Dispersed camping opportunities near Pinehurst, North Carolina range from primitive roadside sites to developed campgrounds with essential facilities. Located in the Piedmont region with elevations between 500-1200 feet, the area experiences moderate temperature swings with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows occasionally dropping below freezing. Fall camping remains popular through November at several year-round locations like Stone Mountain State Park Campground, though many seasonal sites close after October.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1-2 hours at South Mountains State Park Family Campground. The 80-foot High Shoals Falls is accessible via a moderate 2.35-mile trail. "Woke up in the morning to hunting dogs barking and a few gunshots. This didn't bother us however but it's something to note," reports one visitor who stayed at a dispersed site nearby.
Creek swimming: Variable depths at Steele Creek Park & Campground. Multiple sites back directly onto clear, shallow water perfect for cooling off during summer months. "The water was clear with a small beach. Friends of my went and paddled the Wilson Gorge close by. Tubed down the river, just plenty to do for a weekend trip," notes one camper who visited during warmer months.
Mountain biking: 16+ miles of trails near Mortimer Campground. Routes range from beginner to advanced with connections to the Wilson Creek area. "Hiking, fishing, swimming, and waterfall splashing abound on, and around, this campground. Many of the campsites are situated along Thorps Creek, so the sound of the creek can lull you to sleep," explains a reviewer who explored the trail network.
What campers like
Fire rings at primitive sites: Table Rock Campsites provides established stone fire rings at most sites despite being dispersed camping. "Great variety for camping. Sites for inexperienced campers with premade fire pits and if you're up for a hike more isolated spaces. About a 30 minute drive to a general store that has hiking gear that you may have forgotten," according to one camper who appreciated the setup.
Privacy options: Various levels depending on your choice of campsite near Pinehurst, North Carolina. At Old NC 105, sites range from roadside pullouts to more secluded spots. "If you take your time and they are available there are a few spots on both sides of the road with wonderful views," writes one camper, though noting "the road has a lot of traffic at-least one person a day has stopped to ask me questions while I was laying in my hammock."
Clean facilities: Daily maintenance at many established campgrounds. "Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" reports one camper about South Mountains State Park Family Campground, while another mentions of Steele Creek that "the bathrooms were clean" and "there is a store on property that has things you may have forgotten and a grill."
What you should know
Road access challenges: 4WD recommended for many dispersed sites. Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites requires navigating forest roads. "The road is gravel and dirt. No major potholes and easily navigable. Two cars/trucks and most likely two small to mid-sized RVs can squeeze by at the same time," explains one camper who stayed for five days.
Seasonal closures: Verify before traveling as many campgrounds close between late October and April. "Closed for the season as of January 6, 2021," reported one camper attempting to visit Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites during winter months.
Cell reception: Limited or none at most wilderness sites. One reviewer at South Mountains notes the campground has "NO cell service which is a big draw for us. Far from a town, so don't forget anything." Another mentions that at Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites, "Phone reception and internet access are unavailable at the sites, or at least the one I was at."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options for keeping children entertained. "We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. No noise issues, but it was dark by 6:30pm. May be different in the Summer," reports a visitor to Spacious Skies Bear Den.
Water activities: Creek wading provides natural entertainment at several campgrounds. "We camped at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it!" shares one family who stayed at South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
Site selection strategy: Research in advance for family-friendly accommodations. "The tent pad was large enough to setup our 8 man tent and 2 man tent, and lewve us plenty of room for our kitchen setup and room around the fire pit," notes a group who took a girls trip to South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Limited for large rigs at most wilderness campgrounds. Julian Price Park Campground offers options but with constraints. "Semi private sites for tents. Some RV sites are on the edge of the road. Clean restrooms and showers," explains one RVer who visited with their dog.
Hookup availability: Variable by campground across the Pinehurst area. At Thousand Trails Green Mountain, one RVer reports: "We spent 14 nights here Oct 2020. Not one day where we disappointed. Beautiful park with full hook ups. People here where super friends and there are people working on the park keeping it clean everyday."
Road access: Check conditions before booking as some campgrounds have difficult entry points. "Getting to know the owners and all the people who ran the campground BUT now that is is apart of a large corporation or hedge fund and people looking to satisfy shareholders it's not as fun. Sure we love the location (hint here if pulling a camper, don't follow the Bearden sign, go to Linville to get on the parkway and go left. This way you will avoid the steep curvy road going up a mountain)," advises one experienced RVer about Spacious Skies Bear Den.
