Art Lilley Campground

For North Carolina residents who crave a truly immersive outdoor experience, particularly those passionate about off-highway vehicle (OHV) adventures, hiking, or simply primitive camping within a vast national forest, Art Lilley Campground offers a unique and authentic escape. Nestled within the Uwharrie National Forest near Badin, NC, this campground isn't about luxury amenities or resort-style comforts. Instead, it’s a straightforward, no-frills "base camp" designed for those who want to directly access the rugged beauty and extensive trail systems of the Uwharrie National Forest. It's a place where the focus is firmly on connecting with nature and engaging in thrilling outdoor activities, making it a distinctive choice for adventurous locals.

Art Lilley Campground is known as an "open field" type of campground, primarily catering to OHV groups and those looking for a simple, accessible spot to set up camp. It's an environment that encourages getting out and exploring, rather than staying confined to a campsite. The appeal lies in its direct proximity to the Uwharrie OHV trail system, which offers varied topography and scenery for dirt bikes, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles. For North Carolinians who own such vehicles, this campground provides an invaluable starting point for countless hours of trail riding.

Reviews from visitors reinforce the campground's primary function and rustic nature. One reviewer described it as an "open field" used for "OHV groups" with "ramps to unload your four wheelers. There are no amenities just an open field." Another noted, "Gr8 primitive camping. Voted bathroom long bumpy dirt roads. Other camp ground near by with dump an showers fee 3 bucks for showers unsure on dump fee. Ovh area so can get some dust an noisy atv utv an trail rigs. Seen stock jeeps an full size trucks go threw trails 5 dollars a day to ride or 30 for season have to get permit before coming in." This honest feedback confirms the campground's minimalist approach to amenities while highlighting its superb location for motorized trail access.

Despite the lack of extensive facilities, the beauty of the Uwharrie National Forest itself is a major draw. Visitors can expect forested terrain, the presence of the Uwharrie River, and the nearby Badin Lake, offering additional opportunities for fishing and boating. While the campground itself is primitive, its surroundings provide a rich natural playground. For North Carolina outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize trail access and a back-to-basics camping experience, Art Lilley Campground delivers precisely what’s needed: a functional, free camping spot right at the doorstep of adventure.

It's important to understand that while RVs and campers are allowed, there are no hookups for water or electricity on-site. The primary restroom facility is a vault toilet. This means campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient experience. The appeal of Art Lilley lies in its raw, unspoiled connection to the Uwharrie National Forest's trail system and its cost-free camping, which is a significant advantage for those looking for an economical outdoor adventure within North Carolina.

Art Lilley Campground is located within the Uwharrie National Forest, with an address in North Carolina 27371, which corresponds to the Badin/Troy area. This placement is ideal for North Carolina residents who are looking to immerse themselves in the central North Carolina Piedmont region's unique natural landscape.

The campground is specifically situated near the Badin Lake Recreation Area and the extensive Uwharrie OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) trail complex. While a precise street address for GPS might sometimes be challenging for primitive Forest Service campgrounds, its designation within the Uwharrie National Forest pinpoints its location effectively for those familiar with the area or using detailed forest maps. It can be found via a drive-in access, and visitors typically park in an open lot, then walk to their site, though RVs and campers can stay in the open area.

For North Carolina locals, its accessibility stems from its integration into the national forest system, which is generally well-signed. It's about an hour's drive from major cities like Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro, making it a feasible destination for a day trip or a weekend camping excursion without requiring extensive travel across the state. The surrounding area of Badin Lake offers additional recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and general relaxation by the water, complementing the primary activities available directly from the campground.

It's important to note that the OHV trail system associated with Art Lilley Campground has seasonal closures, typically from December 15th to April 1st, to prevent soil erosion. Visitors should also be aware that while the campground itself is free to use, a daily or seasonal trail pass is required for all vehicles on the OHV trails. Access roads may be dirt roads, and while generally manageable, some areas of the Uwharrie National Forest are best navigated with vehicles that have good ground clearance, especially after rain.

