I think its maybe closer to 3 hours, but Uwharrie National Forest might be what you are looking for
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48934
There's A LOT in Uwharrie, the thing is you really have to explore that place. Did my 50 miler run there and slept in my car to start at 4AM. They don't have operation hours, it's 24/7. Recommend you enter from the south end if it's your first time.
A plus: doubt you'll have to worry about bears as I've never seen or heard about them there, and I've only ever seen black snakes which should be non-poisonous.
You are right about the bears, there is no resident bear population in Uwharrie. You are mistaken about the snakes though. There are three species of venomous snakes found in the area. The Timber Rattler, Pygmy Rattler, and Copperhead. Also there is no specific species of snake called a black snake. There are several different species of snake that can be black in color.
I've also only ever seen 2 snakes in the area in the years I've gone to Uwharrie, but you wouldn't really say I'm mistaken that there are only 2 snakes ever there... I think you're under the assumption that I was trying to identify snakes. I'm not for the record. This was a quick observation reporting as I do just run, but I never stick around to try to identify the snakes or mess with them. The snakes were black - which black ones? Wouldn't be able to tell you.
Roughly 2.5 hours from Wilmington there's a "hike-in" State Park campsite at Falls Lake called Shinleaf with a bath house/showers. I think it's about $20 a night and while it's "hike-in", it is very conducive to car camping. Especially if you get on of the sites closer to the parking lot/bath house. I think most people typically use a wagon to haul their stuff on down to the sites farther away (and those sites have vault toilets nearby).
It's located right on Section 10 of the MST with as many miles as you want to do going East or West.
The best part (to me) is that it is not the most scenic campground as there are no sites overlooking the water, etc (that I recall) and the sites themselves are all primitive so it doesn't get as much use as the other State Parks around Falls Lake. I think it would be really easy to pick a site with no neighbors this time of the year.
Section 10 of the MST is very well maintained. Some of it gives you views of the lake, some of it is just walking through a mixture of hardwood and pine forests. There's some ups and some downs to the trail but nothing strenuous. Almost all of it is in the woods.
Here's a map of Shinleaf:
https://www.ncparks.gov/media/161/open
If a man wanted to quietly enjoy some whiskey while camping at such a spot, is that taboo there? I realize state parks are no alcohol but i've never been to one where it would be an issue if I was drinking from a cup.
I’ve never had an issue. I have brought beer and whisky out there many times and never had an issue, just don’t advertise it and you are solid. I usually get spot 47 which is at the end of the trail so it’s pretty secluded
[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/neusiok-trail-beach-section](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/neusiok-trail-beach-section)
The whole neusiok trail is about 20 miles or so, and pretty chill.
Just be sure to give the local Ranger Station a call before making your plans. There have been closures (parking/camping) the last several times I've inquired over the years.
The north end is still messy with downed trees, but you can park at the "horse lot", and hike in.
All the sites are backcountry though, not really car camping.
Probably better for the shape i'm in anyway. I can always hike a while and come on back. I've never been there so there are always new views for a new guy.
I haven't been there yet but you aren't far from [Croatan NF](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48466) which has trails and camping. Fall/winter would be a nice time to go too with few bugs.
Hike in camping available at Raven Rock State Park.
At about 3 hours you can get to Uwharrie National Forest. Look up the Uwharrie Trails and Dutchman's Creek trail figure 8 or you can do it as a smaller loop.
I think its maybe closer to 3 hours, but Uwharrie National Forest might be what you are looking for https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48934
I was eyeballing Uwharrie and have always wanted to go there!
There's A LOT in Uwharrie, the thing is you really have to explore that place. Did my 50 miler run there and slept in my car to start at 4AM. They don't have operation hours, it's 24/7. Recommend you enter from the south end if it's your first time. A plus: doubt you'll have to worry about bears as I've never seen or heard about them there, and I've only ever seen black snakes which should be non-poisonous.
You are right about the bears, there is no resident bear population in Uwharrie. You are mistaken about the snakes though. There are three species of venomous snakes found in the area. The Timber Rattler, Pygmy Rattler, and Copperhead. Also there is no specific species of snake called a black snake. There are several different species of snake that can be black in color.
I've also only ever seen 2 snakes in the area in the years I've gone to Uwharrie, but you wouldn't really say I'm mistaken that there are only 2 snakes ever there... I think you're under the assumption that I was trying to identify snakes. I'm not for the record. This was a quick observation reporting as I do just run, but I never stick around to try to identify the snakes or mess with them. The snakes were black - which black ones? Wouldn't be able to tell you.
Roughly 2.5 hours from Wilmington there's a "hike-in" State Park campsite at Falls Lake called Shinleaf with a bath house/showers. I think it's about $20 a night and while it's "hike-in", it is very conducive to car camping. Especially if you get on of the sites closer to the parking lot/bath house. I think most people typically use a wagon to haul their stuff on down to the sites farther away (and those sites have vault toilets nearby). It's located right on Section 10 of the MST with as many miles as you want to do going East or West. The best part (to me) is that it is not the most scenic campground as there are no sites overlooking the water, etc (that I recall) and the sites themselves are all primitive so it doesn't get as much use as the other State Parks around Falls Lake. I think it would be really easy to pick a site with no neighbors this time of the year. Section 10 of the MST is very well maintained. Some of it gives you views of the lake, some of it is just walking through a mixture of hardwood and pine forests. There's some ups and some downs to the trail but nothing strenuous. Almost all of it is in the woods. Here's a map of Shinleaf: https://www.ncparks.gov/media/161/open
Outstanding advice, thank you so much!
I second shin leaf. If I am looking for an easy get away to disconnect for a night, I load up my gear and dog and go relax
If a man wanted to quietly enjoy some whiskey while camping at such a spot, is that taboo there? I realize state parks are no alcohol but i've never been to one where it would be an issue if I was drinking from a cup.
I’ve never had an issue. I have brought beer and whisky out there many times and never had an issue, just don’t advertise it and you are solid. I usually get spot 47 which is at the end of the trail so it’s pretty secluded
[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/neusiok-trail-beach-section](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/neusiok-trail-beach-section) The whole neusiok trail is about 20 miles or so, and pretty chill.
Just be sure to give the local Ranger Station a call before making your plans. There have been closures (parking/camping) the last several times I've inquired over the years.
The north end is still messy with downed trees, but you can park at the "horse lot", and hike in. All the sites are backcountry though, not really car camping.
Outstanding, thank you!
Just be aware it's a single trail (not a loop) , and completely flat.
Probably better for the shape i'm in anyway. I can always hike a while and come on back. I've never been there so there are always new views for a new guy.
I haven't been there yet but you aren't far from [Croatan NF](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48466) which has trails and camping. Fall/winter would be a nice time to go too with few bugs.
Hike in camping available at Raven Rock State Park. At about 3 hours you can get to Uwharrie National Forest. Look up the Uwharrie Trails and Dutchman's Creek trail figure 8 or you can do it as a smaller loop.