Best Dispersed Camping near Salisbury, NC
Uwharrie National Forest provides the primary dispersed camping opportunities near Salisbury, North Carolina, with several primitive sites available throughout its 50,000+ acres. The forest includes multiple designated dispersed camping areas along trails and forest roads, particularly along the Uwharrie Trail and Dutchman's Creek Trail. Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area, located in the northern section of Uwharrie, permits hike-in dispersed camping with no facilities. Additional primitive camping can be found at Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail, where campers can access sites via drive-in routes.
Access to most dispersed sites requires preparation for primitive conditions. Many forest roads are unpaved and may become difficult to navigate after heavy rainfall. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching some areas, particularly in the more remote sections. No drinking water, toilets, or other amenities are available at dispersed sites, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fires are permitted at most locations when no fire bans are in effect, with many sites featuring established rock fire rings. Camping is typically limited to 14 days in a 30-day period, following standard national forest regulations.
The dispersed camping experience in this region features a mix of forest environments with streams and modest elevation changes. Sites along water sources like the Little River provide popular camping locations, accessible by both hiking and kayaking. The terrain offers moderate hiking with elevations generally below 1,000 feet, making it suitable for year-round camping when higher elevations elsewhere in North Carolina become inaccessible. Visitors should be prepared for varying levels of privacy and potential traffic noise at some locations. "This area was one of my favorite areas for dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest while living in North Carolina. If you are looking for a place that has very little traffic, this is the place you want to go!" During hunting seasons, campers should wear bright colors for safety, as noted by one visitor: "Make sure to wear bright colors during hunting season because there are a ton of people out deer hunting in this area."