Best Tent Camping near Monroe, NC

Tent camping options near Monroe, North Carolina include both established campgrounds and primitive backcountry sites. Several campgrounds within driving distance offer tent-specific areas, including Deep Water Trail Camp in the Uwharrie National Forest and Lake Curriher Wilderness approximately 30 miles northwest of Monroe. These locations provide a mix of camping experiences from walk-in tent sites to more accessible areas with basic amenities.

Most primitive tent campgrounds require campers to be self-sufficient. Deep Water Trail Camp features a rough access road that may require vehicles with higher clearance. According to one visitor, "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." Sites typically consist of natural ground surfaces with basic fire rings made from rocks. Water is generally non-potable or unavailable, making it essential for tent campers to carry in their own supplies. Seasonal considerations include potential muddy conditions during wet weather and gates that close at specific times.

Walk-in tent locations often provide more seclusion and natural settings compared to drive-up sites. The tent camping areas at Lake Curriher Wilderness include a remote campsite on the lake that requires a hike in. Areas farther from established facilities offer deeper wilderness experiences but may present challenges with trash management. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen and trash since the scum can't seem to pick up after themselves." Backcountry tent camping options typically feature access to water bodies like Badin Lake and Falls Reservoir, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and hiking on nearby trails. Most primitive tent setups have limited or no amenities, allowing campers to experience a more authentic outdoor experience away from developed areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Monroe, North Carolina (11)

    1. Yates Family Camping

    3 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    23 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."

    2. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 853-5429

    $17 - $47 / night

    "This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead."

    "I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing."

    3. Deep Water Trail Camp

    8 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    38 miles
    Website

    "I’ve got a 13 foot pull behind. Backed in mostly but a few could be pulled in an out. Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don’t go."

    "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."

    4. Lake Curriher Wilderness

    4 Reviews
    China Grove, NC
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 857-4114

    $10 - $30 / night

    "It’s the quietest stay we’ve had yet, and we go camping nearly every weekend. I will say, having the ADA tent site makes a huge difference."

    "Very close to my home. I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen and trash since the scum can’t seem to pick up after themselves. The cabins here are also great."

    5. Uwharrie Hunt Camp

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

    "Horse trail riding is second on the list of activities within the park judging by the number of trails."

    "My husband and I took our two dogs backpacking for a weekend at Uhwarrie Park. After a long drive trying to find my husbands original spot we found a new one. Beautiful scenery."

    6. Deep Water Trailt Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "Too much trash left by previous campers"

    "Thankfully some campers nearby helped me rearrange my direction and get me out of the mud, but I still don’t know how I’m going to make it back out of here 😬. This might be my forever home?!"

    7. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping

    2 Reviews
    Patrick, SC
    40 miles
    Website

    "Camping is not open to the general public at this wildlife preserve."

    8. Hippie Holler

    1 Review
    Bessemer City, NC
    43 miles

    $40 - $60 / night

    9. East Morris Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    "Only three sites on this little out of the way fire trail. We go to the end of the road for complete privacy. No amenities other than a fire pit."

    10. Lake Tillery Family Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 985-3700

    $35 - $65 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Monroe, NC

459 Reviews of 11 Monroe Campgrounds


  • A
    Oct. 27, 2021

    West Morris Mtn.

    Individual campsites

    Several individual campsites. Has trash bins located throughout the loop. There are picnic tables and fire rings at each site. No electric and no water. All spots are full shade.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Badin Lake Campground

    A relaxing lakeside atmosphere

    Uwharrie National Forest-Badin Lake Campground, New London, NC.

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48934 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE\_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368418.pdf

    Campground Overview: 34 sites, two loops...upper loop and lakeside loop. Relatively large sites with vegetation that blocks constant view of neighbors. 

    Each site has a gravel parking pad and separate gravel tent pad, a standing charcoal grill, firepit with adjustable grate, a picnic table and a metal pole for hanging lanterns, etc. I would advise securing online reservations, but they do have an Iron Ranger to drop your payment in should you find an empty site. Note: There are warnings that online reservations take precedence, so if you use the Iron Ranger payment drop chute and someone reserved the same campsite...you will be required to move to a different location when the online reservation campers arrive. Just so you know.

    No electric. 

    Oddly, no firewood for sale...although scrounging produced plenty of things and fallen branches to keep a fire going.

    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. Water spigots were spaced out around the loop, so a short walk as we were equal distance between two. 

    Restroom/showerhouses were quad door buildings. Separate men’s and women’s restrooms and two separate shower rooms. Facilities were kept clean and stocked by resident hosts. 

    With Verizon, I never lost signal...a plus for a National Forest!

