The Uwharrie National Forest dominates the camping landscape near Locust, North Carolina, with most options located 20-30 miles east of town. This region features relatively low-elevation terrain ranging from 400-1,000 feet, creating a gentle woodland setting without steep hiking challenges. Winter campers should note that while campgrounds remain open year-round, water systems at some facilities like Arrowhead Campground may be winterized from November through March.
What to do
Lakeside exploration at Badin Lake: Located within Uwharrie National Forest, Badin Lake offers excellent kayaking opportunities directly from waterfront campsites. "We kayaked right from our campsite and didn't experience a lot of motorized traffic," notes a camper at Badin Lake Campground. The campground has a trail along the shore, creating multiple access points for fishing or swimming.
Hiking near Charlotte: For camping options closer to the city side of Locust, Cane Creek Park provides a network of woodland trails with lake access points. "Beautiful place to camp, hike, and kayak! A few of the trails are right on the lake and the dogs love to hop in and cool off," reports a visitor to Cane Creek Park. The trails maintain gentle grades appropriate for most skill levels.
Free recreational amenities: Dan Nicholas Park offers numerous no-cost or low-cost activities beyond camping. A visitor notes, "They have a mini train ride, sprinkler playground, a big regular playground, carousel, panning for gems, paddle boats, nature center, and shelters and picnic areas. Park is free to enter but the rides are $2 or so." The park combines camping with day-use facilities in one location.
What campers like
Privacy and spaciousness: Campsites throughout the Uwharrie region typically offer good separation from neighbors. "These lakeshore sites within the forest were simply stunning... The sites were large and could accommodate most sizes of trailers in addition to tents," reports a camper at Badin Lake Campground. The campground provides a balance of nature access and practical amenities.
Quick access from Charlotte: The short driving distance from major cities makes weekend camping feasible. As one camper at Morrow Mountain State Park notes, "Glad to finally find a nice campground just over an hour away from Charlotte. Easy trek for a short weekend trip." This accessibility makes these campgrounds popular for short trips when vacation time is limited.
Multiple campground options for different needs: Arrowhead Campground caters specifically to off-road enthusiasts, with a reviewer noting "Great camp sites, easy to get to, lots of trails, shooting range and off road trails." The proximity to trails allows visitors to access recreation without breaking camp.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat in the region can be intense but waterfront sites help mitigate this issue. "The sites do not have power but we were able to work around it!" mentions a camper at Badin Lake, highlighting the need for alternative cooling solutions during summer months.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some primitive sites requires appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Deep Water Trail Camp warns, "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."
Reservation recommendations: Most established campgrounds require advance planning, especially during peak season. "Reserve well in advance if you desire a site...these campgrounds fill quickly," advises a visitor to Arrowhead Campground, noting that even mid-week dates were fully booked during their visit.
Alcohol policies differ: Not all campgrounds permit alcohol consumption. "Great spot, really calm and quiet and right on the lake. Perfect for non-partying types (no alcohol allowed)," reports a visitor to Badin Lake Campground. Check individual campground rules before packing supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Campgrounds with built-in entertainment: Dan Nicholas Park offers numerous family-friendly amenities beyond typical camping. "We live just a few miles from Dan Nicholas, but love to 'get away' there any chance we get. Plenty to do, super nice folks, and roomy, shady sites. The kids take their bikes, but even without them, they stay plenty busy," shares a local camper.
Lake swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming access, though availability varies by season. At Cane Creek Park, a visitor notes, "Beach swimming area closed due to Covid but looks nice." Most lakefront swimming areas lack lifeguards, requiring parental supervision.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest setting provides natural entertainment for children. "I saw several deer while I was there," mentions a camper at Morrow Mountain State Park, while another visitor to the primitive campsite reports "listened to a symphony of birds, and I'm pretty sure heard a few coyotes throughout the night."
Campground amenities for extended stays: Norwood Campground provides additional facilities for longer family visits. "Great little gem in the area to avoid the chaos and calamity with the other Uwharrie area campgrounds... includes a pool, walking trails, and access to Lake Tillery," reports a camper. The pool provides a welcome alternative to lake swimming during hot summer months.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection for larger rigs: Some sites require careful selection for RV compatibility. A camper at Morrow Mountain notes, "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." Research specific site conditions before reserving.
Electrical considerations: Electrical service varies across campgrounds. At Charlotte Motor Speedway, an RVer reports, "One of our A/C units kept tripping the breaker. The power to the pedestal was fluctuating and causing us to drop power levels." During peak summer heat, power stability becomes particularly important for air conditioning needs.
Shade preferences: Unlike many modern RV parks, several campgrounds maintain tree cover. At Norwood Campground, a visitor appreciates "the intact tree canopy; many rv parks these days are sun baked parking lots but not here. I estimated roughly 60/40 hardwood/pine and there's sun or shade when you want either." This shade helps with summer cooling but may interfere with satellite reception.
