Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Elon? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your North Carolina camping adventure.
The Shallow Ford Campsites are located along The Haw river. The Haw River Trail provides public access to Alamance County’s most important natural feature. Built on the idea of conservation through recreation, the land and paddle trails allow the community to explore and appreciate its river while helping to conserve and protect this important resource.
Primitive backcountry campsite located approximately one mile from parking area. Access by hiking or paddling only!
The department requires that a responsible adult accompany each group. Group limit is 10 people.
Fee: $10 per group (County & Non-County Resident)
Please choose your arrival day for your reservation, we will know you are staying the night.
$10 / night
Free camping from September 1 - February 28, and March 31 - May 14. Designated as Hunter Camping, accessible to all.
Access Map: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Hunting/Game-Land-Maps/Piedmont/Butner-Falls-of-Neuse.pdf
Disperse camping is allowed in the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness. Camp at least 200 feet from all streams, creeks, roads and wildlife fields. When using fire rings, please disperse the ring before leaving camp. Use of cook stoves is highly recommended. Firewood is available as dead and down in the forest, please do not cut live trees for firewood. Also hunting is allowed in this area, orange would be advisable to wear during the hunting seasons, when hiking the trails.
Please pack all trash out with you when you leave. No mountain bikes or ATV's are allowed within the Wilderness area.
No permenant camps are allowed in the Wilderness area. Camping is allowed for a 14 day period with in a 30 day time frame. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash and kept under control.
Guide
first time doing any type of dispersed camping but it was really easy to find, just off the road in the woods, just follow the coordinates and its a lil past, look for the signs, with lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods, though you can still see the headlights coming from the road.
I'm not a hunter but no one else was there and I pulled up at 10pm and left 6am on the first day of open season.
TravelerRight off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent. Only open during hunting seasons though.
TravelerWorks perfectly, especially in a pinch.
Traveler
This campsite is on the Mountains to Sea Trail for those that are doing that. There’s lots of shade and it is very peaceful. It is pretty flat for your tent and there are fire rings. Someone left me a bundle of wood. I hear the river in the background and lots of birds and squirrels. I would highly recommend this place.
ScoutThis is a small road and if you had a camper of any size it would take you a while to turn around. Very few places. Like someone said earlier this is a place to pitch a tent or to Car Camp.
TravelerVery easy to get too, right off interstate. very primitive but you have a decent signal if you need to park and get work done. Great spot to sleep if you are passing through!
Ranger
Very nice trails. Well maintained. Not marked the best... signs at intersections. Plenty of creeks. Hike in for dispersed camping.
ScoutOnly open Sept 1 to Feb 28th and March 31 to May 14
TravelerVery primitive, but close to town if you need anything. Sites are very close together, no privacy. Most campers are here to hunt so are gone most of the day. It was not crowded when I was there during the week. I was only there on a Tuesday.
RangerYou have a fire ring and a line to hang things from thats about it here, really nice place to camp if youre comfortable not having a toilet. Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didnt think he would fit but found a spot just fine. And the best part is its FREE CAMPING!!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Elon, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Elon, NC is Shallow Ford Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Elon, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Elon, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
