A
Amanda U.
Traveler
TravelerWest Morris Mtn.
Individual campsites
Several individual campsites. Has trash bins located throughout the loop. There are picnic tables and fire rings at each site. No electric and no water. All spots are full shade.
Best Tent Camping near Troy, NC
Several tent campgrounds can be found in the Uwharrie National Forest near Troy, North Carolina, with Deep Water Trail Camp and Uwharrie Hunt Camp offering primitive tent camping options. These locations feature rustic sites set within the forested landscape of the Uwharrie Mountains, which serve as foothills to the Appalachians. East Morris Mountain Camp provides additional tent camping with only three secluded sites along a fire trail.
Access to many of these tent sites requires careful planning, as roads are often rough and unpaved. Deep Water Trail Camp features particularly challenging terrain, with campers noting that high-clearance or 4WD vehicles are necessary. "The drive down the trail can be a bit much if you're in a smaller car," one visitor commented, "we had to drive slowly down because of all the rocks." Most locations are primitive with no drinking water available. Uwharrie Hunt Camp stands as an exception with water spigots and pit toilets. Fire rings are typically present, though many are simply made of gathered rocks. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at most locations, with multiple reviews mentioning problems with trash left behind.
Tent campers at Deep Water Trail Camp will find multiple camping options, including sites near the water or in more wooded settings. Areas vary from open spaces that can accommodate several tents to more secluded spots surrounded by trees. The proximity to Badin Lake and the Yadkin River creates opportunities for fishing and water recreation. A camper noted that "if you want to get away, this is where you go. Secluded but still able to get into town for supplies." Many walk-in tent sites throughout the Uwharrie National Forest provide access to extensive trail networks for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Uwharrie Hunt Camp becomes particularly busy during hunting season and when the OHV trails open in April, making early spring a better time for tent campers seeking quiet.
Best Tent Sites Near Troy, North Carolina (11)
1. Deep Water Trail Camp
9 ReviewsBadin, NC11 milesWebsite"I’ve got a 13 foot pull behind. Backed in mostly but a few could be pulled in an out. Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don’t go."
"It is a amazing area to visit if you are into OHV(Off Highway Vehicle) trail riding, mountain biking or hiking."
2. Uwharrie Hunt Camp
6 ReviewsUwharrie National Forest, NC8 milesWebsite+1 (910) 576-6391"Horse trail riding is second on the list of activities within the park judging by the number of trails."
"My husband and I took our two dogs backpacking for a weekend at Uhwarrie Park. After a long drive trying to find my husbands original spot we found a new one. Beautiful scenery."
3. East Morris Mountain
3 ReviewsUwharrie National Forest, NC6 milesWebsite+1 (877) 444-6777"Only three sites on this little out of the way fire trail. We go to the end of the road for complete privacy. No amenities other than a fire pit."
"A nice campsite off of Tower Road with is also part of the TransAmerica Trail. It is a flat site with a with a great fire pit."
4. Deep Water Trailt Horse Camp
3 ReviewsBadin, NC11 milesWebsite+1 (910) 576-6391"This area is popular for the Off Highway Vehicle trail systems which are open April through December."
"Too much trash left by previous campers"
5. Woodrun
Be the first to review!Uwharrie National Forest, NC9 milesWebsite+1 (910) 576-63916. Lake Tillery Family Campground
Be the first to review!Uwharrie National Forest, NC11 milesWebsite+1 (704) 985-3700$35 - $65 / night
7. Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park
10 ReviewsWagram, NC44 milesWebsite+1 (910) 628-4564$17 - $47 / night
"It was a little tricky finding the entrance to this campsite, but when we managed to Google map our way in into the park, we were very happy with our selection!"
"There was a path walkable to the river, and each campsite was clean, had plenty of space on level ground to set up camp, a fire pit, and very clean toilet. I would definitely go back!"
