The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Badin, NC

421 Reviews

Uwharrie National Forest provides the primary camping backdrop near Badin, North Carolina, with numerous established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas throughout the region. Badin Lake Campground, Morrow Mountain State Park, and Deep Water Trail Camp offer diverse accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within 10 miles of the lake. The landscape features a mix of lakefront camping at Badin Lake, forested sites along the Uwharrie National Forest trails, and more developed options at Morrow Mountain State Park. Several campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, while primitive camping options exist for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Road conditions vary significantly across the camping areas, particularly at sites like Deep Water Trail Camp where high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer brings higher visitation, especially at waterfront locations. While most established campgrounds require reservations, dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest provides free alternatives with minimal amenities. Cell service tends to be limited throughout the region, with most primitive sites offering no utilities. Several campgrounds prohibit alcohol, and campers should verify specific rules before arrival. A review noted: "The drive down the trail can be a bit much if you're in a smaller car like we were, we had to drive slowly down because of all of the rocks."

Waterfront access represents the primary draw for many campers, with Badin Lake offering swimming beaches, boat launches, and fishing opportunities. The camping experience ranges from quiet, secluded primitive sites to more developed family-friendly campgrounds with amenities. Morrow Mountain State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its clean facilities, hiking trails, and mountain views, making it popular for family outings. Campers highlight the natural beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the area, though some primitive sites have experienced issues with trash left by previous visitors. One camper reported: "Great spot lots of trails and primitive at its best." Several reviews mention the area's fishing opportunities, especially at Deep Water Trail Camp where catfish are commonly caught in the adjacent waters.

Map showing campgrounds near Badin, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Badin, North Carolina (67)

    1. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 982-4402

    $17 - $107 / night

    "Within a short drive there is Town Creek Indian Mound that you can visit as well. Badin Lake is nearby as well."

    "Lots of shade, plenty of trails that cover this State Park. The Kron house nearby, the swimming pool ( closed at time of our visit)."

    2. Badin Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    4 miles
    Website

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Sites along Badin Lake in the lower loop are often reserved. The surroundings are beautiful!"

    "We stayed on the Lower Loop of Badin Lake Campground, specifically site 16."

    3. Arrowhead Campground

    18 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    $20 - $54 / night

    "Equestrian campgrounds, hunting camps and then Arrowhead and Badin Lake campgrounds, along with the boat launch area."

    "The campsites do not offer a view of the water of Badin Lake, but it is nearby with a drive or hike. "

    4. Deep Water Trail Camp

    8 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    2 miles
    Website

    "The drive down the trail can be a bit much if you’re in a smaller car like we were, we had to drive slowly down because of all of the rocks."

    "First of all.. this place is FREE to camp at and surrounded by beautiful water, beautiful trees and the ancient rock of Uwharrie. A lovely place that we are so lucky to have access to... BUT. People."

    5. Uwharrie National Forest

    16 Reviews
    Troy, NC
    15 miles

    "It should be no shock to those familiar with North Carolina’s geography that if one is seeking higher altitudes and breathtaking overlooks, Uwharrie is not the place he should go."

    "This area was one of my favorite ares for dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest while living in North Carolina. The area can be accessed by boat on the Little River, or by hiking in."

    6. Uwharrie Hunt Camp

    6 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April. "

    "There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake. Pretty good fishing too."

    7. Art Lilley Campground

    5 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    3 miles
    Website

    "Other camp ground near by with dump an showers fee 3 bucks for showers unsure on dump fee. Ovh area so can get some dust an noisy atv utv an trail rigs."

    8. Norwood Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mount Gilead, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 474-3800

    $42 - $70 / night

    "The pool doesn’t have normal steps that you walk down into the pool on, they only have the ladder steps which make it a little tricky getting in with a small child."

    "The bath houses near our site were clean and functional, though I don't think they were the main ones."

    9. West Morris Mtn.

    5 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    7 miles
    Website

    10. Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp

    3 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    4 miles
    Website

    $75 / night

    "And it you are an off road enthusiast, they have made some fantastic off road trails south of the Forrest."

    "While at Uwaharrie NF stayed at Biden Lake campground. Beautiful place with great views. Clean facilities close to sites."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 67 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Badin Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Badin, NC

233 Photos of 67 Badin Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Badin, NC

421 Reviews of 67 Badin Campgrounds

  • IThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Norwood Campground

    Awesome for kids

    Variety of things to do for kids lots of kids in the park and activities in this surroundings

  • C
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Crown Cove RV Park

    Unfriendly and Poorly Maintained

    This is a very strange place. The vibe is way off. I stayed for 2 weeks and that was 2 weeks too long. The staff are not friendly or helpful. And they use THE RULES as a means to justify their behavior. They will literally yell at you. I have no idea who these people think they are. Don’t waste your hard earned money with people like this. Day One: Huge ant infestation. Spent the next several days exterminating. Not fun. Much of the sites are not well kept. Way out of level. I had requested an open sky for my Starlink connection. It seems like they gave me the only spot with tree cover. There are dozens of other vacant spots with an open view. Weird but okay… They will not accept packages. So, don’t bother ordering anything unless you can pickup at a nearby locker. This is crazy! One day a distraught camper with tears running down her face approached me while I was outside my rig. Turns out her dog died and she needed help moving the body. Maintenance told her they couldn’t help because of THE RULES. I, of course, helped her move the body to her car. This just seems inhuman.

