Best Dispersed Camping near New Hill, NC

Dispersed camping options near New Hill, North Carolina include several primitive sites with varying amenities and regulations. Butner Lake Wildlife Management Area offers free camping with basic amenities including fire rings and hanging lines for gear. This area features approximately 10 small sites designed primarily for tent camping and car camping. The access road is narrow and not suitable for large trailers or RVs. According to reviews, "This is a small road and if you had a camper of any size it would take you a while to turn around."

Butner Lake WMA operates on a seasonal schedule, open only from September 1 to February 28 and March 31 to May 14, coinciding with hunting seasons. The sites are positioned close together with minimal privacy. No drinking water, toilets, or shower facilities are available, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies. Cell phone reception is generally reliable for those needing connectivity. The area provides convenient access to nearby lakes and towns for additional supplies.

Shallow Ford Natural Area presents another option for more secluded camping along the Mountains to Sea Trail. This location requires hiking or boating in and permits fires in designated rings. Several campers noted the peaceful environment with "lots of shade" and "flat areas for tents." Wildlife sightings are common throughout these areas, with reports of foxes, coyotes, and various bird species. Anderson Creek County Park offers hike-in dispersed camping but prohibits fires and provides no facilities.

When planning a trip to any of these sites, prepare for truly primitive conditions. Pack out all trash, bring sufficient water, and check current regulations before arrival. During hunting seasons, wearing bright colors is advisable for safety, particularly at Butner Lake WMA where most campers are hunters.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near New Hill, North Carolina (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near New Hill, NC

4 Photos of 3 New Hill Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Hill, NC

11 Reviews of 3 New Hill Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 26, 2022

    Butner lake WMA

    Very Small and not made for trailers.

    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.   Like someone said earlier this is a place to pitch a tent or to Car Camp.

  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Quiet, Discreet and Welcoming

    My fiance and I camped out a little longer than the actually extension period for individuals, but never had a problem. Several others have showed up to camp out a couple days but were gone shortly. For the most part it was just us. And whatever it is running around in the woods. I heard many coyotes elks and a 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. It's at 10 different spots to set up with your car parked right next to your tent. Our Boost mobile wi-fi worked perfectly fine. There is a lake 2 mins away one way and another 7 mins away the other way. The city dump is also 2 mins away. And town is 5 mins away. I wish the gates never closed because we would still be there.

  • Max O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Butner lake WMA

    Very rustic dispersed camping

    You have a fire ring and a line to hang things from thats about it here, really nice place to camp if youre comfortable not having a toilet. Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didnt think he would fit but found a spot just fine. And the best part is its FREE CAMPING!!

  • S H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Butner lake WMA

    terrific spot to pull up for a night

    first time doing any type of dispersed camping but it was really easy to find, just off the road in the woods, just follow the coordinates and its a lil past, look for the signs, with lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods, though you can still see the headlights coming from the road.

    I'm not a hunter but no one else was there and I pulled up at 10pm and left 6am on the first day of open season.

  • Linda The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Shallow Ford Natural Area

    Peaceful camping

    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. Someone left me a bundle of wood. I hear the river in the background and lots of birds and squirrels. I would highly recommend this place.

  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Be Advised!

    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

  • Joe F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2023

    Butner lake WMA

    Great small sites

    Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent. Only open during hunting seasons though.

  • B
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Butner lake WMA

    Free during hunting season

    Very primitive, but close to town if you need anything.  Sites are very close together, no privacy.  Most campers are here to hunt so are gone most of the day.  It was not crowded when I was there during the week. I was only there on a Tuesday.

  • Erin B.
    Mar. 18, 2021

    Butner lake WMA

    Warning Seasonally Open!

    Only open Sept 1 to Feb 28th and March 31 to May 14


Guide to New Hill

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New Hill, North Carolina, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near New Hill

Fishing Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

  • Cast your line at Butner Lake WMA, a great spot for fishing enthusiasts looking to catch a variety of local fish while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Wildlife Watching at Shallow Ford Natural Area

  • Experience the rich wildlife at Shallow Ford Natural Area, where you can observe birds and other animals in their natural habitat while camping along the Mountains to Sea Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Hill, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Hill, NC is Butner lake WMA with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near New Hill, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near New Hill, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.