    The upper loop appeared to offer a little more solitude than the lower lake loop...but no lake views. 

    The lake loop trail crosses the main campground roadway between the two loops. This trail is relatively flat and meanders around the lake and it’s many fingers...offering lovely lake views and some nice fishing locations. 

    During my midweek visit it was quiet day and night. The sunset across the lake was gorgeous and relaxing. Loud powerboat noise was minimal as only a couple bass boats thought it essential to travel at high speeds from location to location. Next visit my canoe and mountain one will accompany me. 

    What I enjoyed: as much as I dislike tree rats, I was entertained by two feuding squirrels that chased each other relentlessly and knocking each other out of tree tops. Woodpecker and Turkey wake up calls. 

    For a National Forest, I was surprised by the level of daytime industrial noise nearby. 

    Overall, a fantastic location relatively close to Raleigh/Durham and Fayetteville for a great camping getaway. I was only able to stay one night as the campground was booked, all reserved in advance. So plan ahead.

  • Nora C.
    Jun. 8, 2018

    Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    Large shady spaces near Kings Mountain Military Park.

    Large spacious spots for RVs and Tent campers. Close to Kings Mountain Military Park. Several trails from easy to strenuous and varying lengths. Lake with fishing, kayaking and canoing. Clean facilities with bathrooms, showers and camp store.

    Spaces have electric, water, fire rings and picnic tables. Tent only areas.

  • Todd S.
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    Great place to stay

    We enjoyed our stay. The park office had everything well taken care of. We arrived late almost at sundown but they had an envelope waiting with instructions, a parking tag and a map. This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead. The site was very private with a fire ring and picnic table and two pads for tents. The only complaint (and this isn’t the parks fault) is you aren’t far off the beaten path so car exhaust and jet noise was prevalent throughout the night. All in all happy with the stay and it served us perfectly as we were just passing through the area!

  • R
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Lake Wateree State Park Campground

    Busy campground

    I can see why this is a busy campground. Bathhouses were clean. Many lakefront sites have posts to tie up your boat to if you have one. Beach area by the store. No WiFi and rarely did we have cell service but that’s not a bad thing! Large sites with some pull through. We had site 39 and there was nothing but woods behind us which was perfect for us. Only negative was I that I was bitten up by mosquitoes and I used bug spray ( obviously I need a better kind) and citronella buckets. Even with a packed campground for the holiday weekend it was relatively quiet especially by 11. This campground tends to be booked solid on weekends so important to make reservations. Also not much for stores close by so pack well. Oh and no alcohol sales on Sunday’s in the county.

  • Sarah G.
    May. 30, 2018

    Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    Lots of activities for family camping

    We had 4 families with children on 1 RV and 3 non-electric tent sites over Memorial Day weekend. Even though the park was at max capacity, it didn’t feel crowded or swarming. The facilities and activities at Morrow Mountain are awesome - a huge, clean pool; canoe rental from a well-maintained boathouse; hikes of various lengths; slightly aged but clean and cared for bath houses; and (our favorite) a gorgeous mountain top picnic shelter (A), which we rented due to a rainy forecast. Great place for family camping. Sites are nicely spaced, but by no means are they private or secluded. Staff were very friendly, but the no alcohol rule is a bummer. If you want to be alone in the woods, Morrow Mountain is not for you. Its also worth noting the climate is much more like south central NC (hot and super humId) and nothIng like the cool mountain air in Western NC. But if your looking for a fun, interactive family or group camping weekend, it’s the perfect spot!

  • Marlene L.
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Badin Lake Campground

    Peaceful and quiet

    Great spot, really calm and quiet and right on the lake. Perfect for non-partying types (no alcohol allowed). Showers, bathrooms, trash, fire pit, and grill all available. The host was professional and kind to us, even brought us some extra fire wood.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2016

    Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    Hike, Climb, Fish by Day or Backcountry Camp by Night

    I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing. It was his first time climbing, and we were able to set up some beginner-friendly routes.

    As for the camping, your only option is a walk-in campground, about a mile-long hike. Drinking water and outhouses are available though.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2017

    Cane Creek Park

    Cane Creek county Park

    This review is probably not representative of what will be many people’s experience or opportunity, as I visited in November in the off season, albeit an unusually warm weekday! Cane Creek Park is a county park that is of state park caliber. It is located south and east of the town of waxhaw, and an easy drive from Charlotte. It is a large park on both sid s of a large lake, beautifully maintained, clearly with a variety of family recreational activities that are surely heavily used in the high season. The park offers everything from day use, to car and rv camping, to hike in tent sites and wilderness group areas, to cabins. This review is for the hike in tent sites, which are large, well spaced, heavily wooded and private, with lake access for good fishing and paddling. There are restroom and shower facilities in walking distance, though not at the campsites themselves. This is a simpler and quieter camping opportunity than the drive in sites. In fact, no one else was in this section of the campground on this fine autumn day, yet the weather was beautiful and the setting so peaceful. I would recommend this campsite location for fall camping


Guide to Monroe

Tent campsites near Monroe, North Carolina range from developed facilities with basic amenities to rugged backcountry sites. Located in the Piedmont region with rolling hills and waterways, most campgrounds sit between 500-1,000 feet elevation with hot summers and mild winters. The area features multiple lakes and reservoirs with shoreline camping options that frequently require careful vehicle selection for access.

