Yates Place Campground

For North Carolina locals craving a genuine escape into the tranquility of nature, Yates Place Campground in Troy, NC, offers a truly unique and refreshing experience. Nestled within the expansive Uwharrie National Forest, this campground is a haven for those who appreciate primitive camping, direct access to exceptional hiking trails, and the peace and quiet of the woods. It's a no-frills, first-come, first-served site that allows you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that our state has to offer.

Yates Place Campground stands out precisely because of its simplicity and its deep integration with the Uwharrie National Forest. Unlike larger, more developed campgrounds, Yates Place emphasizes a rustic experience, making it perfect for tent campers, hikers, and those with self-sufficient setups. It’s an ideal spot for North Carolinians who prefer to spend their time exploring trails and enjoying the sounds of nature rather than being surrounded by numerous amenities. The reviews consistently highlight its "nice, quiet" atmosphere, confirming its suitability for a serene outdoor retreat.

What makes this campground particularly appealing to our local community is its direct connection to the Uwharrie Trail, a renowned 20-mile National Recreation hiking trail. This makes Yates Place an excellent base camp or staging area for day hikes or longer backpacking adventures. Imagine waking up, stepping out of your tent, and immediately being on a trail that leads you through some of North Carolina's most ancient and beautiful mountain landscapes. This direct access to extensive trail systems is a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts across the state.

Furthermore, the fact that Yates Place Campground operates on a "no fee" and "first come, first serve" basis adds to its charm and accessibility for locals. It means you can plan a spontaneous trip without the hassle of reservations or the burden of camping fees, making outdoor adventures more attainable for everyone. While it requires campers to be self-reliant, the rewards of peaceful surroundings and immediate trail access make it a cherished spot for many North Carolina nature lovers.

Location and Accessibility

Yates Place Campground is situated at 815 Dusty Level Rd, Troy, NC 27371, USA. This address places it squarely within the Uwharrie National Forest, a significant natural resource located in the central Piedmont region of North Carolina. For North Carolina residents, Troy offers a gateway to this ancient mountain range, providing a relatively accessible wilderness experience.

To reach Yates Place Campground, visitors typically approach from Highway 109, west of Troy. From there, specific directions often involve turning onto SR 1147 (Correlle Road) and then right onto SR 1146 (Dusty Level Road). The campground is located on Dusty Level Road. While it feels secluded once you arrive, the drive is generally straightforward on paved and gravel roads, making it manageable for most vehicles.

A crucial aspect of Yates Place's location is its immediate proximity to the Uwharrie Trail. The campground serves as a direct access point for this extensive hiking system, which is a major draw for hikers and backpackers. The ability to park and then immediately hit the trails for an hour or a full day's journey, as mentioned in customer reviews, underscores this convenient access.

Because it's within a National Forest, the surrounding area is primarily undeveloped, ensuring a true natural setting. While amenities are minimal at the campground itself, the town of Troy is a short drive away, offering options for gas, groceries, and other supplies before heading into the forest. This balance of being immersed in nature while having essential services within reasonable reach makes Yates Place an appealing and practical destination for North Carolina locals seeking a genuine outdoor adventure.

Services Offered

• Tent Camping: Yates Place is primarily designed for tent camping, serving as an attractive destination for those who prefer this traditional style of outdoor accommodation.

• Vault Toilet: A vault toilet is available on-site, which is consistently noted in reviews for being "open and clean," indicating regular maintenance by forest service personnel.

• Picnic Tables: Individual campsites are equipped with picnic tables, providing a convenient surface for cooking, eating, or preparing gear.

• Grills: Grills (likely charcoal or basic metal grates over a fire pit) are available at the campsites for cooking purposes.

• No Drinking Water: It is explicitly stated that there is "No Drinking Water" available at the campground. Campers must bring all their own potable water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.

• No Reservations Needed: The campground operates on a "first come, first serve" basis, meaning no prior reservations are required. This allows for spontaneous trips.