  • Daniel W.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Midway Campground Resort

    Cozy and fun

    I came in early and they didn't mind so I could get some rest before my long ride. Staff super friendly and sites are nice. All accommodations available. 5 star from this guy.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Greensboro KOA

    Noisy- Ok for one night

    This campground is only 100 yards from the Interstate! Lots of road noise all night. Very noisy especially in a tent. The sites are large enough for most RVs. Adequate space between sites, and some grass. There are a few trees around the campground but not in the RV sites. Full hookups (30/50 amp) Pool, playground and camp store with basics. Shower and bathroom were clean.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Cobble Hill RV Campground (Formerly) Carolina Rose

    good stop & stay

    campground being remodeled so bathhouses were a little walk away but not too inconvenient. pool was also closed for now BUT overall cute location. did park on site 59 (pull through) but was SUPER unlevel. cute pond and amphitheater too! has laundry as well.

    coolest part about this spot is that it’s about a 10 min drive into Catawba college town which was a super nice area for us being younger. perfect mix of Boulder & Philly :)

    hosts were SUPER friendly and nice :)

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Asheboro

    Great stay

    Campground has many things to do for the Littles. I would recommend renting the “off road” golf cart for fun. The only negative is the lack of bath houses. Although we have a full bathroom in our camper we typically use the showers at the campgrounds. There were only 2 bathhouses in the campground. Our site was well shaded and enough space between the sites.

  • wesley L.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Tanglewood Park

    Shaded and clean

    No permanent sites so it's clean with no clutter, host greeted upon arrival, lots of access to hike/bike trails, near park with ponds, pool, ball courts. Several sites including mine very hard to level

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Arrowhead Campground

    Perfect spot

    Nicely spaced, shaded, and quiet camp ground. A lot of people camp here with their jeeps, sidexsides, and 4wheelers. The bathrooms and showers aren’t fancy but are clean. There’s a boat ramp right by the entrance. Overall an awesome camp ground!

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dan Nicholas Park

    We will be back for sure

    Site next to one of the lake access trails. Spacious site. We were able to get our 37 ft camper level. Shaded so the a/c s were able to keep up with the heat no issue.

Guide to Badin

Camping near Badin, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend." This is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
  • Fishing and Boating: Lake Norman State Park is perfect for fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "The campground is in a forest on the shores of Lake Norman. Well maintained hiking trails branch out from the campground."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. One camper at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground noted, "The campsites tend to be spacious and wooded—perfect for privacy and hammocks."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review from Lake Norman State Park Campground stated, "The bath house was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at McDowell Nature Preserve mentioned, "The sites were spacious and private."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Badin Lake Campground said, "They have really nice established spots with great views of the lake."

What you should know:

  • Cell Service: Be prepared for limited cell service. One camper warned, "Beware! Cell/Internet coverage is non-existent, unless you can get to a high Vista lookout."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A review from Statesville RV Park I-77 noted, "You will hear the road 24/7 due to proximity of the interstate."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Cane Creek Park advised, "Need to plan ahead to get a site."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One camper at Hagan-Stone Park mentioned, "There are multiple playgrounds (I think I counted 5), a pool, hiking trails, and 4 ponds for fishing."
  • Safety: Many campgrounds have security patrols. A visitor at McDowell Nature Preserve noted, "The campground is guarded by two gates and I saw the police patrol around a few times after hours."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities for all ages. A camper at Andrew Jackson State Park shared, "This is a great little place to relax and unwind."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Check for level sites to avoid issues with your RV. A camper at Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort mentioned, "Most back-in sites seemed rather level but pull-throughs were hit or miss on that aspect."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Lake Norman State Park Campground noted, "RV sites are paved, with a picnic table and fire ring on a compacted gravel base next to each site."
  • Convenient Amenities: Look for campgrounds with nearby stores for supplies. A camper at Statesville RV Park I-77 said, "The campground overall is clean, safe, and secure."

Camping near Badin, North Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located around Badin Lake in North Carolina?

Several campgrounds are located in the Uwharrie National Forest surrounding Badin Lake. Badin Lake Campground offers sites along the lakeshore with both upper and lower loops. Arrowhead Campground is situated nearby within the forest, though not directly on the water. Other options include Deep Water Trail Camp, the Badin Lake Group Camp, and various dispersed camping areas throughout Uwharrie National Forest. Most campgrounds are accessible via drive-in routes, though some primitive sites can be reached by boat or hiking trails. The camping areas are generally clustered in one section of the forest, providing good access to lake activities and forest trails.

How do I make reservations for camping at Badin Lake campgrounds?

For Uwharrie National Forest campgrounds, including those around Badin Lake, reservations can be made through Recreation.gov. Many sites, particularly those along Badin Lake in the lower loop, are often reserved well in advance, especially during peak seasons. The Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp is reservable for larger gatherings. For some areas like Deep Water Trail Camp, sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation option. It's recommended to book several months ahead for summer weekends and holidays. Have alternative sites in mind as backup options, especially for waterfront locations which are the most popular.

What swimming and public access areas are available at Badin Lake?

Badin Lake offers several swimming and public access points. At Deep Water Trail Camp, visitors can enjoy water access, though the trail to reach it may be rocky and require careful driving. Kings Mountain Point provides a fishing pier and shoreline access. For campers at Arrowhead Campground, the lake is nearby but requires a short drive or hike to reach the water. The lower loop of Badin Lake Campground offers excellent swimming access with sites just a stone's throw from the water. There's also a designated swimming area with a sandy beach available for day use. Boat ramps are available for those wanting to explore the lake by watercraft.

Keep Exploring