What to do

Fishing at Badin Lake: Anglers can fish for channel catfish at Deep Water Trail Camp where campers report good success. "Great spot, great fishing. If you want to get away, this is where you go. Secluded but still able to get into town for supplies. Beautiful area, lots of space on the lower ground, gorgeous views from the higher ground, and some damn good fishing," notes one visitor.

Hiking at Crowders Mountain: The trails at Crowders Mountain State Park offer varying difficulty levels with summit views. "The hikes are pretty strenuous, but the views are well worth it. The people are friendly, and maps are easy to come by. The trails are easy to follow, but be sure to bring plenty of water," reports a camper.

Wildlife observation: Unique educational opportunities exist at Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge for organized groups. "For the purpose of environmental education programs and research activity, school groups and youth groups are welcome to visit the preserve for ranger led programs and can stay overnight at special rustic group campsites," explains one visitor.

What campers like

Affordability: Budget-conscious tent campers appreciate the free camping at some locations. "FREE. Large size nobody else here in March but I'm sure as summer rolls around it fills up more," notes a camper about Uwharrie Hunt Camp.

Solitude and privacy: Many tent campers seek out the more remote sites. "Only three sites on this little out of the way fire trail. We go to the end of the road for complete privacy. No amenities other than a fire pit," shares a visitor to East Morris Mountain.

Sensory-friendly options: Some tent camping areas cater to those seeking quiet environments. "I found my happy place here at Hippie Holler! No kids or loud obnoxious other campers, felt at home, safe, understood and able to relax completely. Hidden Gem for the neurodivergants and chill seekers," reports a camper.

What you should know

Gate closing times: Some camping areas have strict access schedules. "The gates close at 5pm during the fall/winter. Slightly around that time, the retired police chief came around to introduce himself and give his cell number. He is just up the street and was kind to offer this for extra safety," notes a camper at Lake Curriher Wilderness.

Seasonal availability: Not all tent campsites are open year-round. "This camp site is only open during hunting season," cautions a visitor about East Morris Mountain Camp.

Trash management challenges: Several tent camping areas struggle with visitor-created waste. "People. Why? Why are there piles of trash being left at campsites? I bagged up 4 large bags of garbage that some college aged kids just left," laments a camper at Deep Water Trail Camp.

Tips for camping with families

Trail difficulty assessment: Evaluate hike-in campsites carefully with children. "This was a pretty good place to camp. There is a hike to the campsite from the parking lot so we definitely got our workout in bringing our gear in. The hikes here are really awesome and the facilities are nice and clean! The hike to the top was a little strenuous for smaller kids," advises a family at Crowders Mountain State Park.

Pet-friendly options: Many tent sites near Monroe welcome dogs. "We brought our two pups & they had a blast playing & laying in the water! We stayed at a campsite next to the river bend, not on the actual Deep Water Trail, because it got super bumpy & didn't want to damage our car," shares a visitor.

Water safety planning: Lakes and rivers require extra vigilance with children. "The upper landing is relatively small, my Dodge Ram fit with nothing being exposed on the road, but there was still plenty of camp able space beings my truck. Short but steep walk down to the river. I would be careful when the river is swollen," cautions a camper.

Tips from RVers

Access road conditions: Many primitive tent sites have challenging approach roads. "Worth the rough ride in! We enjoyed our weekend at this fantastic spot! PLEASE take something with a little ground clearance and better than 2 wheel drive to get here. My Honda Element was on two wheels at one point but the AWD handled it like a champ," warns an RVer.

Site selection strategy: Choose camping spots based on vehicle capabilities. "Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don't go. Steep rocky Muddy. Fire rings were rocks. No water all primitive," notes a camper at Deep Water Trail Camp.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout camping areas. "Cell service is about 1 bar for Verizon and ATT, so I will need to attempt to head out in the AM for work purposes," reports a camper who got stuck in mud at Deep Water Trail Horse Camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Monroe, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Monroe, NC is Yates Family Camping with a 2.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Monroe, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Monroe, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.