1 campground with availability this weekend
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.
"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."
"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."
"It is a amazing area to visit if you are into OHV(Off Highway Vehicle) trail riding, mountain biking or hiking."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $47 / 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."
from $10 - $30 / night
"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."
"This area is popular for the Off Highway Vehicle trail systems which are open April through December."
"Too much trash left by previous campers"
"Camping is not open to the general public at this wildlife preserve."
"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."
"A nice campsite off of Tower Road with is also part of the TransAmerica Trail. It is a flat site with a with a great fire pit."
from $40 - $60 / night
from $35 - $65 / night
RangerWhen I’m traveling through the area, I do my best to stay here. It is a peaceful and well kept campground. It is an adult and a kid friendly environment. It’s one of the few places you can feel safe. I highly recommend this place.
RangerWas a monthly Camper when I came in to the campground. Nobody was cleaning the men’s room. No one was trying to collect the fall leaves. This is an old run down campground. I cleaned the men’s room for free because there was no staff to clean. I regret helping the owner for free on multiple occasions.
TravelerThis is/was marked as dispersed camping but this is primarily an OHV area, with a shooting range nearby that can be heard from some campsites. Most, if not all, of the campsites are intended to be large group sites. The empty site we found was filled with trash, discarded tents, air mattresses, and trashed electronics from OHVs. There's so much trash we would not even be able to take it all out with us if we wanted to. This may be a national forest, but it is not peace and quiet as one would expect from "dispersed and primitive" camping.
GuideThere was other people camping and running their generators all night. Some low lifers on ATV blasted in and out of the parking area and blasting music at 2 am. Good luck getting any sleep here. But enjoyed the trail to it and the forest. Got at least 2 hours of sleep before I packed up.
ScoutThe spots are alright but first night got ate up by ants so hadda move and the other spots are good but have no shade and no signal and not mutch to take pictures of so if you wanna have some survival type camping this is a great location.
ScoutWe stayed here because of the proximity to Charlotte. Big rig friendly and FHU. Only wish they had a swimming area!
TravelerI don’t have any complaints about this campground! Sites are nice and feel like you aren’t close to anyone else. Very pretty area, quiet. Newest bathhouse I have ever seen at a state park! Awesome showers.
TravelerVery nice Good flat spots Quiet Showers Beautiful views Lots of squirrels Love it
LegendA nice campsite off of Tower Road with is also part of the TransAmerica Trail. It is a flat site with a with a great fire pit. There is are more sites in the field but we ended up not staying because it was hunting season and this area was open to hunting. It would be a nice place to stay if you are hunting in the area or if it is out of season.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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