Best Dispersed Camping near Jamestown, NC

Dispersed camping near Jamestown, North Carolina centers primarily around Uwharrie National Forest, where primitive sites are available along trails and forest roads. The Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area within Uwharrie provides hike-in backcountry camping opportunities with no facilities. Additional options include Shallow Ford Natural Area with boat-in and hike-in access, and dispersed sites off Falls Dam Trail. These areas allow camping without developed amenities, though regulations vary by location.

Access to most dispersed sites requires preparation for primitive conditions. Uwharrie National Forest permits camping along its trail system, with some sites accessible via drive-in routes while others require hiking or boating. Many forest roads may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. Most dispersed areas lack drinking water, toilets, and trash service. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some locations allowing campfires in established rings. Camping permits or passes may be required in certain areas, with Uwharrie requiring overnight passes available for purchase at local stores.

The region provides varied backcountry camping experiences across different terrain types. One camper noted, "This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot." Water access is available at several locations, particularly along the Little River area of Uwharrie, which another visitor described as "one of my favorite areas for dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest." Sites along streams provide natural soundscapes, though some areas near highways may experience traffic noise. During hunting seasons, wearing bright colors is advisable as hunting is permitted in many of these areas. Most primitive sites feature basic fire rings and flat tent spaces but require pack-in, pack-out practices for all supplies and waste.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Jamestown, North Carolina (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Jamestown, NC

10 Photos of 5 Jamestown Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Jamestown, NC

18 Reviews of 5 Jamestown Campgrounds


  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2021

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Truly Primitive Camping in a National Forest

    Personally, I would give dispersed camping here four or five stars, but I have to be objective from the point of view of many campers. This is not an RV camping area, at least not the dispersed camping area. 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. With that said, I have enjoyed camping in the Uwharrie National Forest. 

    This makes my third time in the Uwharrie National Forest. The first time was with a Royal Ranger Junior Training Trails group when I was a Royal Ranger leader. We camped along the Dutchman’s Creek Trail. The second time was with the Boy Scouts when we were preparing the boys for a longer backpacking trip to Philmont in New Mexico. This time was my third time, and I was by myself. 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, hiker farther in. 

    Obviously, there are no facilities, so I had to take my own water and a water filter. Since I was close to a stream, I had to take care of personal business about two hundred feet farther away. There was evidence that others had been at this site because of the trash, but as always(and I am not patting myself on the back), I left the site cleaner than I found it. I am sure there are other views, but my favorite view was from Dennis Mountain, which is only about 700 feet above sea level. I didn’t make it to Dennis Mountain this time, and I wish I had taken pictures when I was there before. On my previous trips, I also wish I had taken more photos. Nevertheless, backpacking and camping in the Uwharrie Mountains gives you a sense of being in the wilderness.

  • Marvin D.
    Nov. 11, 2022

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Good challenging hiking, and plenty of campsites along the trails. This is a good place for a 'shakedown hike' if you ever plan on through hiking the AT. There are a few different trailheads, so you are never too far from your car or civilization. 23/27 trailhead has a decent sized parking lot and allows for overnight parking for backpacking etc. Rt 109 trailhead has slightly smaller parking.

    If you are car camping, there are established campsites for that, and you can basically disperse camp anywhere there is a site in the Uwharrie.

  • Wyatt M.
    May. 22, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Little River National Forest Area

    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. 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! This area would be limited to dispersed camping due to no campsites. It is a National Forest so be mindful of rules and regulations while visiting!

    link: 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd485941.pdf

     There is a boat ramp where PEKIN ROAD crosses the Little River.  PLEASANT GROVE CHURCH ROAD pretty much cuts right through the area on the PDF.

  • b
    May. 22, 2021

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Uwharrie campground

    The State Forest has camping. We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations. There are hiking, horse, OHV, dirt bike, ATV, and mountain bike trails.

  • Misery C.
    Nov. 3, 2021

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Primitive camping

    We primitive camping here at least every other weekend. We love it. Great trails, beautiful scenery. A peaceful experience

  • Sean R.
    May. 30, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Backpacking In Uwharrie

    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. Notwithstanding, as much of the higher elevations are impassable during the winter months, the forest offers backpackers an opportunity to stay on the trail a few days. 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. Overall, however, the forest is a good place for backpacking in this region of the state. Th streams, provided one has filtration or iodine tablets, provide ample sources of drinking water.