8. Sandhills Campground B
1 ReviewPinebluff, NC33 miles+1 (910) 281-3917"This is a campground located in the Sandhills Gamelands in NC. If you're looking for primitive, this is it. No bathrooms, no water spigots, no camp store, nothing like that."
9. Lake Curriher Wilderness
4 ReviewsChina Grove, NC42 milesWebsite+1 (704) 857-4114$10 - $30 / night
"It’s the quietest stay we’ve had yet, and we go camping nearly every weekend. I will say, having the ADA tent site makes a huge difference."
"Very close to my home. I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen and trash since the scum can’t seem to pick up after themselves. The cabins here are also great."
10. San-Lee Park
3 ReviewsSanford, NC44 milesWebsite+1 (919) 776-6221$15 / night
"Contrary to what has been written, I would highly recommend San-Lee Park to anyone looking for a short and easy escape from the nearby Raleigh-Durham area."
"There are hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and other water sports on the lake there."
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Troy, NC
20 Photos of 11 Troy Campgrounds
Tent Camping Reviews near Troy, NC
337 Reviews of 11 Troy Campgrounds
Dave V.
LegendBadin Lake Campground
A relaxing lakeside atmosphere
Uwharrie National Forest-Badin Lake Campground, New London, NC.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48934
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE\_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368418.pdf
Campground Overview: 34 sites, two loops...upper loop and lakeside loop. Relatively large sites with vegetation that blocks constant view of neighbors.
Each site has a gravel parking pad and separate gravel tent pad, a standing charcoal grill, firepit with adjustable grate, a picnic table and a metal pole for hanging lanterns, etc. I would advise securing online reservations, but they do have an Iron Ranger to drop your payment in should you find an empty site. Note: There are warnings that online reservations take precedence, so if you use the Iron Ranger payment drop chute and someone reserved the same campsite...you will be required to move to a different location when the online reservation campers arrive. Just so you know.
No electric.
Oddly, no firewood for sale...although scrounging produced plenty of things and fallen branches to keep a fire going.
I preferred the lower loop as nearly every outer site was on the lake with great views and lake access and sites are spread out. The inside sites of the lower loop are pretty spacious and deep. Water spigots were spaced out around the loop, so a short walk as we were equal distance between two.
Restroom/showerhouses were quad door buildings. Separate men’s and women’s restrooms and two separate shower rooms. Facilities were kept clean and stocked by resident hosts.
With Verizon, I never lost signal...a plus for a National Forest!
The upper loop appeared to offer a little more solitude than the lower lake loop...but no lake views.
The lake loop trail crosses the main campground roadway between the two loops. This trail is relatively flat and meanders around the lake and it’s many fingers...offering lovely lake views and some nice fishing locations.
During my midweek visit it was quiet day and night. The sunset across the lake was gorgeous and relaxing. Loud powerboat noise was minimal as only a couple bass boats thought it essential to travel at high speeds from location to location. Next visit my canoe and mountain one will accompany me.
What I enjoyed: as much as I dislike tree rats, I was entertained by two feuding squirrels that chased each other relentlessly and knocking each other out of tree tops. Woodpecker and Turkey wake up calls.
For a National Forest, I was surprised by the level of daytime industrial noise nearby.
Overall, a fantastic location relatively close to Raleigh/Durham and Fayetteville for a great camping getaway. I was only able to stay one night as the campground was booked, all reserved in advance. So plan ahead.
- JJoe L.Traveler
Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park
Pleasantly Surprised.
It was a little tricky finding the entrance to this campsite, but when we managed to Google map our way in into the park, we were very happy with our selection! These campsites are in a beautiful pine woods forest. Many sites have a pretty mossy pathway near the tent platform. The platform is elevated and and dirt framed in wooden railroad ties. The sites have great privacy and the campsite was virtually empty except for us and one other family. The campground ranger said they only fill up on the 4th of July. They set-up and trash can with a bag for you upon arrival. There is no general store nearby so bring wood and supplies in with you. There was a water pump/spigot near the restroom with great pressure (potable water). We brought our own pop-up shower and road toilet with us, so didn’t need the restroom. The ranger that greeted us was super nice and respectful. He gave us the gate code in case we needed to leave after they closed the gate at 9:00pm. Very quiet and peaceful.
