Best Dispersed Camping near Seagrove, NC

Uwharrie National Forest provides extensive backcountry camping opportunities near Seagrove, with both established dispersed sites and primitive locations along trails. The forest features multiple access points, including trailheads at Highway 109/24 and Route 23/27, with parking available for overnight backpackers. Most primitive sites require either hiking in or accessing via 4WD/AWD vehicles, as roads can be challenging especially after rain.

Free dispersed camping is available throughout the forest, with particularly popular areas along the Uwharrie Trail and Dutchman's Creek Trail. Many sites feature established fire rings and are located near water sources, though campers should bring filtration systems. The Little River area offers more remote camping accessible by boat or hiking in. A recent visitor noted, "There are plenty of established camping spots. We picked a nice one near a stream." During hunting seasons (primarily fall), campers should wear bright colors for safety, as hunting is permitted in many areas of the forest.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Seagrove, North Carolina (6)

Show More
Showing results 1-6 of 6 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Seagrove, NC

10 Photos of 6 Seagrove Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Seagrove, NC

18 Reviews of 6 Seagrove 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 Seagrove

Uwharrie National Forest dispersed camping options vary by seasonal conditions and vehicle requirements. Primitive camping areas throughout the forest have increased in popularity, particularly for backcountry enthusiasts seeking solitude. The area features low-elevation terrain averaging 500-700 feet above sea level, with creeks prone to seasonal flooding after heavy rains.

What to do

Off-road exploration: Uwharrie offers extensive OHV trails for 4WD vehicles. According to one visitor at Uwharrie National Forest, "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."

Creek hiking: Multiple streams cross the wilderness areas, providing natural navigation landmarks. A camper at Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed noted, "Very nice trails. Well maintained. Not marked the best... signs at intersections. Plenty of creeks. Hike in for dispersed camping."

Kayaking access: The Little River area provides water-based entry points to more remote camping areas. Visitors often use the boat ramp where Pekin Road crosses the Little River to begin their journey into secluded camping spots.

Wildlife observation: Fall and winter seasons offer improved visibility through the forest. One regular visitor mentioned, "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."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: The dispersed camping areas provide sufficient space between campers. A visitor to Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail appreciated that they "enjoyed the song of wind and birds" during their stay, suggesting a peaceful environment.

Natural water sources: Most primitive sites are situated near streams for water access. Along the Uwharrie Trail, one camper mentioned, "Water available on both sides of camp / trail," making it convenient for filtering drinking water during longer stays.

Established fire rings: Many primitive sites feature stone fire rings from previous campers. As one visitor noted, "Most sites have rock fire pits and room to set up. Love it here. Plenty of OHV trails as well."

Trail connectivity: The camping areas connect to multiple trail networks. One backpacker explained, "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."

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many rustic camping near Seagrove requires appropriate transportation. According to one camper, "This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot."

Trail marking limitations: Navigation can be challenging in some areas. A hiker at Shallow Ford Natural Area shared, "This campsite is on the Mountains to Sea Trail for those that are doing that. There's lots of shade and it is very peaceful. It is pretty flat for your tent and there are fire rings."

Seasonal flooding: Water crossings can become impassable after heavy rain. One experienced backpacker noted, "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."

Hunting awareness: Wilderness camping near Seagrove coincides with hunting seasons. Campers should "Wear bright colors during hunting season because there are a ton of people out deer hunting in this area."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection priorities: For family camping trips, prioritize sites with level ground and nearby water. A camper observed, "The tent sites nice and clean and level. The host drove through many many times in the 3 days I was there."

Pack appropriate filtration: Since primitive camping areas lack potable water, families should bring proper filtration systems. One backpacker advised, "The streams, provided one has filtration or iodine tablets, provide ample sources of drinking water."

Camp cleanliness: Teaching leave-no-trace principles is essential in these areas. A visitor noted, "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."

Tips from RVers

Generator usage: RV camping in primitive areas often requires generators for power. One camper at Uwharrie National Forest mentioned, "We used our pop-up with a generator in rustic locations. There are hiking, horse, OHV, dirt bike, ATV, and mountain bike trails."

Limited facilities: Be prepared for truly self-contained camping. A visitor pointed out, "No toilets for dispersed areas. Most sites have rock fire pits and room to set up."

Campsite timing: Arrive early to secure suitable RV sites, especially during peak seasons. One camper recommended, "It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Seagrove, NC is Uwharrie National Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Seagrove, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.