Dispersed camping near Moncure, North Carolina offers access to forested terrain at elevations ranging from 200 to 700 feet above sea level. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers averaging 90°F and mild winters rarely falling below 30°F. Most primitive camping areas receive 46 inches of rainfall annually, creating seasonal mud conditions on access roads and changing water levels in camping areas.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing: The Little River area in Uwharrie National Forest provides excellent water access. "This 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," notes camper Wyatt M. A boat ramp is available where Pekin Road crosses the Little River.
Trail hiking: The Mountains to Sea Trail passes through Shallow Ford Natural Area, offering hikers established campsites along the route. "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," reports Linda, who appreciated hearing "the river in the background and lots of birds and squirrels."
Off-road vehicle exploration: Four-wheel drive enthusiasts can access numerous trails throughout the region. Uwharrie's extensive trail system accommodates varying skill levels. "We also took our Jeep on the OHV trails and had a blast. There are several places you can take a canoe or kayak on and the scenery on the lake was beautiful as well," shares Erica, who traveled five hours to enjoy the area.
What campers like
Seclusion from crowds: Many dispersed sites offer significant privacy despite proximity to urban areas. "This area was one of my favorite areas for dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest while living in North Carolina... If you are looking for a place that has very little traffic, this is the place you want to go!" writes Wyatt M.
Budget-friendly options: Butner Lake WMA provides no-cost camping opportunities during specific seasons. "The best part is its FREE CAMPING!!" emphasizes Max O., who appreciated the rustic amenities. Another camper, Scarlett C., confirms it "Works perfectly, especially in a pinch" for those seeking no-cost tent sites.
Wildlife observation: The natural settings provide opportunities to observe local fauna. One Butner Lake WMA camper reports: "I heard many coyotes elks and 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."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Camping access varies significantly throughout the year. Butner Lake WMA operates during limited seasons: "Only open Sept 1 to Feb 28th and March 31 to May 14," warns camper Erin B. This makes planning essential as summer access is restricted.
License requirements: Some areas require documentation beyond standard permits. "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," advises Donnelle at Butner lake WMA.
Vehicle considerations: Many dispersed sites have specific access limitations. "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. This is a place to pitch a tent or to Car Camp," notes Mike S. about Butner Lake WMA. For Uwharrie, 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."
Tips for camping with families
Pack water filters: All dispersed camping requires water management planning. One Uwharrie camper explains: "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."
Consider proximity to towns: Robbins Branch Trail and other locations offer primitive camping with nearby access to supplies. At Butner Lake WMA, camper Donnelle notes: "The city dump is also 2 mins away. And town is 5 mins away," making supply runs convenient.
Check connectivity: Some dispersed sites maintain cell service despite remote locations. Courtney reports about Butner Lake WMA: "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." Another camper confirms: "Our Boost mobile wi-fi worked perfectly fine."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Most dispersed sites accommodate small to medium setups only. "Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent," notes Joe F. about Butner Lake WMA. While some larger rigs occasionally find spots, it's not reliable.
Facility planning: Come prepared for truly primitive conditions. Bart explains about Uwharrie campground: "The State Forest has camping. We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations." Chris notes about Uwharrie: "The tent sites nice and clean and level. Bathrooms are what you can expect from a state park clean with little bugs here and there but nothing you can do about that in the middle of the woods."
