Best Dispersed Camping near Mebane, NC

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Mebane? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mebane, North Carolina (2)

    Max O.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Butner lake WMA near Stem, NC

    1. Butner lake WMA

    8 Reviews
    10 Photos
    172 Saves
    Stem, North Carolina

    Free camping from September 1 - February 28, and March 31 - May 14. Designated as Hunter Camping, accessible to all.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Linda's photo of a dispersed camping area at Shallow Ford Natural Area near Elon, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Shallow Ford Natural Area near Elon, NC
    Camper-submitted photo at Shallow Ford Natural Area near Elon, NC

    2. Shallow Ford Natural Area

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    20 Saves
    Elon, North Carolina

    The Shallow Ford Campsites are located along The Haw river. The Haw River Trail provides public access to Alamance County’s most important natural feature. Built on the idea of conservation through recreation, the land and paddle trails allow the community to explore and appreciate its river while helping to conserve and protect this important resource.

    Primitive backcountry campsite located approximately one mile from parking area. Access by hiking or paddling only!

    The department requires that a responsible adult accompany each group. Group limit is 10 people.

    Fee: $10 per group (County & Non-County Resident)

    Please choose your arrival day for your reservation, we will know you are staying the night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available

    $10 / night

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Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Mebane, North Carolina

9 Reviews of 2 Mebane Campgrounds


  • Max O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    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.

  • Linda The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shallow Ford Natural Area
    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.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    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.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    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!

  • Joe F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    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.


Guide to Mebane

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mebane, 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 Mebane, North Carolina

  • For those looking for a peaceful retreat, Shallow Ford Natural Area offers a serene environment with plenty of shade and flat ground for tents.

Enjoying nature while free camping near Mebane

  • If you're a fan of wildlife, Butner Lake WMA is a great spot to observe birds and other animals in their natural habitat, especially during the quieter hours of the day.

Hiking adventures for dispersed campers

  • The Shallow Ford Natural Area is conveniently located along the Mountains to Sea Trail, making it an ideal base for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore the scenic trails nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mebane, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mebane, NC is Butner lake WMA with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.