Dispersed camping near Mount Pleasant, North Carolina offers multiple backcountry options across 50,000 acres in the Uwharrie National Forest. Camping sites range in elevation from 350 to 700 feet, with late spring and early fall providing the most moderate temperatures. Many areas remain accessible year-round when higher elevation camping in western North Carolina becomes difficult due to snow and cold conditions.
What to do
Off-road adventures: Purchase an overnight pass at one of six locations around the Uwharrie area for access to OHV trails. "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," notes a camper at Uwharrie National Forest.
Water recreation: Access Little River boat ramp from Pekin Road for paddling and fishing opportunities. According to a frequent visitor, "Me and my friends would always float our kayaks down the river to a place we called 'Bird Dog' and camp for the night. If you are looking for a place that has very little traffic, this is the place you want to go!"
Wildlife observation: Bring binoculars for bird watching and deer spotting during morning and evening hours. "This area was a place that I went often to deer hunt in the fall. I have never came across another camper/hunter at this location. It is a good location if you are looking for an area that is away from camp grounds and heavy traffic," shares one regular visitor.
What campers like
Privacy: Many dispersed sites offer significant separation from other campers, especially those requiring longer hikes. A camper at Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed reported, "Very nice trails. Well maintained. Not marked the best... signs at intersections. Plenty of creeks. Hike in for dispersed camping."
Water access: Streams and creeks near campsites provide filterable water sources. "Along the Uwharrie trail. Water available on both sides of camp / trail," notes one camper who gave the experience five stars.
Natural environment: The forest setting offers wind sounds and bird songs away from developed areas. A visitor to Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail shared, "Had a good time camping and enjoyed the song of wind and birds."
What you should know
Trail navigation challenges: Some trail markings can be inconsistent, particularly at intersections. "The trailhead is kind of hard to follow sometimes, sections of the trail are prone to flooding and creek crossings can become difficult following heavy rains," advises an experienced backpacker.
Camp cleanliness concerns: Previous campers occasionally leave trash behind. "Some of the sites may have a little trash left from the last user, so please try to leave it cleaner than you came to," recommends a regular visitor to Robbins Branch Trail.
Water requirement: All dispersed sites require bringing your own water or having filtration equipment. One camper explains, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose sites with established fire rings for safety with children. "Most sites have rock fire pits and room to set up," notes a camper who frequently uses the dispersed areas.
Noise considerations: Camp farther from highways for better sleep quality with children. A camper suggests, "If you want to get away from traffic noise completely, hike farther in," after noting that sites near Highway 24 experience road noise.
Timing strategy: Arrive early on weekends to secure preferred sites. "This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot," advises a regular visitor.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle requirements: Most dispersed camping areas suitable for RVs require 4WD or AWD capability. "The tent sites nice and clean and level. The host drove through many many times in the 3 days I was there," reports an RV camper at Uwharrie National Forest.
Generator use: Small generators can power pop-up campers in rustic locations. "We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations. There are hiking, horse, OHV, dirt bike, ATV, and mountain bike trails," shares an RV camper about their experience.
Limited hookups: No electric, water, or sewer connections are available at dispersed sites. A visitor notes, "This is not an RV camping area, at least not the dispersed camping area. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups."
