Uwharrie National Forest spans 51,000 acres in central North Carolina and offers tent camping opportunities with 1,000-foot elevation changes across the landscape. During spring and fall camping seasons, temperatures typically range from 45°F to 75°F, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F. Several primitive tent camping areas around Richfield offer various levels of accessibility depending on vehicle type and seasonal conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: Deep Water Trail Camp provides direct river access for anglers. Visitor Vincent S. notes "beautiful area, lots of space on the lower ground, gorgeous views from the higher ground, and some damn good fishing... My friends both caught a couple of channel cats. One enormous female catfish we released because she had eggs on board."
Wildlife viewing: Lake Curriher Wilderness offers both lakeside and forest habitat for wildlife spotting. The retired police chief who lives nearby often introduces himself to campers, providing an extra sense of security. According to Shannon S., "It's the quietest stay we've had yet, and we go camping nearly every weekend."
Trail exploration: The forest contains over 20 miles of marked trails with varying difficulty levels. A visitor to Deep Water Trail Camp mentioned "nice trails nearby for hiking and finding fire wood" making it easy to gather materials for camp.
What campers like
Affordability: Uwharrie Hunt Camp charges only $5 per night for tent sites. Shari G. reports, "The campground is a quaint, and only $5 per night! With only 6 sites and what appears to be an over-sized parking lot right next to it, the lot accommodates the OHV trailers."
Solitude opportunities: East Morris Mountain Camp offers just three remote tent sites on a secluded fire trail. Dean S. recommends going "to the end of the road for complete privacy. No amenities other than a fire pit."
Water proximity: Many tent campers value riverside or lakeside camping options. Dan from Deep Water Trail Camp shared, "We stayed 3 days and 2 nights and there was only 1 other vehicle down there with us the entire time... Our site was off to the left of the major parking area right down by the river."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing many tent sites. At Deep Water Trail Horse Camp, camper Stephanie W. warns, "I would highly recommend 4WD if you're going all the way to the water sites. I attempted in my van and made it down to a sweet spot, but was stuck in the mud."
Trash management: Pack-out requirements are strictly enforced but sometimes ignored. Julie L. at Deep Water Trail Camp reports, "People. Why? Why are there piles of trash being left at campsites? I bagged up 4 large bags of garbage that some college aged kids just left."
Water availability: Only Uwharrie Hunt Camp and Lake Curriher Wilderness provide drinking water access. At other tent camping locations, Michael W. advises, "No water all primitive. Will go back when warmer. Lots of trails and wildlife."
Tips for camping with families
Pet-friendly options: All primitive tent camping areas allow pets, making them suitable for families with dogs. Gabby A. shares her experience at Deep Water Trail Camp: "We brought our two pups & they had a blast playing & laying in the water! We stayed at a campsite next to the river bend."
Mineral hunting: Uwharrie Hunt Camp and surrounding areas contain interesting geological features. One camper at Deep Water Trail Camp describes "The big pieces of quartz we found were gorgeous, and so was the view at the water!"
ADA accessible tent site: Lake Curriher Wilderness offers a dedicated accessible tent site. Shannon S. explains, "having the ADA tent site makes a huge difference. The regular tent loop is just one big open field with few trees around it, so there's absolutely no privacy."
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: Large RVs aren't recommended for most forest roads, but small trailers can access select areas. Michael W. reports success with a small trailer at Deep Water Trail Camp: "Not for bigger rigs. I've got a 13 foot pull behind. Backed in mostly but a few could be pulled in and out. Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph."
Off-season advantages: Visiting tent camping areas before peak seasons ensures more privacy and site selection. At Yates Family Camping, which offers more amenities than forest camps, Mariah S. appreciates "the flexibility and excellent communication of the owners. There aren't really any extras here but if you're just looking for reliable water/electrical/sewer and wifi near Charlotte this is a fantastic option."
Seasonal road conditions: Forest roads deteriorate significantly after rain. One camper advises, "PLEASE take something with a little ground clearance and better than 2 wheel drive to get here... My husband used his truck to pull a Jetta and a Camry back up the hill after they got stuck."
