Uwharrie National Forest offers multiple camping options near Wadesboro, North Carolina, with most sites situated within a 45-minute drive. The region features sandy soil characteristic of the Piedmont area, making for quick-draining campsites even after rainfall. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F with summer highs reaching 85-95°F, affecting seasonal availability at several campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking trails with lake views: At Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple paths including the Big Rocks Trail. According to one camper, "There wasn't much to see until we got to the end of it and went down the cliff. Then the views were amazing. It was not a loop trail, but you hike to the cliff then turn around and go back the way you came."
Fishing and paddling: Rent canoes and rowboats seasonally at Morrow Mountain State Park's lake for approximately $5-7 per hour. One visitor noted, "We exhausted ourselves hiking and canoeing and much more stuff to do! Nice sites with electric hookups. Firewood available. Will definitely be back!"
Wildlife viewing: Cane Creek Park offers abundant wildlife watching opportunities with dedicated nature trails surrounding the lake. A regular visitor shares, "I load up my kayak once a month or so and paddle around the lake for hours. Trails, shelter areas, and bathrooms are always well taken care of."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cheraw State Park maintains exceptionally clean bathing areas with thoughtful amenities. One camper noted, "The bathrooms and showers were amazingly clean and they had a giant heater you can turn on over the showers when it's cold outside!"
Private campsites: Many glamping spots near Wadesboro provide separation between sites for a more secluded experience. A visitor to Cheraw State Park commented, "The camping spots were clean and well kept...some have water and electric hookups and some are more rustic. There are plenty of large spaces for RVs with lots of room around them for privacy."
Winter value: Off-season camping provides exceptional value for budget-conscious travelers. According to one winter visitor, "Super cheap. We stayed four nights for under $100. 30/50 hookups and water. No sewer but very close dump station in campground."
What you should know
No WiFi availability: Several campgrounds including Sycamore Lodge have limited or no internet connectivity. A Morrow Mountain camper mentioned, "The only drawback was that there was no Wi-Fi. I will stay at this campground when I come back in this area again."
Bathhouse conditions vary: Facility quality differs between campgrounds and seasons. One camper at Cane Creek noted, "Bathhouses have a little age on them but are clean," while another mentioned, "There is no AC in the bathhouses."
Site terrain challenges: Many campsites require careful selection due to uneven ground. A camper warned, "Site 98 in the electric loop is for tent and pop up campers, but is not pop up camper friendly. The ground is very uneven."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Carowinds Camp Wilderness offers a private pool for campers alongside other family amenities. A visitor shared, "Private but great for families and bike ridding. Private pool game room. Laundry and camp store."
Free recreation options: Several glamping areas near Wadesboro include complimentary activities. One camper at Cane Creek Park mentioned, "Free putt-putt. Clean bathrooms and hot showers."
Scheduled activities: Holiday weekends feature special programming for children at select campgrounds. According to a regular visitor, "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Sugarloaf Mountain offers primitive yet accessible sites for smaller RVs. One camper noted, "We stayed in site 1B and had no issue finding a spot by the water in our 22' travel trailer. Sites are well dispersed and we only saw a few other campers all weekend."
Level sites are limited: Many campgrounds require careful preparation for leveling, particularly for larger rigs. A camper reported, "We stayed on site 16 right on the lake. Beautiful views. Our site was very steep, so took a lot to get level, but it was ok."
Hookup availability: Most glamping options near Wadesboro offer partial hookups. One camper at Carowinds mentioned, "Sites were clean, level, and reasonably spaced. The campground is very conveniently located in South Charlotte and it was great to back to this area and catch up with friends and family."
