The Uwharrie National Forest covers 50,645 acres in the central Piedmont region of North Carolina, with terrain elevations ranging from 350 to 1,000 feet. The area contains numerous streams and mixed hardwood forests that remain cool even during summer months. Most campgrounds near Mount Pleasant operate year-round, though facilities may be limited during winter.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Morrow Mountain State Park features several trail options including the popular Big Rocks Trail. According to one visitor, "We went on the Big Rocks Trail. There wasn't much to see until we got to the end of it and went down the cliff. Then the views were amazing. It was not a loop trail, but you hike to the cliff then turn around and go back the way you came" (Morrow Mountain State Park Campground).
Fishing and water activities: Cane Creek Park offers access to a lake with fishing opportunities. One regular visitor notes, "I load up my kayak once a month or so and paddle around the lake for hours. Trails, shelter areas, and bathrooms are always well taken care of" (Cane Creek Park).
Off-roading trails: Arrowhead Campground connects to extensive off-road trail networks. A visitor observed, "Great camp sites, easy to get to, lots of trails, shooting range and off road trails" (Arrowhead Campground).
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Uwharrie Hunt Camp provides a quiet retreat with lake access. One camper shared, "This is a beautiful campground with good facilities. There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake. Pretty good fishing too" (Uwharrie Hunt Camp).
Clean facilities: Canebrake Horse Camp maintains well-kept grounds designed for equestrian camping near Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. A solo visitor reported, "I was there alone and had the whole campsite to myself. The camp host was so kind. He always made sure me, my horses and my grandson were comfortable and safe!"
Budget-friendly options: For those seeking no-cost camping, the dispersed camping areas provide free alternatives. As one camper noted, "Had a good time camping and enjoyed the song of wind and birds" (Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail).
What you should know
Campsite selection matters: At Morrow Mountain, not all sites are created equal. One camper advised, "So, if you end up in a crap site you might drop those 4 stars to 3. Its going to be impossible to determine a great site from a bad without going there since the only pic they have online is from site 1."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the area have seasonal restrictions or limited facilities during winter. At Arrowhead Campground, one winter camper noted, "Dump station was open, but did not have water to flush tanks or fill water tanks as water was shut off for the winter. There were water spigots throughout the campground that we could use."
Wildlife encounters: The Uwharrie area has diverse wildlife. One camper at Uwharrie Hunt Camp shared, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for weather changes: The Uwharrie region can experience unexpected weather shifts. At Cane Creek Park, a camper mentioned, "Only problem is that both times we visited there was a storm and power went out for hours. Can't really do anything about that!"
Look for recreation options: Badin Lake Group Camp offers activities for children. A visitor noted, "This camp ground is great for families and anyone looking to go outdoors. I highly recommend going online to reserve a spot ahead of time. From the times I've been there everyone calls ahead for there lots."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours. At Arrowhead, one camper reported, "There are quiet hours after a certain time of night. The camp host yelled at us twice for TALKING at a low volume after quiet hours."
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling: Many campsites in the region require leveling equipment. At Morrow Mountain State Park, one RVer cautioned, "Site 98 in the electric loop is for tent and pop up campers, but is not pop up camper friendly. The ground is very uneven."
Consider travel distance to amenities: Some equestrian camping areas near Mount Pleasant are remote from services. At Uwharrie Hunt Camp, a camper noted, "There is a small convenience store in Uwharrie, offering sandwiches and made-to-order food, but not much in the way of groceries. Another 10 miles and you'll be in Troy which has a bigger grocery store, and restaurants."
