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Best Dispersed Camping near Whitsett, NC

12 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Whitsett, North Carolina. Shallow Ford Natural Area in nearby Elon offers primitive camping along the Mountains to Sea Trail with established fire rings and flat tent sites. The area requires reservations and prohibits alcohol, but allows pets and fires. Visitors report peaceful conditions with river sounds and abundant wildlife.

Butner Lake WMA provides free primitive camping with basic fire rings, though it operates seasonally - open only September 1 to February 28 and March 31 to May 14. The area features approximately 10 small sites suitable for car camping and tents, with limited space for trailers. Recent visitors note rangers require fishing or hunting licenses for all campers (approximately $30). Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area offers hike-in dispersed camping with well-maintained trails along multiple creeks, though signage at trail intersections is minimal. The area is free with no permits required.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Whitsett, North Carolina (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Whitsett, NC

4 Photos of 4 Whitsett Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Whitsett, NC

12 Reviews of 4 Whitsett Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 26, 2022

    Butner lake WMA

    Very Small and not made for trailers.

    This is a small road and if you had a camper of any size it would take you a while to turn around.    Very few places.   Like someone said earlier this is a place to pitch a tent or to Car Camp.

  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Quiet, Discreet and Welcoming

    My fiance and I camped out a little longer than the actually extension period for individuals, but never had a problem. Several others have showed up to camp out a couple days but were gone shortly. For the most part it was just us. And whatever it is running around in the woods. I heard many coyotes elks and a an owl but nothing never stumbled to our campsite close enough to get a look at it other than one young fox which was running away when we pulled in one late night. I think the animals are aware that the campground is human territory so they stay away. It's at 10 different spots to set up with your car parked right next to your tent. Our Boost mobile wi-fi worked perfectly fine. There is a lake 2 mins away one way and another 7 mins away the other way. The city dump is also 2 mins away. And town is 5 mins away. I wish the gates never closed because we would still be there.

  • Max O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Butner lake WMA

    Very rustic dispersed camping

    You have a fire ring and a line to hang things from thats about it here, really nice place to camp if youre comfortable not having a toilet. Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didnt think he would fit but found a spot just fine. And the best part is its FREE CAMPING!!

  • S H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Butner lake WMA

    terrific spot to pull up for a night

    first time doing any type of dispersed camping but it was really easy to find, just off the road in the woods, just follow the coordinates and its a lil past, look for the signs, with lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods, though you can still see the headlights coming from the road.

    I'm not a hunter but no one else was there and I pulled up at 10pm and left 6am on the first day of open season.

  • Linda The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Shallow Ford Natural Area

    Peaceful camping

    This campsite is on the Mountains to Sea Trail for those that are doing that. There’s lots of shade and it is very peaceful. It is pretty flat for your tent and there are fire rings. Someone left me a bundle of wood. I hear the river in the background and lots of birds and squirrels. I would highly recommend this place.

  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Be Advised!

    All Campers MUST have a fishers/hunters license. Rangers wrote us a warning ticket for not having our own, but we are headed to Walmart to get one for about $30

  • Joe F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2023

    Butner lake WMA

    Great small sites

    Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent. Only open during hunting seasons though.

  • B
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Butner lake WMA

    Free during hunting season

    Very primitive, but close to town if you need anything.  Sites are very close together, no privacy.  Most campers are here to hunt so are gone most of the day.  It was not crowded when I was there during the week. I was only there on a Tuesday.

Guide to Whitsett

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Whitsett, North Carolina, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene settings and a chance to connect with the great outdoors. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Peaceful Retreats for Dispersed Campers

  • The Shallow Ford Natural Area offers a tranquil environment along the Mountains to Sea Trail, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful camping experience surrounded by nature's sounds.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Whitsett, North Carolina

Scenic Spots for Nature Lovers

  • The Butner Lake WMA provides easy access to beautiful wooded areas, perfect for those looking to set up camp close to the water while enjoying the surrounding wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Whitsett, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Whitsett, NC is Shallow Ford Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Whitsett, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Whitsett, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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