Top Free Dispersed Camping near Elon, NC

Camping near Elon, North Carolina, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Hanging Rock State Park Campground, have trails that lead to stunning waterfalls. One visitor mentioned, "The park has 5 waterfalls... almost all the hikes involve a steep hill climb of stairs."
• Fishing and Swimming: At Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, you can fish and swim right from your campsite. A camper shared, "The sites are private enough and many have lake access... We fished for hours, kayaked on the lake."
• Exploring Nature: Morrow Mountain State Park Campground is great for those who love wildlife. One reviewer said, "The campsites are spacious and wooded—perfect for privacy and hammocks."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park noted, "The bathhouse is clean and modern."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Badin Lake Campground mentioned, "They have really nice established spots with great views of the lake."
• Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One visitor at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground said, "The elevated fire pits are level and easy to use for cooking or just a campfire."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, have fewer amenities. A camper mentioned, "The on-site bathroom & shower facilities are just slightly north of passable."
• Noise Levels: Expect some noise from nearby activities. A visitor at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area noted, "The biggest distraction is the noise from other campers."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground shared, "Once we were tent camping here, and woke up to a herd of deer on our site!"

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, a reviewer said, "Sites were well spaced... Boat ramp and swim beach on site."
• Plan for Privacy: Some sites are closer together than others. A camper at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "Most of the sites are small and very close together."
• Bring Entertainment: Make sure to pack games or activities for downtime. One visitor at Eno River State Park Campground suggested, "Bring in your own water... and don’t be afraid to contact the park rangers if you need something."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Poplar Point Campground said, "Amazing spots for RVs on the water!"
• Look for Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, while others do not. A visitor at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground noted, "While there are electric hookups, there are not water or sewer."
• Plan for Dump Stations: Be aware of where dump stations are located. A camper at Hanging Rock State Park Campground mentioned, "No hookups or dump stations."

Camping near Elon, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!