• Primitive/Dispersed Camping: Camping is allowed in this area, typically in an open field setting.
• RV and Camper Accommodation: RVs and campers are permitted, but without hookups.
• Vault Toilet: The only provided amenity is a basic vault toilet for restrooms.
• OHV Trail Access: Direct access to the Uwharrie National Forest's Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trail system for dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and other trail rigs.
• Loading Ramps: Available for unloading off-highway vehicles.
• Trail Passes: Daily ($5) or seasonal ($30) trail passes are required for OHV use on the trails.
• Hiking Trail Access: Proximity to hiking trails within the Uwharrie National Forest.
• Nearby Fishing and Boating: Close to the Uwharrie River and Badin Lake, offering opportunities for water activities.
• Free Camping: There is no fee to camp directly at Art Lilley Campground itself.

• Primary Hub for OHV Enthusiasts: Its main highlight is the direct and free access to the extensive Uwharrie National Forest OHV trail system, making it a prime destination for off-road vehicle users.
• Primitive Camping Experience: Offers a true back-to-basics camping environment with minimal amenities, appealing to those seeking a raw outdoor adventure.
• Free Camping: One of the few campgrounds in the area where camping is entirely free, appealing to budget-conscious campers.
• Scenic Forested Terrain: Located within the beautiful Uwharrie National Forest, providing a natural backdrop for outdoor activities.
• Accessibility for Various Vehicles: Accommodates both tents and RVs (though without hookups), and offers ramps for off-roading vehicles.
• Proximity to Badin Lake: Close access to the lake for additional recreational activities like fishing and boating.
• Seasonal OHV Trail System: The trails are generally open from April 1st to December 15th, offering a long season for motorized recreation.
• "Street Legal" Vehicle Access: Trails also accommodate street-legal vehicles that meet licensing and registration requirements, widening the range of users.
• Quiet Evenings (relatively): While it can be noisy during the day with OHV traffic, some areas might offer quieter camping spots.

Address: Located within Uwharrie National Forest, NC 27371, USA (Specific address for GPS might be general to the forest area, look for signage to Art Lilley Campground once in the Uwharrie National Forest near Badin Lake Recreation Area.)

Phone: As a U.S. Forest Service primitive campground, there typically isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. For information, contact the Uwharrie National Forest Ranger District Office. (General Forest Service numbers are not specific to this campground, so checking the Uwharrie National Forest website for contact details is recommended).

Website: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including OHV trail statuses, passes, and forest regulations, refer to the official U.S. Forest Service website for Uwharrie National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc (navigate to Uwharrie National Forest and then to recreation/camping).

Given its primitive nature, campers should plan to be self-sufficient and prepared for limited services. Always check forest service alerts before visiting, especially concerning trail closures or fire bans.

For North Carolina residents, Art Lilley Campground offers a distinctive and highly suitable option for a local outdoor adventure, particularly for those who embrace the more rugged side of camping and motorized recreation. Its primary appeal lies in its direct, free access to the expansive and challenging OHV trail system within the Uwharrie National Forest. This makes it an unparalleled base for dirt bike, ATV, and other off-road vehicle enthusiasts across the state, providing a unique playground right in their backyard without the need for extensive travel.

The primitive nature of the campground, with no hookups for water or electricity and only a vault toilet, caters to a specific type of camper: those who are self-sufficient, enjoy a back-to-basics approach, and prioritize proximity to trails over modern amenities. This "roughing it" style of camping can be incredibly appealing for locals looking to genuinely disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural environment of the Uwharries.

Furthermore, while the campground itself is free, the requirement for OHV trail passes helps fund the maintenance of the very trails that draw visitors, ensuring their continued availability. The surrounding Uwharrie National Forest provides additional opportunities for non-motorized recreation, including extensive hiking trails and the nearby Badin Lake for fishing and boating, diversifying the recreational appeal for various family members or groups.

In essence, Art Lilley Campground is not for everyone, but for the adventurous North Carolinian, it represents an ideal combination of accessibility, affordability, and direct access to thrilling outdoor activities. It's a testament to the diverse recreational opportunities available within our state, offering a robust and authentic outdoor experience for those ready to embrace it. For the local OHV enthusiast or the primitive camping purist, Art Lilley Campground is an excellent and highly recommended destination for an impactful and exciting escape.