Art Lilley Campground

For North Carolina residents who thrive on adrenaline and the roar of an engine in the wilderness, Art Lilley Campground in Troy, NC, is not just a place to stay; it's the very heart of the Uwharrie National Forest's Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trail system. This campground is renowned as the primary staging area and a central hub for enthusiasts of dirt bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides, Jeeps, and other off-road vehicles. It provides direct access to miles of challenging and diverse trails that wind through the rugged beauty of the Uwharrie mountains.

Unlike many traditional campgrounds focused on quiet retreats, Art Lilley Campground caters specifically to the OHV community, offering a raw, authentic experience where the trails begin and end right at your campsite. This article will provide North Carolina locals with a detailed look at what makes Art Lilley Campground the go-to destination for off-road adventures, highlighting its unique services, key features, and why it's the perfect basecamp for exploring the exhilarating Uwharrie National Forest. Get ready to experience the wild side of North Carolina, where every ride promises new challenges and unforgettable memories.

Art Lilley Campground is strategically located at 598 Wolf Den Rd, Troy, NC 27371, USA. This address places it directly within the Uwharrie National Forest, specifically at a key access point to the vast OHV trail system. Its position ensures immediate entry to the trails, a major advantage for off-road enthusiasts.

For North Carolina residents, reaching Troy and subsequently Art Lilley Campground is generally straightforward. From major cities such as Charlotte, the drive typically takes about an hour and a half. Raleigh is approximately a two-hour drive, while Greensboro is around an hour and fifteen minutes away. The journey to the campground brings you deep into the heart of the Uwharrie National Forest, a region known for its ancient mountains and dense forests. While the primary access roads are well-maintained, be aware that getting into the specific campground area, especially if you're hauling vehicles, might involve unpaved sections within the forest. The direct trail access from the campground eliminates the need to transport your OHVs long distances once you arrive, making it exceptionally convenient for a full day of riding.

Art Lilley Campground offers a more primitive camping experience, tailored specifically for the OHV community. Its services reflect this focus on direct trail access and basic necessities for rugged outdoor adventure.

• Primitive Camping: The campground primarily offers primitive, dispersed camping. It's an open field concept, allowing for flexible setup.
• No Hookups: Importantly, there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available directly at the campsites. Campers must be self-sufficient regarding these utilities.
• Vault Toilet: The primary amenity on-site is a vault toilet, providing basic restroom facilities.
• Unloading Ramps: The campground is equipped with ramps to assist with unloading ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles.
• Trash Cans: Garbage cans are available for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean.
• RV and Camper Allowed: While primitive, RVs and campers are permitted in the area, although without hookups.
• Wi-Fi: While reviews indicate Wi-Fi might be available, its quality is noted as potentially "good," offering a chance for connectivity in a remote setting.
• Seasonal Access: The OHV trail system, which Art Lilley Campground provides access to, is subject to seasonal closure during winter months (typically December 15th to April 1st) to prevent erosion.
• Trail Passes Required: All vehicles using the OHV trails must have a valid trail pass, which needs to be purchased prior to arrival as there is no self-service pay station on-site.

The features and highlights of Art Lilley Campground are almost exclusively centered around its unparalleled access to the Uwharrie National Forest's renowned OHV trail system.

• Direct OHV Trail Access: This is the standout feature. The campground serves as the direct entry and exit point for the extensive network of OHV trails, making it ideal for continuous riding.
• Diverse Trail System: The Uwharrie OHV trails offer a variety of topography and scenery, including "steep and chunky climbs, deep ruts, seasonal mud pits, and a few shallow stream crossings." This provides different challenges for various skill levels and vehicle types.
• Suitable for Multiple Vehicle Types: Whether you ride dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, or drive Jeeps and 4x4 trucks, the trails are designed to accommodate a wide range of off-road vehicles.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who enjoy a more rustic and less developed camping environment, Art Lilley offers an authentic primitive experience within the national forest.
• Proximity to Other Campgrounds: While Art Lilley itself is primitive, other developed campgrounds with amenities like showers and dump stations are located nearby (e.g., Arrowhead Campground, Badin Lake Campground), offering options for those who need more services.
• "Endless Miles" of Riding: Reviews highlight the vastness of the trail system, allowing for extended periods of exploration.
• Opportunity for Wildlife Spotting: Being within a national forest, there's potential to observe local wildlife, although some reviews jokingly mention keeping an eye out for "Bigfoot."
• Community of Off-Roaders: The campground attracts a like-minded community of off-road enthusiasts, fostering a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

For inquiries regarding Art Lilley Campground and particularly the Uwharrie OHV trails, contact with the U.S. Forest Service or local vendors is recommended.

Address: 598 Wolf Den Rd, Troy, NC 27371, USA

While a direct phone number specifically for "Art Lilley Campground" is not commonly listed, it falls under the purview of the Uwharrie Ranger District of the National Forests in North Carolina. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on trail conditions, passes, and campground regulations, it is best to contact them directly or associated vendors.

Uwharrie Ranger District Office:

Address: 789 Biscoe Road, Troy, NC 27371

Phone: (910) 576-6391

It is crucial to note that OHV trail passes are required and must be purchased from authorized vendors (like Eldorado Outpost) or the Uwharrie National Forest District Office *before* arriving, as there is no on-site pay station at the campground.

Art Lilley Campground is an ideal destination for North Carolina locals who are passionate about off-roading and seeking a raw, immersive outdoor experience. Its unparalleled direct access to the Uwharrie National Forest's extensive and challenging OHV trail system makes it the premier basecamp for dirt bikes, ATVs, Jeeps, and other 4x4 vehicles. For those who value the thrill of the ride and the camaraderie of fellow off-road enthusiasts above luxury amenities, this campground delivers.

While it's a primitive campground with limited services, its strengths lie in its location—literally where the trails begin and end. This means less time on the road shuttling vehicles and more time exploring the diverse topography of the Uwharrie. The seasonal closure of the trails ensures their sustainability, and the requirement for trail passes helps maintain the unique environment. For North Carolinians ready to tackle rugged terrain and embrace a true wilderness adventure with their off-road vehicles, Art Lilley Campground offers an authentic and unforgettable experience right in our own backyard.

Learn more about camping in the Uwharrie National Forest by watching (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWF0WUijsuQ).

Art Lilley Campground

598 Wolf Den Rd, Troy, NC 27371, USA