Art Lilley Campground

Welcome to Art Lilley Campground, a unique and primitive camping destination nestled within the beautiful Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina. For local outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who love off-highway vehicle (OHV) adventures, Art Lilley Campground offers a distinct experience. Unlike many developed campgrounds, Art Lilley provides a back-to-basics approach to camping, focusing on connecting with nature and offering direct access to the expansive Uwharrie OHV trail system. It's a place where simplicity and outdoor ruggedness are celebrated, providing a true escape into the wilderness of central North Carolina.

At Art Lilley Campground, our philosophy revolves around providing accessible, free, and straightforward camping. We understand that many North Carolinians seek authentic outdoor experiences that don't come with the complexities of reservations or extensive amenities. This campground caters to those who appreciate a more self-reliant style of camping, where the focus is on the natural surroundings and the thrill of outdoor activities. While it maintains a primitive character, it offers essential facilities to ensure a functional stay. Our aim is to serve as a vital access point to the Uwharrie National Forest, particularly for OHV riders, by offering a convenient staging area and a place to rest after a day of adventure. We invite you to experience the raw beauty and exhilarating trails that define this remarkable part of North Carolina's natural landscape.

Art Lilley Campground is located within the Uwharrie National Forest, accessible from the broader area of North Carolina 27371, USA. While a precise street address might not be available in the traditional sense for this type of primitive campground, it is known to be a key staging area for the Uwharrie OHV Trail System. This location places it strategically for those looking to explore the extensive off-road trails and the natural beauty of the Uwharrie Mountains. For North Carolina residents, reaching the campground involves traveling towards the Uwharrie National Forest, often through towns like Troy or Candor, depending on the specific route. The campground's position within the national forest means it's immersed in nature, yet reasonably accessible for vehicles capable of navigating gravel roads. While there are no nearby urban centers directly adjacent to the campground, essential services like gas and convenience stores can be found a few miles away in surrounding communities, such as Eldorado. This balance of remote tranquility and practical accessibility makes Art Lilley Campground a convenient hub for wilderness adventures in central North Carolina.

Art Lilley Campground offers a set of basic, primitive services designed to support a self-sufficient camping experience, particularly for those engaging with the Uwharrie OHV Trail System.

• Free Primitive Camping: Camping at Art Lilley is free, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, making it an accessible option for many.
• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available in the form of vault toilets, providing a necessary convenience in a primitive setting.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a designated area for meals and activities.
• Fire Rings: Individual fire rings are provided at campsites, allowing for safe and contained campfires (where permitted by forest regulations).
• Unloading Ramp: As a key staging area for OHVs, an unloading ramp is available for ease of vehicle deployment onto the trails.
• Garbage Cans: Designated garbage cans are provided for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean.
• Direct OHV Trail Access: The campground offers direct access to the Uwharrie OHV Trail System, a significant advantage for off-road enthusiasts.

Art Lilley Campground stands out for its specific appeal to primitive campers and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. Its unique features and highlights create a distinct camping experience in North Carolina.

• Direct Access to Uwharrie OHV Trails: This is arguably the most significant highlight. Art Lilley Campground serves as a primary staging area for the extensive Uwharrie OHV Trail System. This means campers with ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, or other off-road vehicles can directly access the trails from their campsite, eliminating the need for additional hauling to and from staging points. This convenience is a major draw for the OHV community.
• Free Camping (with OHV Trail Pass): Unlike many campgrounds that charge per night, camping at Art Lilley is free. While a valid OHV Trail Pass is required for trail use, the lack of a separate camping fee makes it a very cost-effective option for a primitive camping experience, especially for those already planning to ride the trails.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips. This casual approach appeals to campers who prefer not to make reservations far in advance.
• Primitive and Rugged Experience: For those who love true outdoor adventure, Art Lilley offers a primitive camping experience. With no electrical hookups or running water, it encourages self-sufficiency and a deeper connection with nature. This appeals to campers who enjoy "roughing it" slightly more than at developed campgrounds.
• Open Field with Ramps: The description of it being an "open field with ramps" suggests a spacious environment for parking RVs and trailers, especially those transporting OHVs. The ramps are a practical highlight for easy unloading.
• Quiet and Natural Setting: Despite being a hub for OHVs, the overall setting within the Uwharrie National Forest provides a relatively quiet and natural environment, particularly outside of peak OHV activity hours. This allows for stargazing, enjoying nature sounds, and a peaceful night's rest.
• Access to Nearby Developed Campgrounds for Amenities: While primitive, its proximity to other developed campgrounds like Arrowhead Campground means that services like RV hookups and RV disposal are available within a short driving distance, providing a convenient option for those who need to utilize these facilities during their stay.

For inquiries regarding Art Lilley Campground or information about the Uwharrie National Forest and its OHV trails, please note that direct contact information for the campground itself is typically managed through the U.S. Forest Service. However, for general information, you can reach out to the National Forests in North Carolina. Specific information about OHV passes and local services may also be available through nearby vendors.

Address: North Carolina 27371, USA (located within Uwharrie National Forest)

For general Uwharrie National Forest inquiries, contact the U.S. Forest Service office or check their official website.

For OHV pass information and local supplies, you may contact:

Eldorado Outpost: (910) 572-3474 (provides gasoline, diesel, convenience store items, and OHV annual passes)

For RV hookups/disposal (off-site): Arrowhead Campground (managed by U.S. Forest Service): (910) 576-6391 (check for specific operating hours and availability).

For North Carolina locals, Art Lilley Campground is an invaluable resource, especially for those in the central part of the state. It offers an unparalleled gateway to the rugged beauty and recreational opportunities of the Uwharrie National Forest. For residents who own off-highway vehicles, the direct trail access from the campground is a game-changer, eliminating logistical hurdles and maximizing time spent on the trails. This makes it an ideal weekend getaway or a regular destination for adrenaline-pumping adventures. Beyond OHV riding, its free, first-come, first-served primitive camping nature appeals to locals seeking an authentic and budget-friendly outdoor experience. It's a place where you can escape the city's confines, pitch a tent or park your RV, and truly immerse yourself in the natural sounds and sights of the forest, without the need for reservations months in advance. The provision of basic amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while primitive, ensures a functional and comfortable stay for those who appreciate simplicity. For families in North Carolina looking for an adventurous yet accessible outdoor experience, or individuals seeking solitude and connection with nature, Art Lilley Campground offers a unique and authentic slice of the state's wilderness, right in their backyard.

Art Lilley Campground

North Carolina 27371, USA