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Best Tent Camping near Uwharrie National Forest

311 Reviews

Tent campsites near Uwharrie National Forest in central North Carolina offer primitive camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility. Deep Water Trail Camp provides free tent sites with hike-in access along the Yadkin River, while Uwharrie Hunt Camp features more developed tent camping areas with amenities like drinking water and electric hookups. East Morris Mountain Camp offers more secluded tent camping opportunities near Troy, with only three established sites located at the end of a fire trail.

Access to tent camping areas in Uwharrie National Forest varies considerably depending on location and weather conditions. Many primitive tent sites require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough, sometimes muddy roads. Deep Water Trail Camp features a particularly challenging access road that becomes increasingly difficult closer to the water, with several campers reporting getting stuck in mud or having to navigate steep, rocky sections. Most tent campsites have basic fire rings constructed from rocks, but campers must pack in all supplies including water and pack out all trash. One camper noted significant issues with previous visitors leaving garbage behind, stating "People. Why? Why are there piles of trash being left at campsites?"

Tent camping experiences in Uwharrie provide opportunities for seclusion and connection with nature not available at more developed campgrounds. Sites at East Morris Mountain offer complete privacy, especially those located at the end of the access road. The forest provides excellent trail access for hiking, with paths that hug lakes and traverse the ancient Uwharrie Mountains. Fishing opportunities abound at waterside campsites, particularly at Deep Water Trail Camp where the Yadkin River yields channel catfish. During off-season periods, especially before off-road vehicle season begins in April, tent campers can enjoy significantly quieter experiences. A visitor commented that Deep Water Trail Camp is "secluded but still able to get into town for supplies. Beautiful area, lots of space on the lower ground, gorgeous views from the higher ground, and some damn good fishing."

Map showing campgrounds near Uwharrie National Forest, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Uwharrie National Forest (9)

    1. Deep Water Trail Camp

    8 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    3 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Uwharrie Hunt Camp

    6 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +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. Deep Water Trailt Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "Too much trash left by previous campers"

    "Thankfully some campers nearby helped me rearrange my direction and get me out of the mud, but I still don’t know how I’m going to make it back out of here 😬. This might be my forever home?!"

    4. East Morris Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Woodrun

    Be the first to review!
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    6. Lake Tillery Family Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 985-3700

    $35 - $65 / night

    7. Lake Curriher Wilderness

    4 Reviews
    China Grove, NC
    35 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Yates Family Camping

    3 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 773-9349

    "There aren’t really any extras here but if you’re just looking for reliable water/electrical/sewer and wifi near Charlotte this is a fantastic option."

    9. Sandhills Campground B

    1 Review
    Pinebluff, NC
    39 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."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Uwharrie National Forest

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Tent Camping Reviews near Uwharrie National Forest

311 Reviews of 9 Uwharrie National Forest Campgrounds

  • Logan S.
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Arrowhead Campground

    Simple but we were okay with that

    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.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Badin 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.

  • A
    Oct. 27, 2021

    West 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.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Arrowhead Campground

    Offroader's Paradise

    Uwharrie National Forest-Arrowhead Campground

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48934 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE\_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368418.pdf 

    Uwharrie National Forest is fairly vast, but several camping areas are located in one general area. Equestrian campgrounds, hunting camps and then Arrowhead and Badin Lake campgrounds, along with the boat launch area. Arrowhead Campground has had a bigger budget compared to its lesser sibling Badin Lake Campground. 

    Campground roadways are paved, as well as the campsite parking pads, The restrooms are newer, larger and offer paved parking for users. 

    Sites are reasonably large and offer a picnic table, firepit, charcoal grill and metal hanging pole for lanterns, etc. some foliage exists between Campsites, but you still have a visual of your neighbors. 

    It appeared during my visit that most users were off-roaders with either 4x4’s or quads. The onsite host advised that it is very popular with the off-road enthusiasts. Enclosed and flatbed trailers filled most of the sites. 

    Caution: During hunting season, the National Forest is open to hunters...wear brightly colored or hunter orange clothing especially dawn and dusk.

    Reserve well in advance if you desire a site...these campgrounds fill quickly. 

    Arrowhead also offers an inner-campground paved walk/bike/stroller trail...and the drive down to the boat launch(which has a fairly sizable paved parking lot and latrines). You can also pick up the lake loop trail by the Boat Ramp.

    Being located so closely to the Raleigh/Durham area...and the Fayettville area...I can see this being filled to capacity most days and definitely weekends. Mid-week it was filled.

  • Alexandra T.
    Jun. 18, 2019

    Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    Pretty Basic

    Plentiful campsites, we arrived on a Friday without a reservation and were able to get a spot. There is a swimming pool, but we didn't swim. 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. The tent pads were even and well packed. All sites had a picnic bench and a fire pit with a grate.

  • Sarah G.
    May. 30, 2018

    Morrow 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.
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Badin 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.

  • L
    Sep. 1, 2021

    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.
    Jul. 30, 2016

    Canebrake 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 Uwharrie National Forest

Tent camping near Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Deep Water Trail Camp, campers can enjoy a free site with no permit required, allowing for a hassle-free experience in a picturesque setting.
  • Uwharrie Hunt Camp features drinking water and picnic tables, making it convenient for families looking to enjoy a comfortable camping experience.
  • The Badin Recreational Area offers large campsites with access to toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a clean and pleasant environment for all visitors.

Activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • Campers at Deep Water Trail Camp can hike in and explore nearby trails, perfect for finding firewood and enjoying the stunning views of the water.
  • The Uwharrie Hunt Camp is ideal for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, with numerous trails available for exploration right from the campground.
  • Fishing and swimming are popular activities at the Badin Recreational Area, where families can enjoy a day on the lake.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $5

  • Camping at Deep Water Trail Camp is completely free, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious campers.
  • The Uwharrie Hunt Camp offers a low-cost experience at just $5 per night, providing great value for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.
  • At the Badin Recreational Area, campers can find affordable rates with spacious sites, perfect for families and groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Uwharrie National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Uwharrie National Forest is Deep Water Trail Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Uwharrie National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Uwharrie National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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