Arrowhead Campground
4.04282 reviewsUWHARRIE FOREST 789 HWY 24/27
Arrowhead Campground
$20.00 - $54.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$27.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Displayed rates include $27 per night for Standard Electric sites, $54 per night for Double Sites, $20 per night for Standard Nonelectric sites, and $40 per night for Double Nonelectric sites. Senior Access Pass holders receive discounts only on single site fees, not on double sites or electrical surcharges.
About this campground
Nestled within the ancient Uwharrie National Forest, Arrowhead Campground serves as your gateway to endless adventure in the heart of North Carolina's outdoor playground. Whether you're seeking the thrill of off-road trails, the serenity of forest paths, or the gentle lapping of Badin Lake's waters, this year-round haven welcomes both RV enthusiasts and tent campers to discover their perfect outdoor escape. From dawn fishing expeditions to sunset horseback rides, every day brings new possibilities for exploration and connection with nature.
Arrowhead Campground caters to various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and tent-only electrical sites.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Carolina seasons at Arrowhead, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter brings crisp mornings in the low 30s warming to comfortable afternoons in the upper 50s—perfect for cozy campfires and quiet forest walks. As summer arrives, the forest comes alive with temperatures climbing into the balmy 80s and 90s, inviting you to seek refuge in the cool waters of Badin Lake. Yet it's during spring and fall when Arrowhead truly shines, offering idyllic days in the 60s and 70s that beckon you to explore every trail and shoreline.
ElevationResting gently in the rolling terrain near Badin Lake's expansive shoreline, Arrowhead Campground offers the perfect low-lying respite where forest meets water, creating an accessible outdoor sanctuary for adventurers of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of towering pines, stately oaks, and graceful hickories that create a natural canopy above your campsite. This dense forest sanctuary opens dramatically to reveal the sparkling expanse of 5,000-acre Badin Lake, where morning mist dances across the water and evening light transforms the surface into liquid gold. Watch as autumn sets the hardwoods ablaze with crimson and amber, while spring awakens the forest floor with delicate wildflowers and verdant new growth—each season offering its own spectacular showcase of nature's artistry.
Geological RegionArrowhead Campground claims its place within the storied Uwharrie National Forest, one of America's oldest mountain ranges worn smooth by millions of years of wind and weather. Here, ancient pines, oaks, and hickories sink their roots deep into soil that tells the story of geological ages, while the campground's prime location near the shores of the magnificent 5,000-acre Badin Lake offers a stunning contrast between the timeless forest and the shimmering waters that have become a beloved destination for generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available. Electrical hookups are offered at some sites, and paved paths exist within and around the campground.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating up to large tents and RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some sites are described as wooded and secluded (e.g., 'Site 23 was good for room and seclusion'), while others are reported to be close to neighbors.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites 23 and 40 for privacy and proximity to trails. Sites 12, 39, and 43 offer easy access to the bathhouse.
Best CampsitesSites close to the bathhouse (like 12, 39, and 43) and those offering privacy (such as 23 and 40) are highlighted in user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits per site are not explicitly stated.
Groups
Group camping sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOrganized into one large loop for RVs and tents, with a smaller tent-only loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites 20 and 31 are always non-reservable and available for first-come, first-served campers.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before the scheduled check-in date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, such as forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Arrowhead Campground offers an array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The 5,000-acre Badin Lake is a central attraction.
