your looking for a fun, interactive family or group camping weekend, it’s the perfect spot!

  • Marlene L.
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Badin Lake Campground

    Peaceful and quiet

    Great spot, really calm and quiet and right on the lake. Perfect for non-partying types (no alcohol allowed). Showers, bathrooms, trash, fire pit, and grill all available. The host was professional and kind to us, even brought us some extra fire wood.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2016

    Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    Hike, Climb, Fish by Day or Backcountry Camp by Night

    I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing. It was his first time climbing, and we were able to set up some beginner-friendly routes.

    As for the camping, your only option is a walk-in campground, about a mile-long hike. Drinking water and outhouses are available though.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2017

    Cane Creek Park

    Cane Creek county Park

    This review is probably not representative of what will be many people’s experience or opportunity, as I visited in November in the off season, albeit an unusually warm weekday! Cane Creek Park is a county park that is of state park caliber. It is located south and east of the town of waxhaw, and an easy drive from Charlotte. It is a large park on both sid s of a large lake, beautifully maintained, clearly with a variety of family recreational activities that are surely heavily used in the high season. The park offers everything from day use, to car and rv camping, to hike in tent sites and wilderness group areas, to cabins. This review is for the hike in tent sites, which are large, well spaced, heavily wooded and private, with lake access for good fishing and paddling. There are restroom and shower facilities in walking distance, though not at the campsites themselves. This is a simpler and quieter camping opportunity than the drive in sites. In fact, no one else was in this section of the campground on this fine autumn day, yet the weather was beautiful and the setting so peaceful. I would recommend this campsite location for fall camping

  • phillip L.
    Jul. 30, 2016

    Canebrake Horse Camp

    No horses here

    Site is so good. This site i stayed at was site 18 and it was so clean and had everything i needed such as the restroom showers, picnic table and fire ring. the site here do fill up fast so you should make reservations. It costed me 25 dollars and I called ahead 2 weeks. At the visitor center they said the weather here is unpredictable and sometimes it starts raining out of nowhere. There is electric hookups here and there is a lot of RVs which is pretty noisy from the t.v and radio. I came in the summer and the temperature was around the 80's. During the night it is around 60 which is pleasant. They do sell for 6 dollars for a bunch of firewood


Guide to Concord

Cabin camping options surround Concord, North Carolina within the rolling Piedmont region, where elevations range from 500-1,000 feet. The area features several lakeside and forest cabins within 40 miles of Concord, providing accommodations from rustic single-room structures to fully equipped rental cabins. Winter temperatures average 30-50°F while summer brings 70-90°F heat and occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

What to do

Fishing at riverside spots: Lake Curriher Wilderness offers excellent fishing opportunities from its cabin areas. One visitor noted, "I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen... The cabins here are also great. Clean and nice location. I would suggest the overlook cabin" (Ben S., Lake Curriher Wilderness). Deep Water Trail Camp provides riverbank access for anglers with some reporting good catches: "Beautiful area, lots of space on the lower ground, gorgeous views from the higher ground, and some damn good fishing... My friends both caught a couple of channel cats" (Vincent S.).

Hiking interconnected trails: Crowders Mountain State Park offers extensive trail networks leading to elevated viewpoints. Visitors report "A little hard hike but worth the view" (Brittany J., Crowders Mountain State Park Campground). Most trails range from 1-4 miles with moderate difficulty levels. The Pinnacle Trail connects to the camping area approximately 1 mile from the trailhead.

Gem hunting and geology exploration: Hiddenite Family Campground sits near the famous gem mining town known for hiddenite, emeralds, and sapphires. Though currently experiencing maintenance challenges, its location provides access to regional geology attractions. The campground itself features a "swimming pool and a playground for children" and sits beside the South Yadkin River (Myron C., Hiddenite Family Campground).

What campers like

Cabin amenities and comfort: Lake Curriher Wilderness cabins receive consistent praise for cleanliness and location. A reviewer noted, "Perfect Cabin! Just needed a couple days away and was as good as I could hope for. Staff are great and helpful" (Shawn R.). Another recent visitor mentioned the staff hospitality: "Host super nice took us to are site and deliver the wood to us. Bathroom are clean. Quite and beautiful" (Lisa D.).

Privacy levels at primitive sites: East Morris Mountain Camp offers complete seclusion with minimal facilities. As one camper explained, "Only three sites on this little out of the way fire trail. We go to the end of the road for complete privacy. No amenities other than a fire pit" (Dean S., East Morris Mountain). This makes it ideal for tent camping near Concord when seeking isolation.

Budget-friendly options: Uwharrie Hunt Camp provides basic tent sites at very affordable rates. One camper expressed surprise at the value: "$5 per night...What? What? We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April... The campground is a quaint, and only $5 per night! With only 6 sites and what appears to be an over-sized parking lot right next to it" (Shari G., Uwharrie Hunt Camp).

What you should know

Vehicle access challenges: Several primitive camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Deep Water Trail Camp, one visitor warned, "I would highly recommend 4WD if you're going all the way to the water sites. I attempted in my van and made it down to a sweet spot, but was stuck in the mud" (Stephanie W., Deep Water Trailt Horse Camp). Another noted, "Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don't go. Steep rocky Muddy" (Michael W.).

Pack-in requirements: Crowders Mountain requires carrying all gear to the campsites. A visitor explained the backpacking aspect: "It isnt a rugged hike, but you must be prepapred to pack everything in... there are actually two campgrounds, one with large group sites, and one with individual and family campsites" (Janet R.).

Trash management issues: Some primitive sites suffer from irresponsible visitors. A concerned camper at Deep Water Trail Camp wrote, "People. Why? Why are there piles of trash being left at campsites? I bagged up 4 large bags of garbage that some college aged kids just left" (Julie L.). Another noted, "Rough road in. Too much trash left by previous campers" (Jayson C.).

Tips for camping with families

Safe water access: Hippie Holler provides tent camping near Concord with family-friendly amenities. One visitor highlighted the peaceful atmosphere: "I found my happy place here at Hippie Holler! No kids or loud obnoxious other campers, felt at home, safe, understood and able to relax completely. Hidden Gem for the neurodivergants and chill seekers" (Sherry M., Hippie Holler).

Pet-friendly trails: Deep Water Trail Camp welcomes dogs with water access. A camper shared, "It was a nice spot to bring the fur babies! The area itself is beautiful to walk around. We brought our two pups & they had a blast playing & laying in the water!" (Gabby A.).

Easier tent camping options: The ADA tent site at Lake Curriher Wilderness offers more separation from other campers. One review specified, "having the ADA tent site makes a huge difference. The regular tent 'loop' is just one big open field with few trees around it, so there's absolutely no privacy" (Shannon S.).

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup availability: Yates Family Camping provides basic services for RVs near Charlotte Motor Speedway. A reviewer noted, "We've loved staying at Yates due to the flexibility and excellent communication of the owners. There aren't really any extras here but if you're just looking for reliable water/electrical/sewer and wifi near Charlotte this is a fantastic option" (Mariah S., Yates Family Camping).

Limited amenities: Some RV sites have minimal facilities. One camper reported about Yates, "Well not much here, no office or bathrooms. Water and electric and a dump station. Friendly owners and very close to Charlotte motor speedway" (Stephen R.).

Reservation reliability: Booking issues sometimes occur during busy periods. A frustrated camper shared, "We made a reservation well in advance but the owner decided to cancel our confirmed reservation to accommodate a previous renter who decided to stay longer" (Terry C.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Concord, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Concord, NC is Lake Curriher Wilderness with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Concord, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Concord, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.