Uwharrie National Forest provides several free camping options near Harrisburg, North Carolina. The forest spans approximately 50,000 acres with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Most dispersed camping areas require campers to bring all necessary supplies including water, as facilities are minimal to nonexistent throughout these primitive locations.
What to do
Off-road adventures: Visitors with appropriate vehicles can access the OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) trail system throughout Uwharrie National Forest. According to one camper, "We also took our Jeep on the OHV trails and had a blast. There are several places you can take a canoe or kayak on and the scenery on the lake was beautiful as well."
Water activities: Multiple access points for kayaking and canoeing exist along the Little River. The area can be accessed by water navigation or hiking in. One regular visitor notes, "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!"
Wildlife observation: The forest provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and hunting during designated seasons. Uwharrie supports diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species. A regular visitor shares, "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."
What campers like
Solitude and seclusion: Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail offers privacy away from developed campgrounds. A recent visitor appreciated the natural soundscape, stating they "enjoyed the song of wind and birds" during their stay.
Stream access: Multiple campsites feature access to flowing water, which can be filtered for drinking. A camper describes one location: "Along the Uwharrie trail. Water available on both sides of camp / trail."
Vehicle access: Many dispersed sites can be reached with appropriate transportation. According to an experienced visitor, "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
Trail conditions: Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed features maintained but sometimes confusingly marked trails. A recent visitor notes: "Very nice trails. Well maintained. Not marked the best... signs at intersections. Plenty of creeks. Hike in for dispersed camping."
Water sources: Streams throughout the forest can provide water but must be treated. A backpacker advises, "The streams, provided one has filtration or iodine tablets, provide ample sources of drinking water."
Hunting awareness: During hunting seasons, take precautions when hiking and camping. Brightly colored clothing is essential for safety. A regular notes: "Make sure to wear bright colors during hunting season because there are a ton of people out deer hunting in this area."
Permits and rules: Certain areas may require permits or have specific regulations. Check with local ranger stations or outfitters before arrival. For OHV areas, permits can be purchased at local businesses: "There are 6 different stores/gas stations that have the overnight passes available for purchase."
Tips for camping with families
Site preparation: Bring all necessary supplies as most dispersed sites have no facilities. A frequent visitor to Robbins Branch Trail recommends arriving early to secure better spots, especially during peak seasons.
Trail difficulty: Choose appropriate hiking routes based on experience level. The Uwharrie Trail spans approximately 20 miles with varying difficulty. A backpacker describes: "The Uwharrie Trail, which pretty much spans the park north/south is about 20 miles point to point. 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."
Location selection: For families seeking quieter experiences, camp farther from main roads. One solo camper advises: "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. Unfortunately, it wasn't far enough away to hear distant noises from Hwy 24, so if you want to get away from traffic noise completely, hike farther in."
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: Look for level, drive-in sites that accommodate your vehicle size. A camper reports: "The tent sites nice and clean and level. The host drove through many many times in the 3 days I was there."
Generator usage: Some areas allow generators for power needs. One RVer notes: "We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations. There are hiking, horse, OHV, dirt bike, ATV, and mountain bike trails."
Site availability: During busy seasons, secure your site early as popular areas fill quickly. An experienced camper states: "We stayed in 2 different dispersed primitive sites and they were both great. Plenty of space and trees and privacy!"