• No Fee: There is no fee to camp at Yates Place Campground, making it a budget-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Year-Round Open Season: The campground is open all year round, allowing for camping in various seasons, from chilly winter treks to warmer summer excursions.

• Designated Parking Area: While it's a primitive site, there's a main camp area where vehicles can be parked, often allowing easy access to the campsites nearby.

Features / Highlights

• Direct Uwharrie Trail Access: The most significant highlight is its direct adjacency to the Uwharrie Trail, a 20-mile National Recreation hiking trail. This makes it an ideal base for day hikes, backpacking trips, and a popular spot for hiking groups.

• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently describe Yates Place as a "nice, quiet campground" and appreciate the "peace and quiet of the woods," making it perfect for a tranquil escape.

• "No Fee" Camping: The absence of camping fees makes it an incredibly accessible and budget-friendly option for North Carolina residents looking for outdoor recreation.

• First-Come, First-Served: This policy allows for spontaneous camping trips without the need for advance reservations, offering flexibility for outdoor plans.

• Clean Vault Toilet: Despite being a primitive site with limited amenities, the vault toilet is noted for being "clean" and "open," which is a crucial highlight for a comfortable primitive camping experience.

• Immersive Nature Experience: Being located within the Uwharrie National Forest, the campground provides a deep immersion in natural surroundings, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and experiencing the untouched beauty of the forest.

• Popular with Hunters and Hiking Groups: Its utility as a base camp for deer hunters and hiking groups underscores its practical and strategic value for outdoor activities in the region.

• Year-Round Accessibility: Being open all year allows campers to experience the Uwharrie National Forest in all seasons, from fall foliage to winter solitude.

Contact Information

Address: 815 Dusty Level Rd, Troy, NC 27371, USA

As a campground within the Uwharrie National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, direct phone numbers for Yates Place Campground specifically are not typically provided. For general inquiries about the Uwharrie National Forest, including regulations, trail conditions, or specific questions about Yates Place, locals can contact the Uwharrie National Forest office. Their contact information can typically be found on the National Forests in North Carolina website or by searching for "Uwharrie National Forest Ranger District."

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For North Carolina locals seeking an authentic, peaceful, and accessible outdoor experience, Yates Place Campground in Troy is an exceptionally suitable destination. It offers a genuine primitive camping environment within the Uwharrie National Forest, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature without significant financial or logistical barriers.

Firstly, its "no fee" and "first come, first serve" policy makes it incredibly accessible for spontaneous trips. North Carolinians can decide on a whim to escape the city or suburban bustle, pack their gear, and head to Yates Place without the stress of booking months in advance or paying reservation fees. This flexibility is a huge advantage for families and individuals looking for affordable and immediate outdoor recreation within our state.

Secondly, the direct access to the Uwharrie Trail is a major draw for hiking enthusiasts. For locals, this means having a vast network of trails right at their doorstep, offering opportunities for everything from short, refreshing walks to challenging multi-day treks. It serves as a perfect base camp for exploring the Uwharrie Mountains, an ancient and ecologically rich part of North Carolina, allowing residents to fully immerse themselves in our state's natural heritage.

Moreover, the emphasis on a quiet, primitive camping experience appeals to those who truly want to unplug. In a world of increasing connectivity, Yates Place offers a rare chance to enjoy the "peace and quiet of the woods," where the sounds of nature replace the distractions of modern life. The availability of clean vault toilets and basic amenities like picnic tables and grills, while minimal, ensures a comfortable enough stay for self-reliant campers, demonstrating a practical approach to wilderness access.

Finally, as part of the Uwharrie National Forest, Yates Place offers a setting rich in natural beauty and opportunities for wildlife viewing and hunting. It’s a place where locals can truly appreciate the untamed side of North Carolina, fostering a deeper connection to our state's environment. For North Carolinians who value simplicity, quietude, and direct access to expansive hiking, Yates Place Campground is an ideal and highly recommended choice for a memorable outdoor adventure.