The Uwharrie National Forest spans 50,189 acres with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,000 feet near Randleman, North Carolina. The forest's mixed hardwood and pine terrain provides year-round camping opportunities with mild winters and humid summers. Camping sites throughout the region accommodate various recreational activities from mountain biking to horseback riding on maintained trails.
What to do
Trail riding: Morrow Mountain State Park Campground offers extensive equestrian trails that connect to a broader network of riding paths. "Great place to camp! Quite, clean campground," notes Debi G., who appreciates the peaceful atmosphere for riders and their horses.
Fishing spots: Cane Creek Campground provides access to lake fishing with family-friendly shorelines. "Beautiful little park nestled into the woods! Our site (17) was on the opposite side of the real lake access," explains Mandy L., highlighting the varied waterfront options available to anglers.
Hiking options: Cedarock Park features 6 miles of dedicated hiking trails separate from the equestrian paths. "The park offers hike-in camping with a handful of sites scattered along Rock Creek. The sites are well spaced and can accommodate large groups," according to Kelsey L., who recommends the varied terrain for day hikes.
Mountain biking: Arrowhead Campground connects to an extensive trail network for mountain bikers looking for technical challenges. "Great camp sites, easy to get to, lots of trails, shooting range and off road trails," shares Jimmy L., pointing to the diverse recreational options beyond horseback riding.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Jordan Lake's Crosswinds Campground offers lakeside camping with direct water access. "Some sites are on the lake and close enough to pull your boat up to the shore. The beach is nice and the sites are spacious," explains Cindy S., highlighting the convenience for boaters.
Spacious campsites: Arrowhead Campground provides well-designed sites with adequate space between neighbors. "Sites are reasonably large and offer a picnic table, firepit, charcoal grill and metal hanging pole for lanterns," notes Dave V., who appreciates the thoughtful campsite layout.
Clean facilities: Tanglewood Park maintains consistently clean restrooms and showers for campers. "Very clean and neat park. Camp host was very helpful. Plenty to do for adults and children," reports Charlie H., emphasizing the well-maintained amenities throughout the property.
Affordability: Multiple horse campgrounds near Randleman offer reasonable rates compared to commercial equestrian facilities. "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!" shares Jackie S. about her experience at Canebrake Horse Camp.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures average 80°F during day and 60°F at night in the Uwharrie region. "Located close to nothing else, this campground was so peaceful at night. During the day, it's beautiful," shares Dimitry A. about Cane Creek, noting the pleasant temperature variations.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during prime riding season (spring and fall). "This camp ground is comfortable but still maintains its wilderness feel. I highly recommend going online to reserve a spot ahead of time. From the times I've been there everyone calls ahead for their lots," advises Isaac V. about Badin Lake Group Camp.
Site conditions: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring proper leveling equipment. "What a lovely campground. Sites are long and wide but some have quite a slope to them. There are large shady trees but no vegetation between sites," warns Kristy Gary B. about Tanglewood Park.
Access limitations: Some campgrounds lock entrance gates after hours. "The downside is they lock the gate at night and no one else is there so if you have an emergency or just need to leave you can't, you're literally stuck," cautions Summer C. about Cedarock Park's security policy.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cane Creek Campground features multiple play areas for children within the campground. "Plenty of places to tent camp or RV camp! Places to fish things for kids to play on and of course places to shower after! One of my family's favorite places to camp!" shares Krista H., highlighting the kid-friendly amenities.
Swimming options: Morrow Mountain offers a swimming pool that opens after Memorial Day for campers. "They offer canoe and row boat rentals, they have a swimming pool that is open after Memorial Day. They also have a museum you can check out during the day," explains Jen P., detailing the family activities available.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide opportunities to spot deer throughout most campgrounds. "I stayed at the family campground once to get an early start on hiking. Saw several deer while I was there," mentions Courtney P. about her experience at Morrow Mountain State Park.
Trail difficulty: Consider children's hiking abilities when selecting trails, as difficulty varies significantly. "I spent a night at the primitive campsite and hiked a few trails. The park is gorgeous and full of life. I saw plenty of frogs and tadpoles in the creeks, listened to a symphony of birds," shares James H. about the natural attractions that fascinate children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring substantial leveling blocks for RVs at most area campgrounds. "We had to lower ours by over 4" and still weren't level, but couldn't adjust anymore," reports Tiffany D. about her experience at Tanglewood Park.
Electrical hookups: Equestrian campgrounds often provide 50-amp service for RVs with horse trailers. "This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so. Each site has water and electric hook-up," explains Paul H. about his stay at Crosswinds Campground.
Dump station access: Plan waste management carefully as sewer connections are limited. "This campground is pretty great except for two things. There is no septic on your site, and they lock the gate after a certain hour," notes Debbie F., highlighting an important consideration for longer RV stays.
