Intro to Camping in Uwharrie National Forest
Hello, it’s Nikole and Clark here. The Uwharrie National Forest is located in central North Carolina, and happens to be in our “back yard”. Needless to say, we do a lot of camping in Uwharrie.
We are somewhat of an expert on everything Uwharrie-related. If you would like to know where you can camp in Uwharrie you have come to the right place.
Uwharrie offers free camping, reserved tent and RV camping, first come first served camping, and horse trailer camping.
We will show you all the places you can camp within Uwharrie, depending on what type of camping you want to do.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
First, here are all of the items in a chart that we have decided to talk about in this post.
Free Camping in Uwharrie
You can free camp almost anywhere in just about any National Forest. You cannot camp in posted non-camping areas. In Uwharrie specifically, there will be signs where private property is and where you cannot camp.
You can free camp off of any trail you hike within the Uwharrie National Forest. Most trails will have designated camping areas with a fire ring and a flat area to set up your tent.
There are also areas right off the road you can camp at. You just need to park your car near the area of your choosing, and you can sleep in your car or set up a tent.
We went in our camper van and parked back in a gravel area that was off the road right before we reached a day-use area called Kings Mountain Point.
Free camping areas AROUND kings mountain point offer great lake views and big campsites. You cannot camp INSIDE of the day-use area. This area is closed daily so no one can exit or enter.
Do You Need A Permit For Free Camping In Uwharrie?
No, you do not need a permit to camp in Uwharrie. However, that doesn’t mean you can pitch your tent or hammock anywhere you please.
Camping off a trail may be off limits in some cases. It is up to you to do the research on where those places are. You can check where Uwharrie doesn’t allow camping.
Here are some typical places free camping may not be allowed.
- At the entrance to a hiking or horse trail
- Day-use areas
- Private property
- Close to regularly traveled roadways
Downsides to free camping In Uwharrie National Forest
Most of the “good” spots are taken up quickly, so make sure you go early in the day or during the weekdays.
If you decide to camp somewhat close to the road or are sleeping in your car be prepared for DUST. Since most roads are gravel, there will be dust every time a vehicle travels down the road.
My suggestion, go after it rains or camp far away from the road.
You can find some of the best free camping spots when hiking the Uwharrie trails.
First Come First Served Camping
These Uwharrie campsites look like ordinary campgrounds but are on a first come first serve basis. Most that I have seen do not have water or electric hookups.
There are port-o-johns located on the campground that is easily accessible. However, if that makes you cringe you can purchase your own portable toilet.
Some of the areas require payment. Look for an area to drop the money off near the signage located somewhere on the Uwharrie campsite.
Below is a map with all of the first come first serve Uwharrie campground areas.
Cost: All of these listed Uwharrie campgrounds cost $5 each per night to camp.
- Art Lilley
- Deep Water Trail Camp
- Uwharrie National Forest Hunt Camp Campgrounds
- West Morris Mountain Campground
Reserved Camping
There are a few campgrounds in Uwharrie that will offer bathhouses, water, and electric hookups. You will need to call to reserve these areas or you can reserve online.
Here are the places you can reserve a campsite in Uwharrie. Click on the link to reserve a spot today.
Cost: $20-$54 per night
When is the camp open? Open year-round
- Badin Lake Campground (There are several campgrounds to choose from in this location, including an upper and lower portion)
Cost: $20-$40 per night
When is the camp open? Open year-round
Cost:$30-$45 per night
When is the camp open? Open year-round
Here is a map to show you where those Uwharrie camping areas are. You can back your car into a spot and set up a tent, a camper, an RV, or even a camper van.
Horse Camping
Horses have a ton of trails they can trot on through the Uwharrie forest. However, you and your horses need a place to rest after all your hiking endeavors.
Morrow Mountain has an area for horse camping, but I could not find it on the maps. Here is the map of Morrow Mountain, and here is the page for camping info.
You can also click on the links below to reserve a horse campsite.
Cost: $27-$54 per night
When is the camp open? Open year-round
Conclusion to Camping in Uwharrie
No matter how you camp, you will always find an area in Uwharrie to set up. If you like this post, please share; pin it if you need to come back to it.
If you have questions about Uwharrie, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comment section below.
Prepare for Your Uwharrie Camping Trip with These Posts
hello i have a 36 ft skoolie. Does the park have issues parking from the gravel entry roads side parking?
I have seen plenty who do this with campers or RV’s at Uhwarrie so i just wanted to confirm with you how they treat that since you have more experience with that place
If you mean parking on the side of the road in the middle of Uwharrie, you shouldn’t have a problem as long as you are not blocking traffic, trail entrances, or recreational areas. We parked our camper van on the side of the road a few times in Uwharrie (it wasn’t a designated camping area) and no one said anything.