Best Dispersed Camping near Holly Springs, NC

Dispersed camping options near Holly Springs, North Carolina include Butner Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Anderson Creek County Park. Butner Lake WMA provides primitive, no-fee camping with basic amenities. The area features approximately 10 small sites suitable primarily for tent camping and car camping. Each site typically contains a fire ring and a line for hanging gear. The campground is located just off the interstate, making it easily accessible for travelers passing through the region.

Butner Lake WMA operates on a seasonal schedule, open only from September 1 to February 28 and March 31 to May 14. According to reviews, the access road is narrow and challenging for larger vehicles. As one camper noted, "This is a small road and if you had a camper of any size it would take you a while to turn around." The sites accommodate one vehicle with a tent and offer no drinking water, toilets, or shower facilities. Fires are permitted in designated rings.

Wildlife sightings are common in the area. Campers report hearing coyotes, owls, and occasionally seeing foxes. Cell service is generally reliable at both locations, with several visitors mentioning adequate signal strength for mobile devices. The campground's proximity to town (approximately 5 minutes away) allows for easy supply runs if needed. Anderson Creek County Park offers more remote hike-in dispersed camping but prohibits fires. Both locations require proper waste management as no trash facilities exist. During hunting seasons, expect to share Butner Lake WMA with hunters who use the campground as a base for their activities.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Holly Springs, North Carolina (2)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Holly Springs, NC

3 Photos of 2 Holly Springs Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Holly Springs, NC

10 Reviews of 2 Holly Springs Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 26, 2022

    Butner lake WMA

    Very Small and not made for trailers.

    This 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.

  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Quiet, Discreet and Welcoming

    My fiance and I camped out a little longer than the actually extension period for individuals, but never had a problem. Several others have showed up to camp out a couple days but were gone shortly. For the most part it was just us. And whatever it is running around in the woods. I heard many coyotes elks and a an owl but nothing never stumbled to our campsite close enough to get a look at it other than one young fox which was running away when we pulled in one late night. I think the animals are aware that the campground is human territory so they stay away. It's at 10 different spots to set up with your car parked right next to your tent. Our Boost mobile wi-fi worked perfectly fine. There is a lake 2 mins away one way and another 7 mins away the other way. The city dump is also 2 mins away. And town is 5 mins away. I wish the gates never closed because we would still be there.

  • Max O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Butner lake WMA

    Very rustic dispersed camping

    You 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!!

  • S H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Butner lake WMA

    terrific spot to pull up for a night

    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.

  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Be Advised!

    All Campers MUST have a fishers/hunters license. Rangers wrote us a warning ticket for not having our own, but we are headed to Walmart to get one for about $30

  • Joe F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2023

    Butner lake WMA

    Great small sites

    Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent. Only open during hunting seasons though.

  • B
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Butner lake WMA

    Free during hunting season

    Very 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.

  • Erin B.
    Mar. 18, 2021

    Butner lake WMA

    Warning Seasonally Open!

    Only open Sept 1 to Feb 28th and March 31 to May 14

  • c
    Oct. 12, 2021

    Butner lake WMA

    Very basic camping

    Very 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!


Guide to Holly Springs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Holly Springs, North Carolina, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Holly Springs, North Carolina

Butner Lake WMA for dispersed campers

  • Butner Lake WMA offers a unique experience with its drive-in and walk-in access, making it easy for campers to set up their tents or park their RVs.

Activities while free camping near Holly Springs

  • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings at Butner Lake WMA, where you can partake in activities like hiking and wildlife observation, especially during hunting seasons when the area is less crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Holly Springs, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Holly Springs, NC is Butner lake WMA with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.