Primitive camping near Gold Hill, North Carolina centers around the eastern portion of the Uwharrie National Forest. This area contains some of the oldest mountain formations in North America, with ancient hills worn down to modest elevations between 300-1,000 feet. The region receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, creating numerous small streams that run through camping areas and require appropriate water treatment equipment for safe drinking.
What to do
Hunting opportunities: Uwharrie National Forest offers seasonal deer hunting in designated areas. According to one visitor, "This area was a place that I went often to deer hunt in the fall. I have never came across another camper/hunter at this location. It is a good location if you are looking for an area that is away from camp grounds and heavy traffic."
Kayaking access: The Little River section provides water-based entry points to backcountry camping sites. One camper explains, "Me and my friends would always float our kayaks down the river to a place we called 'Bird Dog' and camp for the night. If you are looking for a place that has very little traffic, this is the place you want to go!" The river access point is located where Pekin Road crosses the Little River.
Backpacking routes: Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed provides trail-based camping with suitable terrain for overnight hiking. A visitor noted, "Very nice trails. Well maintained. Not marked the best... signs at intersections. Plenty of creeks. Hike in for dispersed camping."
What campers like
Privacy from established campgrounds: Dispersed sites offer seclusion not found at developed facilities. As one visitor observed, "It is a good location if you are looking for an area that is away from camp grounds and heavy traffic." Most primitive sites require basic navigation skills as trail markings can be minimal.
Natural water sources: Uwharrie National Forest provides reliable stream access throughout much of the year. According to a backpacker, "The streams, provided one has filtration or iodine tablets, provide ample sources of drinking water." Sites near water typically fill first during busy seasons.
Vehicle-accessible primitive sites: Some areas permit drive-in access to undeveloped camping spots. One camper reports, "This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot. Some of the sites may have a little trash left from the last user, so please try to leave it cleaner than you came to."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Primitive camping near Gold Hill requires self-sufficiency. One experienced camper explains, "You cannot drive up to the campsites. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. There might be at the more developed campgrounds, but if you are camping along the Uwharrie Trail or the Dutchman's Creek Trail, it is completely primitive."
Trail navigation challenges: Some routes have inconsistent markings requiring map skills. A hiker notes, "The trailhead is kind of hard to follow sometimes, sections of the trail are prone to flooding and creek crossings can become difficult following heavy rains."
Pack-out requirements: Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail and other primitive sites lack trash service. Visitors should plan to carry out everything they bring in. Some sites show evidence of previous use, with one camper noting, "There was evidence that others had been at this site because of the trash, but as always, I left the site cleaner than I found it."
Tips for camping with families
Start with shorter trails: For families new to primitive camping, begin with accessible areas. The campsite along the Uwharrie Trail marked as "campsite 1" offers a good starting point, with one camper reporting, "I hiked along the creek at what was marked as campsite 1 along the Uwharrie Trail. It was a short hike and easy to moderate."
Safety during hunting season: Robbins Branch Trail and other areas see active hunting. Families should take precautions as one visitor warns, "Make sure to wear bright colors during hunting season because there are a ton of people out deer hunting in this area. That being said there are a ton of great campsites that are private and secluded."
Noise considerations: Some locations experience unexpected vehicle traffic. Campers mention that even seemingly remote areas can have ambient noise, especially near access roads and trails used by off-road vehicles.
Tips from RVers
Generator sites: While most primitive areas prohibit generators, some parts of Uwharrie allow limited RV camping. One visitor shared, "We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations. There are hiking, horse, OHV, dirt bike, ATV, and mountain bike trails."
Campsite preparation: The terrain requires appropriate vehicles. According to a review, "The tent sites nice and clean and level. The host drove through many many times in the 3 days I was there." RVers should scout locations during daylight hours to assess access roads and site suitability.
Limited services: RV campers must plan for self-sufficient stays. No dump stations, hookups, or water fill services exist at primitive sites, requiring adequate tank capacity for the duration of your stay.
