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Camping near Uwharrie National Forest

342 Reviews

Several developed and primitive camping spots are scattered across the 51,000 acres of Uwharrie National Forest. Badin Lake Campground remains one of the most used areas, with good lake access for fishing and boating. If you need electricity for your RV, Arrowhead Campground has hookups that work for different-sized vehicles. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can use the trails throughout the recreation area. Nearby Morrow Mountain State Park has more camping and trails ranging from easy to challenging. The area gets hot in summer, so bring plenty of water and ways to stay cool. Most people find spring and fall much more comfortable for outdoor activities. Some facilities close during winter months, so it's worth calling ahead. El Dorado Outpost sells camping supplies, gas, and gear if you forget something. RV campers can find dump stations and water at several campgrounds in the forest. The views of Badin Lake and the Yadkin River make for nice backdrops to your camping trip. Trail difficulty varies throughout the forest, so there's something for everyone. Remember to follow Leave No Trace practices while camping here. Wildlife is common in the forest's diverse ecosystems, giving you chances to spot animals during your stay.

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Best Camping Sites Near Uwharrie National Forest (64)

    1. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 982-4402

    $12 - $107 / night

    "Nestled up to the Uwharrie National Forest and Albemarle. Plenary of camp sites and home to a Native American mining operation."

    "Some hikes nearby, but far from the swimming spots in the Uwharrie National Forest. No bathrooms near the campsites, but there were spigots with potable water."

    2. Badin Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    5 miles
    Website

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Uwharrie National Forest-Badin Lake Campground, New London, NC.

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?"

    "Awesome location, very remote and the sites are Huge so no need to worry about a neighbor being close. I stayed at site 11 easy access to the water and great views."

    3. Arrowhead Campground

    17 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    $20 - $54 / night

    "We really liked this campground we had a double site that was huge it was minutes from uwharrie national forest and badin lake. We'll defiantly go back."

    "Uwharrie National Forest-Arrowhead Campground

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?"

    4. Uwharrie National Forest

    15 Reviews
    Troy, NC
    9 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    5. Deep Water Trail Camp

    8 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    3 miles
    Website

    "The drive down the trail can be a bit much if you’re in a smaller car like we were, we had to drive slowly down because of all of the rocks."

    "First of all.. this place is FREE to camp at and surrounded by beautiful water, beautiful trees and the ancient rock of Uwharrie. A lovely place that we are so lucky to have access to... BUT. People."

    6. Uwharrie Hunt Camp

    6 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April. "

    "After a long drive trying to find my husbands original spot we found a new one. Beautiful scenery."

    7. West Morris Mtn.

    5 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    4 miles
    Website

    8. Norwood Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mount Gilead, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 474-3800

    $42 - $70 / night

    "The pool doesn’t have normal steps that you walk down into the pool on, they only have the ladder steps which make it a little tricky getting in with a small child."

    "Spacious lots in a wooded setting, includes a pool, walking trails, and access to Lake Tillery. Ice and firewood available onsite. Bath-houses are dated."

    9. Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp

    3 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    5 miles
    Website

    $75 / night

    "And it you are an off road enthusiast, they have made some fantastic off road trails south of the Forrest."

    "While at Uwaharrie NF stayed at Biden Lake campground. Beautiful place with great views. Clean facilities close to sites."

    10. Art Lilley Campground

    3 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    3 miles
    Website

    "Other camp ground near by with dump an showers fee 3 bucks for showers unsure on dump fee. Ovh area so can get some dust an noisy atv utv an trail rigs."

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Recent Camping Photos near Uwharrie National Forest

213 Photos of 64 Uwharrie National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Uwharrie National Forest

342 Reviews of 64 Uwharrie National Forest Campgrounds

Guide to Uwharrie National Forest

Camping near Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax in nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. One camper mentioned, "Good challenging hiking, and plenty of campsites along the trails" at Uwharrie National Forest.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing opportunities in nearby lakes. A review noted, "If you want to get away this is a great place. Walking trails, trails for off-road vehicles also. Fishing opportunities are abundant."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. One visitor shared, "The campsites tend to be spacious and wooded—perfect for privacy and hammocks."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the room between sites. A review from Cross Winds Family Campground stated, "Lots of room between campsites! Trees and the wonderful sounds of nature."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Sycamore Lodge remarked, "Bathrooms and amenities are top-notch. Sites are large and easy to back into."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One review from Zooland Family Campground said, "The staff was awesome and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell coverage. A camper at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground warned, "Beware! Cell/Internet coverage is non-existent."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor to Deep Water Trail Camp advised, "PLEASE take something with a little ground clearance and better than 2 wheel drive to get here."
  • No Water Hookups: Many sites do not have water hookups. A review from Badin Lake Campground mentioned, "If I wasn’t paying for the facilities and was just paying for a gravel pad... this is not a 'cheap' place to boondock."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities for children. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Asheboro said, "They have activities all day for the kids and family."
  • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good security. One camper noted, "Security also made us feel very safe" at Zooland Family Campground.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels. A review from Arrowhead Campground mentioned, "Camp here if you want to be tucked in by a forest ranger at 10pm for talking at a normal volume."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground shared, "We even had to just leave once because we couldn’t even begin to get our camper level."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A review from Sycamore Lodge highlighted, "Dual hookups for sewer connections. Nice water pressure."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Be aware of where to dump waste. A visitor at Badin Lake Campground mentioned, "There is a water tank filling station and a dump station on site."

Camping near Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina, has something for everyone. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Uwharrie National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Uwharrie National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 64 campgrounds and RV parks near Uwharrie National Forest and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Uwharrie National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Uwharrie National Forest is Morrow Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Uwharrie National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Uwharrie National Forest.

What parks are near Uwharrie National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Uwharrie National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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