How much does camping cost at Badin Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Badin Lake Campground range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Badin Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Badin Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Badin Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Badin Lake Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Badin Lake Campground?

Badin Lake Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Badin Lake Campground?

Yes, Badin Lake Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Badin Lake Campground have?

Badin Lake Campground has 35 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Badin Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Badin Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Badin Lake Campground?

Badin Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Badin Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Badin Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Badin Lake Campground

4.25

654 reviews

429 BADIN LAKE REC AREA ROAD, TROY, NC 27371, USA

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Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

509 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Forests in North Carolina Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

509 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Forests in North Carolina Official Website

Get Directions

Badin Lake Campground

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $40.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

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429 BADIN LAKE REC AREA ROAD, TROY, NC 27371, USA

Badin Lake Campground

429 BADIN LAKE REC AREA ROAD, TROY, NC 27371, USA

Nearby places

Troy, NC (10 miles, ~20 minutes)

Weather at Badin Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Badin Lake Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures, stunning hardwood color on the hillsides around Badin Lake, and fewer bugs — ideal for hiking, paddling and shoreline fishing. Expect daytime highs typically in the 50s–70s and cool nights in the 40s–50s, which make campfires pleasant and sleeping comfortable. Trails and boat ramps are less crowded than summer weekends, though weekends can still see steady use from nearby Raleigh/Charlotte visitors. Peak months: October, April, May, November

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall is noted as best: comfortable temps, fewer bugs and vivid hardwood color around the lake.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Badin Lake Campground

Badin Lake Campground sits on the shoreline of Badin Lake in the Uwharrie National Forest, about 15 minutes from Troy. Run by the National Forests in North Carolina, this mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush toilets, showers, and potable water. Campers fish from the bank, launch boats, hike nearby trails, and swim in the lake. The campground operates seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit.

Badin Lake Campground offers primitive tent camping and RV sites without hookups. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned but some sites are spacious enough for multiple tents.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures, stunning hardwood color on the hillsides around Badin Lake, and fewer bugs — ideal for hiking, paddling and shoreline fishing. Expect daytime highs typically in the 50s–70s and cool nights in the 40s–50s, which make campfires pleasant and sleeping comfortable. Trails and boat ramps are less crowded than summer weekends, though weekends can still see steady use from nearby Raleigh/Charlotte visitors. Peak months: October, April, May, November

Elevation509 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling terrain at 509 feet elevation, where pine and hardwood forests meet Badin Lake's shoreline. Lower loop sites face the water directly. Upper sites sit back in denser tree cover. The lake itself spreads across 5,000 acres, surrounded by forested hills that turn vivid orange and red in fall. Gravel tent pads and fire rings mark most sites. Some lakeside spots get foot traffic from anglers and swimmers accessing the shore.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website and contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible parking, walkways, and campsites are available. Drinking water, flush toilets, and showers are noted as accessible.

Site SizeMost sites are spacious, accommodating up to two tents. Tent pads are gravel and may be challenging for stakes. Some sites accommodate RVs and trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy varies. Sites in the upper loop are noted for better separation, while lower loop sites by the lake offer scenic views but may have foot traffic. Some reviewers mention campsites being too close together.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #11 offers direct lake access and spectacular sunsets. Sites #30 and #13 are noted for privacy and shade. Users recommend avoiding inner loop sites for less noise and congestion.

Best CampsitesSites #9 and #11 get consistent praise for lake views and water access. Reviewers also recommend #13, #18, and #30 for scenery. Upper loop sites (#23–35) offer more separation if you value quiet over views.

Need help booking Badin Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No electricity, water or sewer site hookups at this facility.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Badin Lake Campground cater to a wide range of interests, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground is near a 5,000-acre lake with boating access and walking trails.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

654 reviews

Satisfactory

Badin Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight scenic views, water access, and a variety of activities. However, management issues and restroom cleanliness are recurring complaints. Experiences vary widely depending on the site, season, and neighbors.

Review Summaries

Based on 654 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 654 reviews.

Site #9Loved
Site #9: Spacious with direct lake access.
Site #30Loved
Site #30: Long driveway, great for large tents.
Site #11Mentioned
Site #11: Lakeside with stunning sunset views.
Site #14Mentioned
Site #14: Good access for kayaking.

