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 Year-round peak rates apply from January 1 to December 31, 2025.. 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.

Can I have a campfire at Badin Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Badin Lake Campground: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Visitors must empty fire pits before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

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, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Badin Lake Campground

4.27

654 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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 sites are $20-$40 per night, with discounts available for Interagency Access and Senior Pass holders. First-come-first-serve sites like #17...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 654 reviews

284 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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)

Nearby supplies

Emergency supplies and dish soap were noted as unavailable at the El Dorado Gas Station, which is the closest supply point.

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 right, then make a quick left and travel about 1 mile to the campground.

Access is via paved roads, but nearby Mullinix Road and intersections require careful navigation. Seasonal closures or specific challenges were not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Badin Lake Campground

Fall brings the best conditions: daytime highs in the 50s–70s, cool nights in the 40s–50s, and hardwood color across the hillsides. Bugs drop off after September. Summer pushes into the 80s and 90s with humidity, but the lake stays busy with swimmers and boaters. Winter mornings dip into the 30s, warming to the 50s by afternoon. Weekdays see lighter use than weekends, when visitors drive in from Raleigh and Charlotte.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring cited as pleasant for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing; good trail conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Year-round peak rates apply from January 1 to December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Prescribed burns occur periodically, affecting air quality. Call the Ranger District office for updates.

About Badin Lake Campground

Badin Lake Campground sits on the shore of a 5,000-acre lake in Uwharrie National Forest, about 45 minutes from Troy. The 35 sites accommodate tents and RVs, split between an upper loop with better spacing and a lower lakeside loop with views. Fees run $20-$40 per night. Expect spotty cell service and bring your own soap for the bathhouses.

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 SeasonsFall brings the best conditions: daytime highs in the 50s–70s, cool nights in the 40s–50s, and hardwood color across the hillsides. Bugs drop off after September. Summer pushes into the 80s and 90s with humidity, but the lake stays busy with swimmers and boaters. Winter mornings dip into the 30s, warming to the 50s by afternoon. Weekdays see lighter use than weekends, when visitors drive in from Raleigh and Charlotte.

ElevationThe campground's gentle terrain provides easy access to both lakefront and forested areas, creating an ideal setting for campers of all ages and abilities.

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.

Geological RegionDiscover the natural wonder of the Uwharrie National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a remarkable landscape of rolling hills blanketed in dense pine and hardwood forests. This verdant ecosystem cradles the magnificent 5,000-acre Badin Lake, creating a diverse habitat where land and water merge in perfect harmony.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No explicit mention of check-in time.

Check-out

No explicit mention of check-out time.

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

Site layoutTwo loops. Upper loop (#23–35) spreads sites farther apart in heavier tree cover. Lower loop (#1–22) runs closer to the lake with tighter spacing and more pedestrian traffic. Gravel tent pads don't hold stakes well. Most sites fit two tents or an RV.

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

Walk-in AvailabilitySites #17 and #19 are reserved for walk-up campers. Users mention these sites often being full during weekends.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellation (starting midnight prior to check-in) forfeits the first night's use fee in addition to the $10 fee. Changes to reservations cost $10, except for date/length adjustments within the original reservation period.

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.

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

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

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

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards were mentioned, though users frequently report issues with noisy neighbors, wildlife (yellow jackets), and broken facilities.

Active AlertsPrescribed burns occur periodically, affecting air quality. Call the Ranger District office for updates.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Visitors must empty fire pits before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Troy, NC, approximately 10 miles away. Nearest Uwharrie National Forest Ranger District office is reachable at 910-576-6391.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available but may overflow during busy weekends. Campers are encouraged to take trash to the main dumpster or home when cans are full.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Badin Lake. Several sites offer direct lake access.

Camp HostMixed reviews about hosts: some are helpful while others are described as invasive. Former host Crystal received positive mentions for her friendliness.

Weather at Badin Lake Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #9: Spacious with direct lake access. Site #11: Lakeside with stunning sunset views. Site #30: Long driveway, great for large tents. Site #14: Good access for kayaking. Site #18: Large fire pit...

Based on 654 reviews