Best Campgrounds near Locust, NC

Camping near Locust, North Carolina centers around the Uwharrie National Forest region, approximately 20 miles east of the town. This area features several established campgrounds, lakeside sites, and primitive camping options for tent, RV, and cabin stays. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground in nearby Albemarle provides year-round camping with full amenities, while the highly-rated Badin Lake and Arrowhead Campgrounds within Uwharrie National Forest offer more rustic experiences with lake access. Norwood Campground, with its 80 sites, serves as another popular option for visitors seeking proximity to Lake Tillery. The rolling countryside with low foothills creates a woodland camping environment without dramatic elevation changes.

Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during peak seasons from spring through fall. Access roads to Badin Lake Campground can be rough but generally passable for most vehicles, though some primitive sites may require high-clearance vehicles. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with Verizon providing the most reliable coverage in developed campgrounds. Campers should be aware that during hunting seasons in Uwharrie National Forest, wearing bright colors is advised for safety. Summer brings hot, humid conditions, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures. Winter camping is available at most sites but with reduced services.

The camping options near Locust cater to different preferences and activities. Lakeside campgrounds like Badin Lake feature spacious sites with good separation between neighbors and direct water access for fishing and boating. According to reviews, "Sites along Badin Lake in the lower loop are often reserved" due to their popularity. Arrowhead Campground is particularly popular with off-road enthusiasts, with trails accessible directly from the campground. For those seeking more amenities, Norwood Campground includes a swimming pool and store, while more primitive options like Deep Water Trail Camp offer free, first-come-first-served sites for those looking to disconnect. Most campgrounds are pet-friendly, making them suitable for family trips with four-legged companions.

Best Camping Sites Near Locust, North Carolina (72)

    1. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

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

    $17 - $107 / night

    "Morrow Mountain State Park, near Albemarle, NC, has something for everyone.  Many hiking and equestrian trails are within the park. "

    "Water spigot close by, the pressure is high so slowly lift the handle haha. The sites are not too close together. Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend."

    2. Badin Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    23 miles
    Website

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Awesome location, very remote and the sites are Huge so no need to worry about a neighbor being close. I stayed at site 11 easy access to the water and great views."

    "I preferred the lower loop as nearly every outer site was on the lake with great views and lake access and sites are spread out. The inside sites of the lower loop are pretty spacious and deep."

    3. Arrowhead Campground

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

    $20 - $54 / night

    "Arrowhead Campground has had a bigger budget compared to its lesser sibling Badin Lake Campground. "

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

    4. Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway

    6 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 455-4445

    "Campground is huge & within walking distance of the raceway. Camping world is across the street if you forgot anything! Win!"

    5. Dan Nicholas Park

    19 Reviews
    Southmont, NC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 216-7803

    "Nice lake to walk around, but paddle boats and center were closed. Lots of ducks that were used to human presence and feeding. Located in a nice sized park. Would definitely go back."

    "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."

    6. Norwood Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mount Gilead, NC
    19 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."

    "Spacious lots in a wooded setting, includes a pool, walking trails, and access to Lake Tillery. Ice and firewood available onsite. Bath-houses are dated."

    7. Deep Water Trail Camp

    8 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    21 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."

    8. Coble's Landing

    3 Reviews
    Wadesboro, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 890-4379

    $15 - $25 / night

    "ATV/Walking trails. Picnic tables, porta johns and nature. A small lake where you can fish, It is Peaceful here. There is a gun range nearby so while your here you can get in some practice shooting."

    9. Yates Family Camping

    3 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 773-9349

    "There aren’t really any extras here but if you’re just looking for reliable water/electrical/sewer and wifi near Charlotte this is a fantastic option."

    10. Cane Creek Park

    28 Reviews
    Mineral Springs, NC
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 843-5909

    "Campground has trails and fishing in walking distance.  It is always packed.  No alcohol permitted."

    "Just be mindful when booking sites near the Lakeside Lodge, they book parties, so it’s a little busier & noisier than our preference."

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Recent Reviews near Locust, NC

493 Reviews of 72 Locust Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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

    Cane Creek Park

    Always a great time when we go

    We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it. Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there.

  • 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.

  • D
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Dan Nicholas Park

    Beautiful campground

    Very limited wi-fi, dated bathrooms, most amenities closed

  • Chris K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    Superb Accommodations

    Always very clean, with meticulously maintained and picturesque grounds, the Camp Wilderness at Carowinds is well-appointed with amenities and attended to by helpful and friendly Carowinds staff. Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings.

  • Amber L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Coble's Landing

    DO NOT STAY HERE

    WARNING DO NOT STAY HERE!!! REX COBLE is part owner of this campground. My father’s camper was broken into and vandalized by the owner REX. Stayed for 3 months and never received a receipt for cash handed over. Always gave us the go around and said he was out of town on business. So we started using cash app to prove payments. We even paid 6 months advanced for storage. Investigation still in process and having to get the law involved again. Biggest crook and con of Anson County. Drug deals happening right in the Rv Park in front of family’s and children durning the day and all times at night. This place needs to be investigated, raided and shut down! Our whole life was taken from us. Photos, jewelry, guns, clothing, TVs, and etc. I highly suggest you do not stay here or trust your belongings being stored.


Guide to Locust

Camping near Locust, 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 and Trails: Explore the numerous trails available at Kings Mountain State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were very well marked and maintained," making it a great spot for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper shared, "There is lake access for boating and fishing," highlighting the park's water activities.
  • Historical Sites: Visit the nearby National Military Battlefield for a dose of history. One reviewer noted, "Lovely shaded campground. Boat rentals at Lake York," which adds to the charm of the area.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at Lake Norman State Park Campground said, "The bathhouse was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. One reviewer at Badin Lake Campground mentioned, "They have really nice established spots with great views of the lake."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A visitor at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground noted, "Extremely friendly and helpful staff."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. One camper at Cane Creek Park mentioned, "There are several playgrounds for kids to play, along with an open field by the lake."
  • Safety: Choose campgrounds with good security. 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."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A camper at Hagan-Stone Park said, "The park itself is huge and has SO much to offer while camping here."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Lengths: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort mentioned, "The sites are tight but there's shade."
  • Leveling Blocks: Bring leveling blocks, as some sites can be uneven. A camper at Badin Lake Campground noted, "The site was at a purely bizarre angle."
  • Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A visitor at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a water tank filling station and a dump station on site."

Camping around Locust, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Locust, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Locust, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 72 campgrounds and RV parks near Locust, NC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Locust, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Locust, NC is Morrow Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Locust, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Locust, NC.