Primitive camping in the Uwharrie National Forest provides the main backcountry options for tent camping Wingate, North Carolina. The region features elevations ranging from 350 to 1,000 feet with mixed hardwood and pine forests. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall temperatures range from 50-75°F, making shoulder seasons optimal for tent camping.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Tillery Family Campground offers excellent fishing access for tent campers near Wingate. One camper at Deep Water Trail Camp reported "Great spot, great fishing... My friends both caught a couple of channel cats. One enormous female catfish we released because she had eggs on board."
Water recreation: Swimming and kayaking options abound at several lakefront sites. At Deep Water Trailt Horse Camp, visitors can enjoy direct lake access though "I would highly recommend 4WD if you're going all the way to the water sites."
Hiking trails: Multiple trail networks connect throughout Uwharrie. A visitor at Uwharrie Hunt Camp notes "There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake." Trails range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging forest routes with varying terrain.
What campers like
Cost-effective camping: Many sites offer affordable or free camping options. At Uwharrie Hunt Camp, one camper mentioned "$5 per night...What? What?" while another noted it was "FREE. large size nobody else here in March but I'm sure as summer rolls around it fills up more."
Privacy options: Several areas offer secluded sites away from crowds. A camper at East Morris Mountain shared: "Only three sites on this little out of the way fire trail. We go to the end of the road for complete privacy."
Wildlife viewing: The forests support diverse animal populations. At Lake Curriher Wilderness, one camper mentioned "Lots of fishermen" while enjoying the wilderness setting, and the area supports a variety of forest wildlife throughout the seasons.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require appropriate vehicles for access. A Deep Water Trail camper advised: "If you want to get away, this is where you go. 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."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings high humidity and insects while spring and fall offer milder conditions. One visitor to Deep Water Trail Horse Camp noted "Rough road in. Too much trash left by previous campers," a common issue during peak seasons.
Water access: Not all sites offer reliable drinking water. At Lake Curriher Wilderness, a camper reported: "The water at our site is not working which is a bummer but we can use the water at the outside shower. It's non-potable but we have a filter and boil it before using it."
Trash management: Pack-out requirements apply at most primitive sites. A Deep Water camper reported: "Why are there piles of trash being left at campsites? I bagged up 4 large bags of garbage that some college aged kids just left."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: For families, sites with basic amenities provide easier camping experiences. At Hippie Holler, a visitor noted "I found my happy place here at Hippie Holler! No kids or loud obnoxious other campers, felt at home, safe, understood and able to relax completely."
Pet-friendly options: Most Uwharrie sites welcome pets. A Deep Water Trail camper shared: "We brought our two pups & they had a blast playing & laying in the water! We stayed at a campsite next to the river bend."
Educational opportunities: Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge permits camping for educational purposes. While not open for general camping, they offer "special rustic group campsites" for "school groups and youth groups" with ranger-led programs.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive sites accommodate only smaller rigs. At Deep Water Trail Camp, a reviewer mentioned "Not for bigger rigs. I've got a 13 foot pull behind. Backed in mostly but a few could be pulled in an out."
Road conditions: Access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don't go. Steep rocky Muddy."
Alternative options: For RVers seeking full hookups near Wingate, several commercial campgrounds provide better accommodations. Yates Family Camping offers "reliable water/electrical/sewer and wifi near Charlotte" though one visitor noted "Well not much here, no office or bathrooms. Water and electric and a dump station."
