Uwharrie Hunt Camp

Hello, North Carolinians! Are you yearning for an authentic outdoor experience, immersed in nature, where adventure and tranquility meet? Look no further than Uwharrie Hunt Camp, nestled within the ancient and beautiful Uwharrie National Forest right here in North Carolina. This campground offers a quintessential rustic camping experience, particularly appealing to those who appreciate simplicity, affordability, and direct access to vast wilderness opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a passionate hiker, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Uwharrie Hunt Camp provides a welcoming base for your next outdoor adventure in our state.

Uwharrie Hunt Camp is designed primarily for tent camping, featuring eight individual sites that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, making it ideal for spontaneous trips. Each site is equipped with essential amenities like a picnic table, grill, lantern post, and a tent pad, ensuring a comfortable basic setup. What truly defines this camp is its integration within the Uwharrie National Forest, a sprawling 50,000-acre landscape renowned for its outdoor activities. While the name "Hunt Camp" suggests a focus, it's truly a versatile spot for all outdoor enthusiasts. Recent renovations in 2025 have even improved accessibility from the parking area to the campsites, enhancing the user experience for everyone.

For us North Carolinians, Uwharrie Hunt Camp represents an accessible gateway to one of our state's most unique natural treasures. It offers an opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature without breaking the bank. With a low nightly fee and a commitment to providing fundamental necessities, it emphasizes the raw beauty of camping. This introduction aims to highlight why Uwharrie Hunt Camp is a valuable resource for locals looking to explore the natural wonders and recreational opportunities of the Uwharrie National Forest.

Uwharrie Hunt Camp is located within the Uwharrie National Forest, accessible from North Carolina 27371, USA. More specifically, it's situated at the intersection of Forest Road 576 and Reservation Road. This location places it in Montgomery County, in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, known for its rolling hills, diverse forests, and the ancient Uwharrie Mountains. For us North Carolinians, this area is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering a sense of wilderness while remaining within a reasonable driving distance from many of the state's population centers.

Accessibility to Uwharrie Hunt Camp has recently seen significant improvements. As of March 2025, the Uwharrie National Forest completed renovations to the Uwharrie Hunt Camp parking lot and campground. These upgrades include enhanced accessibility features like two pedestrian footbridges, a concrete accessibility ramp with handrail, and two stairways providing direct access from the parking area to the campground. A small area at the entrance to the Badin Lake Recreation Area adjacent to the parking lot was also paved, creating a smoother surface. Campers are required to park in the designated lot and walk to their individual tent campsites. The campground is reached via Forest Service roads, which are generally well-maintained. From Troy, NC, you would take Highway 109 North and then turn left onto SR 1153, with Uwharrie Hunt Camp being on the right.

While the campground offers a rustic experience, its location within the Uwharrie National Forest provides easy access to a vast array of outdoor activities. Opportunities for hiking on extensive trail networks (including the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail), boating and fishing in nearby Badin Lake, swimming, hunting during designated seasons, and using the extensive OHV trail system (Badin Lake OHV Trails) are all available within a short drive. Nearby communities like Uwharrie and Eldorado offer country stores for basic supplies, and for more extensive provisions, larger towns like Troy are easily accessible. The balance of being deeply embedded in nature yet having improved accessibility and nearby basic conveniences makes Uwharrie Hunt Camp a highly practical and appealing destination for North Carolinians looking for an immersive outdoor experience.

• Eight designated tent camping sites, each equipped with:
  • A picnic table
  • A grill
  • Lantern posts
  • A tent pad
• Two vault toilets (outhouses) provided within the campground.
• Two drinking water spigots available for potable water (the campground is now connected to the municipal water supply for reliability).
• Trash cans for waste disposal.
• First-come, first-serve site availability (no reservations needed).
• Fee payment system via fee envelopes at the fee station and tube ($5 per night, discounts available for Senior and Access Interagency Pass holders).
• Designated parking lot, with walk-in access to campsites.
• Open year-round for continuous camping opportunities.

• Affordable Camping: With sites costing just $5 per night, Uwharrie Hunt Camp offers an incredibly budget-friendly option for experiencing the Uwharrie National Forest.
• First-Come, First-Serve Access: This allows for spontaneous camping trips without the need for advance reservations, offering flexibility for North Carolinians seeking a quick getaway.
• Direct Forest Access: Situated directly within the Uwharrie National Forest, the camp provides immediate access to a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, and OHV trail use.
• Improved Accessibility (2025 Renovations): Recent upgrades including pedestrian bridges, a concrete ramp, and stairs have significantly enhanced access from the parking area to the campsites, making it more user-friendly.
• Reliable Water Source: The campground is now connected to the municipal water supply, ensuring a safe and reliable source of drinking water.
• Basic but Essential Amenities: Each site includes a picnic table, grill, and lantern post, providing the fundamental comforts for a rustic camping experience.
• Rustic, Authentic Experience: Ideal for campers who prefer a more natural, less developed setting, focusing on outdoor activities rather than extensive campground facilities.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open all year, allowing for camping across different seasons and hunting periods.
• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation Hubs: Close to Badin Lake Recreation Area and various trailheads, offering diverse options for adventure.

For more information about Uwharrie Hunt Camp and the surrounding Uwharrie National Forest, please use the following contact details:

Address: North Carolina 27371, USA (located at the intersection of Forest Road 576 and Reservation Road, near Troy)

While a specific phone number for Uwharrie Hunt Camp itself is not typically provided as it's a first-come, first-serve site, general inquiries for the Uwharrie National Forest can be directed to the Uwharrie Ranger District office:

Uwharrie Ranger District Office Phone: (910) 576-6391

You can also visit the official USDA Forest Service website for the Uwharrie National Forest and Uwharrie Hunt Camp for the most up-to-date information on operating hours, fees, and any alerts or regulations. Given it's a first-come, first-serve site, direct contact with the Ranger District can provide current conditions or advice, especially during peak seasons.

For us North Carolinians who cherish our state's natural beauty and diverse outdoor opportunities, Uwharrie Hunt Camp offers an exceptionally suitable and accessible camping destination. Its combination of affordability, rustic charm, and direct access to the vast Uwharrie National Forest makes it a prime choice for a local escape into nature.

The core appeal for locals lies in its genuine, no-frills camping experience. At just $5 a night and operating on a first-come, first-serve basis, it’s perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or longer, budget-friendly excursions without the hassle of reservations. This flexibility is a huge benefit for those of us who appreciate the freedom to explore our state's wild spaces on our own terms. The recent accessibility improvements also mean it's easier than ever to get settled into your campsite, ensuring a smoother start to your outdoor adventure.

Furthermore, its location within the Uwharrie National Forest is a major draw. As North Carolinians, we have this incredible natural playground right in our backyard. Uwharrie Hunt Camp serves as an ideal base for immersing ourselves in activities like hunting during specific seasons, exploring miles of hiking trails, enjoying water sports on nearby Badin Lake, or navigating the thrilling OHV trails. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural environment, observe wildlife, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a campfire under the stars. For those seeking an authentic, affordable, and accessible wilderness experience right here in North Carolina, Uwharrie Hunt Camp stands out as a highly recommended and rewarding destination.

Uwharrie Hunt Camp

North Carolina 27371, USA