Hiking
The site features around 40 miles of non-motorized trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Additionally, there are 17 miles of motorized trails for off-road vehicles. Reviews reveal some trails are poorly maintained: 'The hiking trails were a blast and the people we encountered were all friendly,' versus 'There was one trail in the camping area that was literally a stream of running water.'Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at Badin Lake. One user shared, 'Saw a bald eagle, ospreys, and caught tons of bream.'Biking
Mountain biking trails are available, and users describe paved paths within the campground suitable for casual biking. 'Great campground for bike riding,' noted one review.Boating
Boating is supported with access to Badin Lake. However, the boat dock is reportedly in disrepair: 'The boat launch dock is in need of repair. All of the boat tie-offs are broken or in rotted wood.'Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife sightings include deer, squirrels, bald eagles, and other birds. One user review stated, 'Many birds, wildflowers, and I even spotted a few non-venomous snakes.'Winter Activities
Winter activities, such as hiking and camping, are available, but no specific winter sports are mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking and other water activities are popular at Badin Lake. User reviews suggest bringing kayaks for an enhanced experience.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within fire rings. Fire pit maintenance is often neglected, according to user reviews.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsChallenges due to muddy and unstable red clay roads during rainy weather, as noted by users.
Active alertsOccasional prescribed burns near the recreation area may lead to smoky conditions.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Uwharrie National Forest Ranger District Office (Phone: 910-576-6391, located nearby); hospitals and other emergency services are in Troy (~10 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31 (annual peak season).
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, although user reviews often note issues with overflow on busy weekends. One comment stated, 'The trash areas are overwhelmed by Sunday morning.' Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Badin Lake with access to boating, fishing, and swimming.
Common complaintsNoise from off-road vehicles, inconsistent bathroom cleanliness, lack of hot water, and overbearing campground hosts are frequent complaints.
HostReviews describe mixed impressions of the hosts. Some found them helpful, while others reported issues with overbearing attitudes and lack of site maintenance.
Campground Map
UWHARRIE FOREST 789 HWY 24/27
Driving directionsFrom Troy, North Carolina, take State Highway 109 north for approximately 10 miles. Turn left onto Mullinix Road (County Highway 1154), and travel approximately 1.5 miles to a stop sign and "T" intersection. Turn right, and go approximately 2 miles to another stop sign and "T" intersection. Turn left and travel about 2 miles, following the signs to the campground.
Roads leading to the campground include some unpaved sections. Several user reviews highlight challenges with rough red clay roads and potholes during rainy conditions. For example, "When red clay is wet, it is very unstable and hard to control," and "Large holes tried to swallow us up."Nearby places
Troy, North Carolina (~10 miles, ~15 minutes)
Denton, North Carolina (~20 miles, ~25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Troy (~10 miles away). Some user reviews suggest bringing essentials due to limited nearby options.
Camper Reviews
4.0
282 reviews
Arrowhead Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Arrowhead Campground are highly polarized, ranging from extreme dissatisfaction to glowing praise. Common themes include issues with cleanliness, host behavior, and facility maintenance, alongside positive mentions of the natural surroundings and access to recreational activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 282 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes well-maintained trails, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to Badin Lake. One user shared, 'The campground was cleaner than usual. The Ranger was patrolling more often...
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Common Concerns
Complaints are frequent and include dirty restrooms, inconsistent enforcement of rules, overflowing trash bins, poor host conduct, and lack of maintenance. For instance, one review noted, 'Bathrooms...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing cleaning supplies, bottled water, and tools for site preparation. One user advised, 'Bring a blower and a shovel. The fire pits are not well taken care of, overflowing and...
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Seasonal Insights
Winter camping reviews are often positive, citing quiet and peaceful conditions. Summer reviews highlight overcrowding and noisy off-road vehicle activity. Fall is recommended for pleasant...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'The lake isn’t far, maybe a five-ten minute walk or a 2-minute drive. Had a lot of fun!' 2. 'I love how primitive this campground is. I do wish they had water hookup but we stay near the...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 23 was praised for its room and seclusion, while Site 35 was criticized for its slope and dead trees blocking entry. Sites in the Upper Loop are noted for proximity to the restrooms and paved...
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Accessibility Features
One user highlighted the paved paths around the campground and clean bathrooms as accessible features, stating, 'As a person with a disability, this was the most disabled-friendly campground I might...
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Pet-Friendly Features
Mixed reviews from pet owners. While some appreciated the pet-friendly environment, others noted issues with barking dogs disturbing the peace. 'Dog-friendly but very noisy,' remarked one user.
Based on 282 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025