1 campground with availability next weekend
Tent campers exploring the Cooleemee area in North Carolina will find several primitive and established camping options within driving distance. Lake Curriher Wilderness offers tent sites in both a main camping loop and more secluded areas, while Deep Water Trail Camp provides a more primitive experience with waterfront tent sites. These areas are situated in the rolling Piedmont region, with most campgrounds within 30-60 minutes of Cooleemee.
Tent sites at Lake Curriher feature drinking water access and fire rings, though campers should note the main tent area is described as "one big open field with few trees around it" offering minimal privacy between sites. The ADA-accessible tent site provides more seclusion. Deep Water Trail Camp requires careful vehicle selection, as the access road can be challenging. A reviewer noted, "The drive down/up is a little sketchy but if your vehicle doesn't sit super low you should be able to make it with only a couple minor bottom outs." This primitive area has no facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies including water.
In early spring and fall, tent campers experience more solitude at these locations, especially at the remote sites. Deep Water Trail Camp provides waterfront camping with good fishing opportunities and hiking trails. The area features multiple primitive tent sites scattered along the shoreline and in forested sections. Many tent campers appreciate the privacy of walk-in sites at Lake Curriher Wilderness, particularly the Point, which requires a moderate hike. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the remote sites offer better experiences: "I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake... I generally tent camp at the Point, not many know of this location as it's a decent hike in."
"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."
from $10 - $30 / night
"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."
"It is a amazing area to visit if you are into OHV(Off Highway Vehicle) trail riding, mountain biking or hiking."
from $25 - $50 / night
"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."
"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."
"I went up the vertical mile trail to get to the upper campsite, it was dry, beautiful and not too steep of a hike"
from $13 / night
"This area is popular for the Off Highway Vehicle trail systems which are open April through December."
"Too much trash left by previous campers"
"Location is private and secluded, yet within reasonable driving distance to stores and other attractions like hiking/biking/kayaking."
from $25 - $190 / night
"What a magical experience floating in the trees surrounded by fire flies! Elizabeth and Mark were exceptional hosts. There is so much to do on property, and they are working on more!"
from $40 - $200 / night
"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."
"A nice campsite off of Tower Road with is also part of the TransAmerica Trail. It is a flat site with a with a great fire pit."
GuideDriving 14 1/2 hrs I was cooked called and had the most easiest booking. There was a sites available so I booked it. Needless to say I got there in the dark and a kind person helped me to my site and got me backed in. Soo exhausted I hooked up electric only hit the bed passed out
ScoutGreat location , clean bathhouse
GuideStopped here after our fiasco with holly bluff. Beautiful campground with trees. Very quiet during the day and peaceful. The only thing we found curious was the vehicle in and right back out activity between 10:30-pm and 1am back and forth to campers that were long term stays. Made nighttime hard to sleep in site 3 with vehicles back and forth for hours .
GuideStopped in to get a spot for a few nights nights because it said they had available rv spots Unfortunately they didn’t know which end was up and tried to squeeze us into a spot that might have hookups that maybe worked but they couldn’t be sure. It was a joke. We left after waiting several minutes waiting while they were looking for a place to maybe squeeze us in because we had a small camper. No thanks. Would not recommend staying here til they get there act together
ScoutThis is not a resort type campground. It is a place for people to bring old campers to live full time and long term. The electric and water utilities are original from the 50's and there are constant problems with both. There is a lot of unrecognized potential because the owners do not reinvest any money into anything for the campground.
ScoutLooking for a nice place for a camping getaway? We highly recommend checking out the Deep River Campground in Asheboro, NC. The location itself is beautiful. It is literally on the Deep River and features a hiking trail that runs along the river past the remnants of a historical damn, where a small area of rapids gently swirls around the big rocks spanning the river. There’s also a large lake with a nice grassy expanse for picnics, playing games or just lazing around lakeside. This campground has been around for a while, but it has new owners now and they are breathing some for real new life into the place. They have already made lots of repairs and improvements, and you can see more in progress. There are sites for RVs with all the hook-ups, and great primitive sites for tent camping, several located right on the river. If you don’t have an RV and sleeping on the ground doesn’t spark joy, they have a few small rustic but nicely-appointed cabins. You’ll find two pools, several covered picnic shelters, a playground for the small ones, and several options for older kids and adults to play, like a horseshoe pit and a nice game room. They also have planned activities like movie nights and weiner roasts most evenings to entertain and create community among campers. They are pet friendly and have their own pet mascots on site— a flock of ducks including beautifully colored teals and mallards. We were just there for 2 nights, but I have a good feeling we’ll be visiting there again soon. Definitely worth a visi
RangerWas a monthly Camper when I came in to the campground. Nobody was cleaning the men’s room. No one was trying to collect the fall leaves. This is an old run down campground. I cleaned the men’s room for free because there was no staff to clean. I regret helping the owner for free on multiple occasions.
