Best Dispersed Camping near Pittsboro, NC

Dispersed camping near Pittsboro, North Carolina centers primarily around Uwharrie National Forest, located approximately 40 miles west of the town. This national forest permits primitive camping throughout designated areas with several established dispersed sites along forest service roads and trails. Additional free camping options include Butner Lake Wildlife Management Area to the northeast and Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area within the Uwharrie National Forest. These areas provide varying levels of accessibility and amenities for tent and sometimes RV camping.

Access to dispersed sites varies significantly across locations. Uwharrie National Forest features both drive-in and hike-in options, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles or 4WD capability. Butner Lake WMA offers simple pull-off sites suitable for car camping but has seasonal restrictions, open only during hunting seasons (September 1 to February 28 and March 31 to May 14). Most dispersed areas lack facilities such as toilets, drinking water, and trash service. As one camper noted, "This is a place to pitch a tent or to car camp," highlighting the primitive nature of these sites. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with established fire rings at some sites.

The camping experience differs across these dispersed areas. Uwharrie National Forest provides more extensive options with multiple trails and diverse terrain. "Plenty of established camping spots," a visitor commented about Uwharrie, "we picked a nice one near a stream." Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area offers more secluded experiences accessible only by hiking in. Butner Lake WMA provides convenience for travelers passing through, with sites close together offering minimal privacy but easy access. During hunting seasons, campers should wear bright colors in many of these areas for safety. Cell service is generally available at Butner Lake WMA but may be limited in more remote forest locations. Time limits typically restrict camping to 14 days in most areas, though enforcement varies by location.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pittsboro, North Carolina (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pittsboro, NC

12 Photos of 6 Pittsboro Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pittsboro, NC

27 Reviews of 6 Pittsboro Campgrounds


  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2021

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Truly Primitive Camping in a National Forest

    Personally, I would give dispersed camping here four or five stars, but I have to be objective from the point of view of many campers. This is not an RV camping area, at least not the dispersed camping area. You cannot drive up to the campsites. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. There might be at the more developed campgrounds, but if you are camping along the Uwharrie Trail or the Dutchman’s Creek Trail, it is completely primitive. With that said, I have enjoyed camping in the Uwharrie National Forest. 

    This makes my third time in the Uwharrie National Forest. The first time was with a Royal Ranger Junior Training Trails group when I was a Royal Ranger leader. We camped along the Dutchman’s Creek Trail. The second time was with the Boy Scouts when we were preparing the boys for a longer backpacking trip to Philmont in New Mexico. This time was my third time, and I was by myself. I hiked along the creek at what was marked as campsite 1 along the Uwharrie Trail. It was a short hike and easy to moderate. Unfortunately, it wasn’t far enough away to hear distant noises from Hwy 24, so if you want to get away from traffic noise completely, hiker farther in. 

    Obviously, 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. There was evidence that others had been at this site because of the trash, but as always(and I am not patting myself on the back), I left the site cleaner than I found it. I am sure there are other views, but my favorite view was from Dennis Mountain, which is only about 700 feet above sea level. I didn’t make it to Dennis Mountain this time, and I wish I had taken pictures when I was there before. On my previous trips, I also wish I had taken more photos. Nevertheless, backpacking and camping in the Uwharrie Mountains gives you a sense of being in the wilderness.

  • Marvin D.
    Nov. 11, 2022

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Good challenging hiking, and plenty of campsites along the trails. This is a good place for a 'shakedown hike' if you ever plan on through hiking the AT. There are a few different trailheads, so you are never too far from your car or civilization. 23/27 trailhead has a decent sized parking lot and allows for overnight parking for backpacking etc. Rt 109 trailhead has slightly smaller parking.

    If you are car camping, there are established campsites for that, and you can basically disperse camp anywhere there is a site in the Uwharrie.

