Dispersed camping near Troy, North Carolina provides access to the Uwharrie National Forest's 51,000 acres of mixed hardwood forest. At elevations between 300-1,000 feet, this Piedmont region forest features moderate terrain with seasonal streams that can become challenging water crossings after heavy rainfall. Primitive camping opportunities range from paddle-in sites along Little River to remote trail locations requiring proper navigation skills.
What to do
Off-road adventures: The forest contains designated OHV trails for visitors with proper vehicles and permits. According to one visitor at Uwharrie National Forest, "We 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."
Water recreation: Paddlers can access remote camping areas via the Little River, which flows through the eastern portion of the forest. A regular visitor noted, "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!"
Multi-day backpacking: The Uwharrie Trail spans approximately 20 miles through the forest, offering overnight opportunities. One backpacker observed, "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."
What campers like
Stream access: Many dispersed sites sit near water sources useful for filtering drinking water. A camper at Robbins Branch Trail mentioned, "Along the Uwharrie trail. Water available on both sides of camp / trail."
Solitude options: Less-visited areas provide quieter camping experiences away from developed areas. One hunter reported about an area southwest of Troy, "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."
Natural soundscape: The forest environment offers peaceful ambient sounds for those seeking immersion in nature. A camper at Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail shared, "Had a good time camping and enjoyed the song of wind and birds."
What you should know
Site selection timing: Popular dispersed areas fill quickly during peak seasons. According to a visitor, "This is a great area for dispersed campers with 4WD or AWD. It's pretty popular so head out early to secure your spot."
Pack-out requirements: All dispersed camping follows Leave No Trace principles. One conscientious camper at Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area Dispersed noted the area has "Very nice trails. Well maintained. Not marked the best... signs at intersections. Plenty of creeks. Hike in for dispersed camping."
Hunting season safety: The forest has active hunting seasons requiring additional safety measures. One regular advised, "Make sure to wear bright colors during hunting season because there are a tong of people out deer hunting in this area."
Map navigation: Forest service roads can be confusing without proper maps. Multiple reviewers recommend downloading or printing the official Uwharrie National Forest map from the Forest Service website before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Moderate difficulty trails: The trail system offers varied terrain suitable for different hiking abilities. One camper observed, "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, hike farther in."
Site maintenance awareness: Teaching children proper camping ethics becomes important at dispersed sites. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Water filtration necessity: No potable water exists at primitive sites, requiring proper filtration equipment. According to one experienced camper, "Since I was close to a stream, I had to take care of personal business about two hundred feet farther away."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility limitations: Most rustic camping near Troy, North Carolina requires high-clearance vehicles for access. A visitor to Uwharrie National Forest shared, "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."
Permit requirements: Overnight passes must be purchased at local businesses. One camper explained, "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!"
Generator use: Some primitive areas permit generators for limited electricity. Several reviewers mentioned using generators at designated primitive sites where allowed, though they recommended respecting quiet hours.
