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Best Dispersed Camping near Sanford, NC

17 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Sanford, North Carolina centers primarily around Uwharrie National Forest, located approximately 40 miles west of the city. The forest permits primitive camping throughout much of its 50,000+ acres, with several established dispersed sites along trails and forest roads. Additional options include Anderson Creek County Park, which allows hike-in dispersed camping, and Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area, which features walk-in and hike-in primitive sites. Shallow Ford Natural Area provides boat-in and hike-in camping opportunities along the Mountains to Sea Trail.

Access to dispersed sites varies significantly across locations. Many areas in Uwharrie National Forest require high-clearance vehicles, particularly for reaching remote pull-off spots. During hunting season, wearing bright colors is strongly recommended for safety. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire regulations differ by location - fires are permitted in Uwharrie and Birkhead Mountain areas but prohibited at Anderson Creek County Park. Water sources exist along trails in Uwharrie, though filtration is necessary. Camping is typically limited to 14 days in national forest areas.

The terrain throughout these dispersed camping areas features rolling hills and wooded landscapes with moderate elevation changes. Uwharrie National Forest provides multiple stream access points and hiking trails, making it popular for backpackers seeking overnight trips. The forest's dispersed sites accommodate various camping styles from tent to small RV setups at designated areas. Campers note the area's seclusion and natural setting. "Primitive camping here at least every other weekend. We love it. Great trails, beautiful scenery. A peaceful experience," one visitor commented. Another mentioned, "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!"

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sanford, North Carolina (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Sanford, NC

9 Photos of 5 Sanford Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sanford, NC

17 Reviews of 5 Sanford 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.

  • 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.

  • Zachary S.
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Dispersed camping

    This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot. Some of the sites may have a little trash left from the last user, so please try to leave it cleaner than you came to. No toilets for disperesed areas. Most sites have rock fire pits and room to set up. Love it here. Plenty of OHV trails as well.

  • Wyatt M.
    May. 22, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Dispersed camping/hunting area

    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. I never shot a deer here but they are in the area.  The area is just SW of Troy, NC down HWY 109/24. On the map below, it is the most western forest area. 

    Link to Map: 

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

  • Erica
    May. 26, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Great off-roading

    First time at Uwharrie and we drove about 5 hours to get there but it was worth it! 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! There are a 6 different stores/gas stations that have the overnight passes available for purchase. We got our passes from Eldorado outpost and the attendants there were very knowledgeable and helpful! We also took our Jeep on the OHV trails and had a blast. There are several places you can take a canoe or kayak on and the scenery on the lake was beautiful as well. They also have several hiking trails throughout. Canebrake horse camp is located in Uwharrie and has horse trails throughout. We didn’t come across a park store but they did have showers and bathrooms in the actual campgrounds. There’s a store/gas station (Eldorado Outpost) right down the road and they also have an air compressor for inflating tires (which is handy for off-roading). It was definitely a long drive but we will definitely be making the trip again. We really liked the secluded primitive campsites and the various trails we were able to take our Jeep on.

Guide to Sanford

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sanford, North Carolina, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers several unique spots for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Sanford

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails at Uwharrie National Forest, which provide a mix of challenging terrain and beautiful scenery.
  • For a peaceful experience, the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed features well-maintained trails and plenty of creeks to explore.
  • If you're looking for a unique camping experience, consider the Shallow Ford Natural Area, which is located along the Mountains to Sea Trail, offering a tranquil setting with abundant wildlife.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Sanford, North Carolina

  • Always check for specific regulations, as some areas like Anderson Creek County Park- Dispersed Camping do not allow fires or alcohol, ensuring a peaceful environment.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience; facilities are limited at places like Robbins Branch Trail, so bring all necessary supplies, including water and food.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings, especially at Uwharrie National Forest, where you might encounter various animals while hiking or camping.

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sanford, NC is Anderson Creek County Park- Dispersed Camping with a 0-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Sanford, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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