The Richfield area encompasses wooded terrain at approximately 600 feet elevation with numerous lakes and waterways throughout the Uwharrie National Forest region. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Sites surrounding Lake Tillery provide water-based recreation opportunities within a 15-minute drive from Richfield's center.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: At High Rock Lake Marina and Campground, the lake access provides excellent fishing spots. "This place is nestled into a quiet point on a small cove of the lake. Easy access from I-85 but no so close that you hear noise and experience traffic," notes Casey W.
Hiking trails: The Uwharrie National Forest offers multiple hiking paths for all skill levels. A camper at Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp mentioned, "There is plenty to do like hiking, fishing, swimming, and even horse back riding. And it you are an off road enthusiast, they have made some fantastic off road trails south of the Forrest."
Canoeing and kayaking: Several lakes provide water recreation options. "We exhausted ourselves hiking and canoeing and much more stuff to do!" reports Sara C. about the paddling opportunities at Morrow Mountain State Park.
What Campers Like
Wooded privacy: Norwood Campground offers spacious sites with natural surroundings. "Great little gem in the area to avoid the chaos and calamity with the other Uwharrie area campgrounds. Very quiet and peaceful. Spacious lots in a wooded setting," writes Cory A.
Lake views: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites. At Lake Curriher Wilderness, a reviewer noted, "I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. The cabins here are also great. Clean and nice location. I would suggest the overlook cabin."
Family-friendly amenities: Dan Nicholas Park provides extensive recreation options. "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 Lisa M.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during summer. A reviewer at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground advised, "Nice campground with a decent bathhouse. There is no AC in the bathhouses. 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."
Bathroom facilities: Quality and maintenance of facilities vary significantly between locations. "The campground is not well-maintained. The bathhouses are in very poor shape. There appears to be suspect, microbial growth all over the men's side (black mold). The bath houses also aren't cleaned on a regular basis," reported one visitor to Dan Nicholas Park.
Weather considerations: The region experiences seasonal extremes. At Lake Curriher Wilderness, a camper shared, "The gates close at 5pm during the fall/winter. Slightly around that time, the retired police chief came around to introduce himself and give his cell number. He is just up the street and was kind to offer this for extra safety."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Select sites near recreation areas for easier supervision. "This place is the best places for families to camp. There is a beautiful zoo, gem mining, a train ride, amazing fishing, a beautiful playground, and a carousel," reports Lisa L. about Dan Nicholas Park.
Swimming options: Thousand Trails Forest Lake offers multiple pools for different age groups. "This campground has so many sites and they are well laid out and spacious. They have 30 amp and 50 amp sites to suit your needs. There is a nice restaurant to eat at, a small convenience store, arcade games, 3 pools and a ton of activities," notes Lauren S.
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events. A visitor to Thousand Trails Forest Lake mentioned, "We were only there Fri-Sun but there were activities planned to include an outdoor movie (with free popcorn), arts & crafts for the kids, candy bar bingo, and a DJ."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on specific needs. "So, if you end up in a crap site you might drop those 4 stars to 3. Its going to be impossible to determine a great site from a bad without going there since the only pic they have online is from site 1," advises Jennifer R. about Morrow Mountain.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant adjustment. At Carolina Rose Campground (formerly Cobble Hill), a visitor noted, "Did park on site 59 (pull through) but was SUPER unlevel. Cute pond and amphitheater too! Has laundry as well."
Sewage systems: Check hookup configurations before selecting sites. A reviewer at Forest Lake mentioned, "I do not really recommend the RV sites, I didnt like the way they had the waste lines set up, and i kept smelling raw sewage."