  • Wyatt M.
    May. 22, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Little River National Forest Area

    This area was one of my favorite ares for dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest while living in North Carolina. The area can be accessed by boat on the Little River, or by hiking in. 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! This area would be limited to dispersed camping due to no campsites. It is a National Forest so be mindful of rules and regulations while visiting!

    link: 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd485941.pdf

     There is a boat ramp where PEKIN ROAD crosses the Little River.  PLEASANT GROVE CHURCH ROAD pretty much cuts right through the area on the PDF.

  • b
    May. 22, 2021

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Uwharrie campground

    The State Forest has camping. We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations. There are hiking, horse, OHV, dirt bike, ATV, and mountain bike trails.

  • 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.

  • Misery C.
    Nov. 3, 2021

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Primitive camping

    We primitive camping here at least every other weekend. We love it. Great trails, beautiful scenery. A peaceful experience

  • Sean R.
    May. 30, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Backpacking In Uwharrie

    It should be no shock to those familiar with North Carolina’s geography that if one is seeking higher altitudes and breathtaking overlooks, Uwharrie is not the place he should go. Notwithstanding, as much of the higher elevations are impassable during the winter months, the forest offers backpackers an opportunity to stay on the trail a few days. The Uwharrie Trail, which pretty much spans the park north/south is about 20 miles point to point. 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. Overall, however, the forest is a good place for backpacking in this region of the state. Th streams, provided one has filtration or iodine tablets, provide ample sources of drinking water.

  • 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!!


Guide to Pittsboro

Dispersed camping options near Pittsboro, North Carolina include primitive sites within national forests and wildlife management areas. Most locations sit at elevations between 350-1,000 feet, creating varied terrain with mixed pine and hardwood forests. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 50-75°F. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods.

What to do

**Hunting opportunities: Season restrictions apply at Butner Lake WMA, where wildlife management areas cater to hunters. "Very primitive, but close to town if you need anything. Most campers are here to hunt so are gone most of the day," notes Billy B. about Butner Lake WMA.

**Water activities: Explore streams and rivers throughout Uwharrie National Forest. "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," shares Wyatt M. about Uwharrie National Forest.

**Trail hiking: The Mountains to Sea Trail runs through multiple camping areas. "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," explains Linda about Shallow Ford Natural Area.

What campers like

**Solitude and seclusion: Many dispersed sites offer privacy from other campers. "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," reports Wyatt M.

**Proximity to water sources: Many sites feature nearby streams or lakes. "I hear the river in the background and lots of birds and squirrels. I would highly recommend this place," says Linda about Shallow Ford Natural Area.

**Easy access options: Some sites allow quick set-up for overnight stays. "Very easy to get too, right off interstate. very primitive but you have a decent signal if you need to park and get work done. Great spot to sleep if you are passing through!" shares Courtney about Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed.

What you should know

**License requirements: Some areas require specific permits. "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," warns Donnelle about Butner Lake WMA.

**Limited facilities: Most free camping near Pittsboro lacks amenities. "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," explains Max O.

**Trail markings: Navigation challenges exist in some areas. "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," cautions Sean R. about Anderson Creek County Park.

**Vehicle accessibility: Many sites require specific vehicles. "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 Zachary S. about Uwharrie National Forest.

Tips for camping with families

**Water availability: Plan for water needs. "The streams, provided one has filtration or iodine tablets, provide ample sources of drinking water," recommends Sean R. about Uwharrie Trail.

**Site selection: Choose locations based on access needs. "It's a huge area with several campgrounds. We stayed in 2 different dispersed primitive sites and they were both great. Plenty of space and trees and privacy!" reports Erica.

**Safety precautions: Take appropriate measures during hunting seasons. "Make sure to wear bright colors during hunting season because there are a ton of people out deer hunting in this area," advises Brandon D.

Tips from RVers

**Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have restrictions. "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," cautions Mike S. about Butner Lake WMA.

**Alternative options: Some dispersed areas can accommodate smaller RVs. "Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didnt think he would fit but found a spot just fine," reports Max O.

**Generator usage: Consider power needs carefully. "We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations. There are hiking, horse, OHV, dirt bike, ATV, and mountain bike trails," shares Bart about Robbins Branch Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pittsboro, NC?

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Pittsboro, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.