  • Zachary S.
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Dispersed camping

    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. No toilets for disperesed areas. Most sites have rock fire pits and room to set up. Love it here. Plenty of OHV trails as well.

  • Wyatt M.
    May. 22, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Dispersed camping/hunting area

    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. I never shot a deer here but they are in the area.  The area is just SW of Troy, NC down HWY 109/24. On the map below, it is the most western forest area. 

    Link to Map: 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd485941.pdf

  • Linda The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Shallow Ford Natural Area

    Peaceful camping

    This campsite is on the Mountains to Sea Trail for those that are doing that. There’s lots of shade and it is very peaceful. It is pretty flat for your tent and there are fire rings. Someone left me a bundle of wood. I hear the river in the background and lots of birds and squirrels. I would highly recommend this place.


Guide to Jamestown

Uwharrie National Forest provides most of the rustic camping opportunities near Jamestown, North Carolina, with undeveloped sites ranging from drive-in locations suitable for high-clearance vehicles to remote walk-in areas requiring backpacking equipment. The forest sits at modest elevations of 300-1,000 feet but offers significant solitude in its 50,000+ acres of woodland. Seasonal regulations and varying terrain conditions affect accessibility, with some forest roads becoming challenging after precipitation.

What to do

Backcountry hiking opportunities: The Uwharrie Trail spans approximately 20 miles through varied terrain. According to Sean R., "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."

Water activities: Uwharrie National Forest offers multiple kayaking and canoeing opportunities, particularly along Little River. Erica notes, "There are several places you can take a canoe or kayak on and the scenery on the lake was beautiful as well."

Off-road vehicle trails: The forest contains designated OHV routes for Jeeps and other off-road vehicles. "We also took our Jeep on the OHV trails and had a blast," shares Erica, who traveled 5 hours to visit the area.

What campers like

Solitude and quiet: Some remote areas provide exceptional seclusion. Wyatt M. describes the Little River area: "This area would be limited to dispersed camping due to no campsites. It is a National Forest so be mindful of rules and regulations while visiting!" He adds, "If you are looking for a place that has very little traffic, this is the place you want to go!"

Multiple water sources: Many campsites feature access to creeks and streams for filtering water. Wayne R. notes about his campsite along the Uwharrie trail, "Water available on both sides of camp/trail."

Well-maintained wilderness areas: Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area offers trail-based dispersed camping with natural features. Rachael H. reports, "Very nice trails. Well maintained. Not marked the best... signs at intersections. Plenty of creeks. Hike in for dispersed camping."

What you should know

Hunting awareness: During hunting seasons, visibility clothing is essential. Brandon D. 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."

Trail navigation challenges: Some trail markers may be difficult to follow in certain areas. Rachael H. notes about Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area, "Not marked the best... signs at intersections."

Varying campsite conditions: Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail offers free primitive camping. Daniel R. recently reported a positive experience: "Had a good time camping and enjoyed the song of wind and birds."

Permit requirements: Some areas require overnight permits. Erica explains, "There are 6 different stores/gas stations that have the overnight passes available for purchase. We got our passes from Eldorado outpost and the attendants there were very knowledgeable and helpful!"

Tips for camping with families

Choose shorter hikes: For families with young children, consider campsites closer to trailheads. Myron C. notes about Uwharrie National Forest, "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."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest offers wildlife observation possibilities. Wyatt M. mentions his hunting experiences: "I never shot a deer here but they are in the area," indicating wildlife presence for potential nature observation.

Pack for primitive conditions: No facilities exist at most dispersed sites, so bring all necessities. "Obviously, there are no facilities, so I had to take my own water and a water filter," reports Myron C., adding valuable insight for family preparation.

Consider noise factors: Some sites may experience highway sounds. Myron C. advises, "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

High clearance required: Many dispersed sites require vehicles capable of rough roads. Shallow Ford Natural Area offers boat-in and hike-in access points rather than drive-in options for larger vehicles.

Rustic RV options: Some locations can accommodate smaller recreational vehicles with appropriate preparation. Bart notes about Uwharrie campground, "We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations."

Arrive early for prime locations: Popular dispersed camping areas fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Zachary S. advises, "This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot."

Campsite maintenance: Pack out all trash and leave sites clean. Zachary S. observes, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Jamestown, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Jamestown, NC is Shallow Ford Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Jamestown, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Jamestown, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.