Makenzie T.
ScoutChalk Banks — Lumber River State Park
Clean, beautiful and river-accessible!
This was a great campground for a great price. There was a path walkable to the river, and each campsite was clean, had plenty of space on level ground to set up camp, a fire pit, and very clean toilet. I would definitely go back!
Sarah G.
GuideMorrow Mountain State Park Campground
Lots of activities for family camping
We had 4 families with children on 1 RV and 3 non-electric tent sites over Memorial Day weekend. Even though the park was at max capacity, it didn’t feel crowded or swarming. The facilities and activities at Morrow Mountain are awesome - a huge, clean pool; canoe rental from a well-maintained boathouse; hikes of various lengths; slightly aged but clean and cared for bath houses; and (our favorite) a gorgeous mountain top picnic shelter (A), which we rented due to a rainy forecast. Great place for family camping. Sites are nicely spaced, but by no means are they private or secluded. Staff were very friendly, but the no alcohol rule is a bummer. If you want to be alone in the woods, Morrow Mountain is not for you. Its also worth noting the climate is much more like south central NC (hot and super humId) and nothIng like the cool mountain air in Western NC. But if your looking for a fun, interactive family or group camping weekend, it’s the perfect spot!
Marlene L.ScoutBadin Lake Campground
Peaceful and quiet
Great spot, really calm and quiet and right on the lake. Perfect for non-partying types (no alcohol allowed). Showers, bathrooms, trash, fire pit, and grill all available. The host was professional and kind to us, even brought us some extra fire wood.
Marvin D.GuideChalk Banks — Lumber River State Park
Lumber River Chalk Banks
Pretty nice campground right off of hwy 401, just south of Raeford NC. There is a pit toilet and water spigot. There are no showers here. The Lumber River is right here, so fishing and canoeing/kayaking are popular activities. There is a hiking trail here as well.
The right hand side of the campground is set up for RV,s (pull through sites). The left hand side is for tent camping. Tent camping sites, 9-10-11, sit WAY back in the woods, so its like almost like having your own campground. TONS of forage wood here.
With talking to the rangers, they were saying that the place seldom gets too crowded, and you can almost always get a reservation here.
- LLarisa C.Scout
Oak Hollow City Campground
We enjoyed our stay
We tent camped on Aug 28. This was our first time setting up on a platform and it was very easy. Our site had a great view of the beautiful lake. There was a pool our kids could swim in until 7:00pm. They let us borrow a metal fire pit so we could make s’mores. The restrooms and showers were very clean.
phillip L.LegendCanebrake Horse Camp
No horses here
Site is so good. This site i stayed at was site 18 and it was so clean and had everything i needed such as the restroom showers, picnic table and fire ring. the site here do fill up fast so you should make reservations. It costed me 25 dollars and I called ahead 2 weeks. At the visitor center they said the weather here is unpredictable and sometimes it starts raining out of nowhere. There is electric hookups here and there is a lot of RVs which is pretty noisy from the t.v and radio. I came in the summer and the temperature was around the 80's. During the night it is around 60 which is pleasant. They do sell for 6 dollars for a bunch of firewood
Guide to Troy
Primitive tent camping near Troy, North Carolina offers direct access to the 51,000-acre Uwharrie National Forest with elevations ranging from 300 to 1,000 feet. The area experiences moderate humidity with average summer temperatures reaching 88°F during July, creating warm conditions for overnight stays. Winter camping remains possible with January lows typically around 30°F, though frost can occur from October through April.
