Near Troy, North Carolina, camping areas sit between 400-600 feet in elevation, offering mild spring and fall temperatures with summer highs in the low 90s. The region features a mix of hardwood forests and lakefront terrain, with Badin Lake serving as a central recreation point for campers. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round though primitive sites may close during winter months.
What to do
Water activities at Badin Lake: Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp provides direct access to fishing, swimming and boating opportunities. Campers note the practical location: "Beautiful place with great views. Clean facilities close to sites," reports John L.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail options range from beginner-level paths to more challenging routes. James H. from Morrow Mountain State Park Campground shares: "The trails were clearly marked and easy to follow. Lots of routes varying in views and difficulty were available and the staff were incredibly helpful."
Wildlife observation: The forests and waterways support diverse wildlife viewing. "I saw plenty of frogs and tadpoles in the creeks, listened to a symphony of birds, and I'm pretty sure heard a few coyotes throughout the night," notes a visitor about their experience at Morrow Mountain.
Mini golf and recreation: Family-friendly activities include structured games at some campgrounds. Kathie M. from Sycamore Lodge notes the variety: "Beautiful campground, meticulously maintained. Store, restaurant, pool, dog park, kayak on lake, putt putt, cornhole, shuffleboard, horseshoes just to name a few."
What campers like
Private glamping sites: Glamping close to Troy, North Carolina features upgraded accommodations with varying levels of privacy. At Basecamp Outdoors, Jake C. describes the experience as "an awesome elevated camping experience you need to experience!"
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses and amenities. "The bathhouse is brand new. The camp host was very helpful and checked on everybody, every day," writes Robert D. about his stay at Morrow Mountain State Park.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer structured activities for children. According to Josh Q. from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Asheboro: "This is a great family campground. They have activities all day for the kids and family. They are still under construction but you can't tell. Very spacious with plenty of activities and room for kids."
Natural ambiance: The combination of forest and water creates a peaceful setting. One visitor noted: "We saw several deer while I was there. The family campground is separated from the road by some trees but there is still noise from cars, like in any family campground I suppose."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most luxury glamping options near Troy require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "We've stayed in both A and C. C loop, site 48, is where we stayed this trip. Its a good site. Close to the showers, which are clean and well maintained," explains Jennifer R. about Morrow Mountain State Park Campground.
Site selection: Site quality varies significantly, even within the same campground. One camper advised: "If you end up in a crap site you might drop those 4 stars to 3. Its going to be impossible to determine a great site from a bad without going there since the only pic they have online is from site 1."
Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi availability varies by location. Robert D. notes: "The only drawback was that there was no Wi-Fi."
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Phillip L. shares his experience: "I came in the summer and the temperature was around the 80's. During the night it is around 60 which is pleasant."
Tips for camping with families
Zoo proximity: The North Carolina Zoo is located approximately 15 minutes from some campgrounds. Tucker M. from Jellystone Park notes: "We were 15 mins from the zoo which was amazing. You're close to stores and restaurants if you want but far enough out that it doesn't feel close."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pools in addition to natural swimming areas. Jen P. from Morrow Mountain shares: "They offer canoe and row boat rentals, they have a swimming pool that is open after Memorial Day. They also have a museum you can check out during the day."
Playground access: Oak Hollow City Campground offers play areas for children, though one visitor notes they are "dated." Elise H. describes it as a "Quant small cozy little no frills campground. Small outdoor pool and dated playground. Pretty views and peaceful."
Educational opportunities: Nature programs and museums add learning elements to camping trips. "We exhausted ourselves hiking and canoeing and much more stuff to do! Nice sites with electric hookups. Firewood available," shares Sara C.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup details: Most glamping and RV sites near Troy offer electric hookups, but extension cord length matters. A camper at Oak Hollow warns: "I was excited to have a lake view spot with electric but my 25 foot cord was not long enough so make sure you have atleast 50 feet."
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require additional equipment for proper leveling. Lisa A. from Oak Hollow City Campground advises: "Only two drawbacks (1) noise from highway (2) many sites are not level so plan ahead and bring extra levelers."
Membership benefits: Thousand Trails Forest Lake offers a membership program with special benefits. "Part of the Thousand Trails System. 2 swimming pools, camp store, snack bar, fishing pond (I caught 2 sunfishes in 30 min & I'm no fisherman) basketball court, mini golf, & playground equipment," Joel M. explains.
Site spacing: RV sites vary in their proximity to neighbors. Joel adds: "The camping sites are close together, but, that seems standard in these types of campgrounds. People seems friendly and the staff were professional."
