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Best Dispersed Camping near Southern Pines, NC

17 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Southern Pines, North Carolina center primarily around Uwharrie National Forest, approximately 45 minutes northwest. This 50,000-acre forest features numerous primitive sites along established trails, with the Uwharrie Trail and Dutchman's Creek Trail offering completely primitive camping experiences. Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area provides additional hike-in dispersed camping with well-maintained trails and creek access. Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail allows drive-in access and permits both tent and RV camping without facilities.

Campers should prepare for truly primitive conditions at most sites. According to experienced visitors, "There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups" along the Uwharrie and Dutchman's Creek Trails. Water filtration equipment is essential as streams provide the only water sources. Several campers noted that sites near Highway 24 experience traffic noise, recommending hiking farther in for solitude. Fire regulations vary by location; most sites feature established rock fire rings. During hunting seasons, wearing bright colors is strongly advised as deer hunting is common throughout the area.

The Little River area of Uwharrie National Forest offers unique water-accessible camping. A boat ramp where Pekin Road crosses the Little River provides kayak or canoe access to remote sites. For vehicle-accessible dispersed camping, 4WD or AWD is recommended as many sites require navigating forest roads. Overnight passes are available at several stores/gas stations near the forest, including Eldorado Outpost. The forest also features dedicated OHV trails, mountain biking routes, and horseback riding areas at Canebrake Horse Camp. Pack out all trash, as many visitors report finding litter at otherwise pristine sites.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Southern Pines, North Carolina (5)

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9 Photos of 5 Southern Pines Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Southern Pines, NC

17 Reviews of 5 Southern Pines 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 Southern Pines

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

Dispersed campers should check out Uwharrie National Forest

- Uwharrie National Forest features numerous trails that provide a great opportunity for challenging hikes, making it ideal for those preparing for longer treks like the Appalachian Trail.

  • With established campsites and the freedom to disperse camp, visitors can easily find a spot that suits their needs, whether they prefer car camping or a more primitive experience.
  • The area allows for pets, so you can bring your furry friends along to enjoy the beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures.

Top activities while free camping near Southern Pines

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained trails at Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed, where you can explore the natural beauty and enjoy the sound of nearby creeks.
  • For those who enjoy fishing or simply relaxing by the water, the dispersed camping options at Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail provide a peaceful setting to unwind and connect with nature.
  • The area is also pet-friendly, allowing you to share your outdoor adventures with your four-legged companions.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • If you're looking for a tranquil experience, consider camping at Anderson Creek County Park- Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy the serenity of nature without the distractions of modern amenities.
  • The picturesque views and ample space at Robbins Branch Trail make it a great choice for those seeking solitude and a chance to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
  • With no permits required, you can easily set up camp and enjoy the freedom of exploring the surrounding wilderness at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Southern Pines, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Southern Pines, NC is Uwharrie National Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

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

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