TravelerThis is/was marked as dispersed camping but this is primarily an OHV area, with a shooting range nearby that can be heard from some campsites. Most, if not all, of the campsites are intended to be large group sites. The empty site we found was filled with trash, discarded tents, air mattresses, and trashed electronics from OHVs. There's so much trash we would not even be able to take it all out with us if we wanted to. This may be a national forest, but it is not peace and quiet as one would expect from "dispersed and primitive" camping.
GuideGreat spot to visit, with pool fishing ect. Very nice people and clean.
Camping opportunities near Cooleemee, North Carolina extend throughout the central Piedmont region where elevations range from 600-900 feet. The area sits within hardwood forest zones featuring oak and hickory trees that provide natural shade at many campsites. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February.
Fishing at various spots: Deep Water Trail Camp provides access to quality fishing along the Yadkin River. Vincent S. notes, "Beautiful area, lots of space on the lower ground, gorgeous views from the higher ground, and some damn good fishing. I didn't take enough pictures when I was there."
Rock collecting: Deep Water Trail Horse Camp offers unique geological features. Stephanie W. shares, "Awesome view, but I would highly recommend 4WD if you're going all the way to the water sites."
Hiking forest trails: Uwharrie Hunt Camp provides trail access around the lake area. Scott P. reports, "There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake. Pretty good fishing too."
Wildlife watching: The forests near camping areas support deer, wild turkey, and various bird species. Ashley W. from Uwharrie Hunt Camp recalls, "Beautiful scenery. The only issue is we couldn't find a good location near water so thankfully we brought our own in case."
Primitive camping options: Deep Water Trail Camp offers secluded sites with river access. Dan mentions, "We stayed 3 days and 2 nights and there was only 1 other vehicle down there with us the entire time... Our site was off to the left of the major parking area right down by the river. Super private and had some nice trails near by for hiking/finding fire wood."
Water features: Many sites include streams or lake access for swimming and fishing. Martha S. from Homeplace Recreational Park shares, "We had FHU and were in site A3 right beside the stream... The pond dam was really close to our site and the rushing water will really lull you to sleep at night."
Free camping areas: Some locations in the region offer no-fee camping. Kyle notes about Uwharrie Hunt Camp, "FREE. large size nobody else here in March but I'm sure as summer rolls around it fills up more."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. Lisa D. from Lake Curriher Wilderness comments, "Host super nice took us to are site and deliver the wood to us. Bathroom are clean. Quite and beautiful."
Road access challenges: Many primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. Michael W. from Deep Water Trail Camp advises, "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."
Limited cell service: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. Stephanie W. reports, "Cell service is about 1 bar for Verizon and ATT, so I will need to attempt to head out in the AM for work purposes."
Trash issues: Some free camping areas suffer from improper waste disposal. Julie L. from Deep Water Trail Camp notes, "BUT. 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."
Seasonal considerations: The best tent camping near Cooleemee, North Carolina often depends on timing. Shari G. from Uwharrie Hunt Camp advises, "We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April."
Explore kids-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities. damir from Homeplace Recreational Park reports, "Water park is awesome. Large trail to go for a little walk. Very reasonably priced. Will go again."
Consider accessibility needs: Some areas offer ADA-compliant sites. Kevin A. from Beechnut Family Campground shares, "We spent 4 nights here this past week. Very clean, quiet, and relaxing campground. The owner Todd was super nice and very helpful."
Check water access for pets: Many campsites welcome dogs with water features. Gabby A. from Deep Water Trail Camp notes, "We brought our two pups & they had a blast playing & laying in the water! We stayed at a campsite next to the river bend."
Prepare for weather changes: Rain can affect site conditions significantly. Glenn S. from Beechnut Family Campground cautions, "Unfortunately the rain had been going on for several days before we arrived, and wherever vehicles were parked on the ground, they left muddy ruts."
Site selection matters: RV campers should research specific site features. Mariah S. from Yates Family Camping advises, "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."
Consider hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. Stephen R. notes about Yates Family Camping, "Well not much here, no office or bathrooms. Water and electric and a dump station."
Plan for seasonal operations: Some campgrounds close during winter months. Beechnut Family Campground operates from April through November, making it unavailable for winter RV camping near Cooleemee.
Check road conditions: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. tiffany A. from Deep Water Trail Camp cautions, "PLEASE take something with a little ground clearance and better than 2 wheel drive to get here. My Honda Element was on two wheels at one point but the AWD handled it like a champ."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cooleemee, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cooleemee, NC is Lake Curriher Wilderness with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cooleemee, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Cooleemee, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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