Best Dispersed Camping near Saxapahaw, NC
Shallow Ford Natural Area near Elon offers primitive dispersed camping along the Mountains to Sea Trail approximately 15 miles from Saxapahaw. The shaded sites feature flat tent pads and fire rings but provide no drinking water, toilets, or other amenities. Access requires boat-in or hike-in approaches only. A camper noted, "It is very peaceful. I hear the river in the background and lots of birds and squirrels."
Free dispersed camping is available at Butner Lake WMA, located about 50 miles northeast of Saxapahaw. This area permits both tent and RV camping with drive-in access, though the sites are primitive with no hookups or facilities beyond a sanitary dump and trash disposal. The campground operates seasonally, open only during hunting seasons (September 1 to February 28 and March 31 to May 14). According to a visitor, "Very easy to get too, right off interstate. Very primitive but you have a decent signal if you need to park and get work done." Rangers require campers to have a fishing or hunting license, which costs approximately $30.