What Campers Love

Beautiful lake views, fishing opportunities, spacious sites, friendly hosts, accessible trails, and clean facilities are noted. Many users recommend lakeside sites for sunset views.

Based on 654 reviews

Common Concerns

Poor restroom maintenance, loud campers, music from boats, dusty roads, and overcrowding are frequent issues. Management behavior was criticized in several reviews.

Based on 654 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring hand soap, tent stakes for gravel pads, and firewood. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Sites #9 and #11 receive high praise for views and lake access.

Based on 654 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Summer is hot and humid with high occupancy, while winter is quieter but colder.

Based on 654 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful sunsets and scenery. Super quiet spot.' - Dawn Wright 2. 'The view of the lake is phenomenal.' - Daniel Roig 3. 'The campsites along the lake have great views, and you can access the...

Based on 654 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible amenities were praised. However, one user criticized the lack of gender-neutral restroom options, considering the solo occupancy design.

Based on 654 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed but must be controlled. Some complaints about unleashed dogs and barking late at night.

Based on 654 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want lakefront sites with boat launch access and trails in a national forest setting.

Skip if

You need consistently clean facilities or guaranteed enforcement of quiet hours.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.3

(74)

Badin Lake Group Camp

KINGS MOUNTAIN POINT RD, TROY, NC 27371, USA

Badin Lake Group Camp sits in the National Forests in North Carolina near Troy, offering lakefront group camping with flush showers and seasonal operation during peak months. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the campground serves organized groups looking for swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking access on Badin Lake. Shaded sites provide privacy, and reviewers consistently praise clean facilities and well-maintained trails.

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

UWHARRIE FOREST 789 HWY 24/27

Arrowhead Campground sits on the shores of Badin Lake in Uwharrie National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station for both tent and RV campers, with direct lake access for swimming, boating, and fishing. Well-maintained trails wind through oak and hickory forest, and the campground serves as a base for exploring the surrounding Uwharrie backcountry.

$20.00 - $54.00 / night

616 McLeans Creek Road, Troy, NC 27371

Canebrake Horse Camp sits in Uwharrie National Forest near Troy, North Carolina, offering equestrian-focused camping with access to extensive riding trails. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground provides electric hookups, showers, and a dump station for both tent and RV campers who bring horses. Riders explore forest trails while other visitors enjoy hiking, biking, and nearby Badin Lake for boating and swimming.

$27.00 - $54.00 / night

Less Visited

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(40)

Art Lilley Campground

National Forests in North Carolina

Art Lilley Campground sits in the low-elevation forests of North Carolina's national forest system, offering tent, RV, and primitive camping options near trail access and ATV riding areas. The campground provides vault toilets and welcomes pets, serving as a base for riders and hikers exploring the surrounding forest. Reviewers highlight the big-rig-friendly sites and proximity to trails.

Morrow Mountain State Park

49104 Morrow Mountain Rd, Albemarle, North Carolina, 28001, United States

Morrow Mountain State Park sits in the Uwharrie Mountains near Albemarle, where ancient rock formations rise from North Carolina's Piedmont. The park offers tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and cabin lodging across multiple loops, with fees ranging from $15 to $50 per night. Hot showers and friendly camp hosts get frequent mentions in reviews.

$15.00 - $50.00 / night

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Badin Lake Group Camp

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Frequently Visited

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Lake Norman State Park

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Lake Norman State Park spreads across the western shore of North Carolina's largest man-made lake, offering tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and cabins. The campground sits at 860 feet elevation in Piedmont terrain where hardwood forest meets 32,510 acres of water. Clean bathhouses and paved sites draw consistent praise from campers, though site proximity varies widely across the loops.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

616 McLeans Creek Road, Troy, NC 27371

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Campgrounds

National Forests in North Carolina

Badin Lake Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 29% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 445 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade B.Scenery
Grade B-.Things to do
Grade B-.Bugs & weather

Watch-outs

Grade F.Belonging
Grade C-.Rules & policies
Grade C.Booking

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how North Carolina grades overall