What to do
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Uwharrie Hunt Camp provides access to numerous mountain biking routes. "Beautiful and secluded campground with good facilities. There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake," reports a visitor to Uwharrie Hunt Camp.
Fishing for catfish: The waterways near Deep Water Trail Camp offer productive fishing spots. "Beautiful area, lots of space on the lower ground, gorgeous views from the higher ground, and some damn good fishing. My friends both caught a couple of channel cats. One enormous female catfish we released because she had eggs on board," writes a camper at Deep Water Trail Camp.
Hiking remote trails: The area features extensive trail networks across varying terrain. "Me and my wife had such a blast the last few days camping here! We stayed 3 days and 2 nights and there was only 1 other vehicle down there with us the entire time... Super private and had some nice trails near by for hiking/finding fire wood."
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: East Morris Mountain Camp offers exceptional isolation. "Only three sites on this little out of the way fire trail. We go to the end of the road for complete privacy. No amenities other than a fire pit," notes a camper at East Morris Mountain.
Affordable camping options: Many locations offer free or low-cost camping. "FREE. large size nobody else here in March but I'm sure as summer rolls around it fills up more," reports a camper about Uwharrie Hunt Camp.
Quartz collecting opportunities: The mineral-rich soil contains interesting geological specimens. "We enjoyed our weekend at this fantastic spot! The big pieces of quartz we found were gorgeous, and so was the view at the water," shares a visitor to Deep Water Trail Horse Camp.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements are crucial: Many roads require high clearance vehicles. "PLEASE take something with a little ground clearance and better than 2 wheel drive to get here. My Honda Element was on two wheels at one point but the AWD handled it like a champ. My husband used his truck to pull a Jetta and a Camry back up the hill after they got stuck," warns a camper.
Seasonal considerations affect crowds: The area experiences distinct usage patterns. "We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April. When National Forests post on their signs 'Land of Many Uses,' I get it; there's a lot of stuff people like to do in the woods," notes a visitor to Lumber River State Park.
Limited amenities require preparation: Most locations have minimal facilities. "I would highly recommend 4WD if you're going all the way to the water sites. I attempted in my van and made it down to a sweet spot, but was stuck in the mud. Thankfully some campers nearby helped me rearrange my direction and get me out of the mud," explains a visitor to Deep Water Trail Horse Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Lake access points: Several campgrounds offer water recreation for children. "It was a nice spot, big open camping spots that are first come first serve... We brought our two pups & they had a blast playing & laying in the water! We stayed at a campsite next to the river bend, not on the actual Deep Water Trail."
Playground-adjacent camping: San-Lee Park offers family-friendly amenities. "This park has lots of hiking trails, a fantastic park for the kiddos, Nature Center, a gorgeous lake perfect for a day of fishing, mountain bike trails, paddle boat rental and a pretty impressive campground!"
Wildlife observation opportunities: The diverse ecosystem supports nature education. "There is a Nature Center, a gorgeous lake perfect for a day of fishing, mountain bike trails, paddle boat rental and a pretty impressive campground!" reports a visitor to San-Lee Park.
Tips from RVers
Smaller trailers only: Tent camping near Troy works for small RVs but presents challenges. "I loved the place. Really remote and FREE. Lots of spots on both sides of the road. Not for bigger rigs. I've got a 13 foot pull behind. Backed in mostly but a few could be pulled in and out," advises a camper at Lake Curriher Wilderness.
Extra supplies required: Limited facilities mean RVers must be self-sufficient. "Extra large and private campsites. One of the campsites has a hammock stand. The group site is huge. The whole park is very clean and spacious," notes a visitor to Lumber River State Park.
Road condition awareness: Access roads may damage RVs without proper clearance. "Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don't go. Steep rocky Muddy. Photos show. Fire rings were rocks. No water all primitive."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Troy, NC?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Troy, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Troy, NC is Deep Water Trail Camp with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Troy, NC?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Troy, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Troy, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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