Morrow Mountain State Park

Introduction of Morrow Mountain State Park

Morrow Mountain State Park, with over 1,000 acres of canyons, streams, and lakes, is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Uwharrie Mountains. This state park, located near Albemarle, North Carolina, is a must-see for your next RV adventure. In a unique mountain landscape, you’ll have endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Morrow Mountain State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and backpacking to birding and boating.

Morrow Mountain State Park’s mountain views are breathtaking, rising over 900 feet. You’ll enjoy breathing in the fresh mountain air while surrounded by unusual plant life. The park is home to a wide range of birds and native wildlife, including scarlet kingsnakes and chorus frogs. Historians will relish the opportunity to visit the home of the first medical doctor to settle and practise medicine in North Carolina’s southern piedmont.

After parking your camper at Morrow Mountain State Park, you can explore one of the park’s many nature trails. The 16-mile Bridle Trail is ideal for horseback riding and hiking, whereas the Hattaway Mountain Trail is a more difficult two-mile loop that allows you to hike straight uphill after passing through dense woods. Morrow Mountain State Park is a fantastic RV destination at any time of year.

Morrow Mountain State Park Camping

Morrow Mountain State Park has 106 pet-friendly RV and tent campsites open all year. The campgrounds are divided into three loops: A, B, and C. All of the campsites are close to the Park Office, and each loop is easily accessible by foot. The size of each campsite varies, but some can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 57 feet long.

Each location includes a gravel or paved pad, a picnic table, and a grill. This campground has drinking water, showers, restrooms, and a dump station.

Loop C is the most popular with RVers because it has 22 campsites with electric hookups and six ADA-accessible sites. However, no water or sewer hookups are available at any of the campsites. Except during quiet hours at night, generator use is permitted.

You’ll be close to the trails and parking no matter which loop you choose. The front gate is closed and locked every night, with no entry or exit allowed. On holiday weekends, a two-night minimum stay is required, and reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.

If you go to Morrow Mountain State Park on the spur of the moment, you might be able to get a campsite. If there are any open campsites that haven’t been reserved ahead of time, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are strongly advised, especially during peak season.

If you enjoy backpacking and want to camp in a wilderness setting, you should stay at the primitive campground, which is about two miles from the park office. A backpack camping permit is required, which can be purchased at the office. Don’t worry, it’s not entirely primitive. A pit toilet and drinking water are available. However, you will need to pack everything else you will need, as well as everything you brought in, including trash.

Morrow Mountain State Park Activities

Picnicking

If you want to spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in the true beauty of North Carolina, get out of your RV and head to one of the picnic areas. Any time of year, you can enjoy a lovely picnic while taking in panoramic views of Morrow Mountain’s summit. Another excellent location for a quiet meal is the picnic area near the swimming pool, which provides easy access to Quarry Trail. If you want to host a gathering while camping at Morrow Mountain State Park, you can reserve one of the picnic pavilions, which have plenty of seating and grills, as well as bathrooms nearby.

Birding

Morrow Mountain State Park is home to 170 different bird species, so make sure you bring your binoculars. Many birds can be seen, including pileated woodpeckers, northern parulas, belted kingfishers, bald eagles, and eastern kingbirds. The Sugarloaf and Hattaway Mountain Trails are ideal for spotting woodland birds. Waterways located throughout the park are also excellent birding locations. Hike the Mountain Loop Trail for an exciting hike in search of eastern wood-pewees and scarlet tanagers. Try to spot as many as you can during the late-fall migration. With the possibility of seeing so many bird species, you might want to pack a telephoto lens in the trailer.

Fishing

The fishing at Lake Tillery and the Pee Dee River is excellent all year. Launch your boat from the convenient boat ramp and explore the lake’s depths for crappie, largemouth bass, or catfish. Another option is to fish the shallows in a canoe, where you’ll almost certainly catch some perch or bluegill. You can even cast your line from the pier in search of white bass. If you need anything, including canoe rentals, the boathouse is open on weekends until October, but the park is open all year. Fly fishermen may want to cast their flies in the Pee Dee River in search of river or striped bass, which are abundant in the cooler autumn months.

Swimming

Pack your bathing suit in your camper so you can swim a lap in the Olympic-size swimming pool. Restrooms and showers are available in the nearby bathhouse, which also sells cold drinks and snacks. The Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Project Administration collaborated to construct the bathhouse. There is also a pool nearby for those who are unable to use the Olympic-sized pool. Swimming from the lakeshore or from rental boats is not permitted due to the possibility of strong currents and undertows.

Hiking

You’ll want to pack a good pair of hiking boots in your RV because Morrow Mountain State Park has 12 hiking trails ranging in difficulty. The Laurel Trail is a great place to go for a quick hike or stroll. This is a half-mile loop trail that winds through dense undergrowth, enchanting creeks, and dense forest.

If you want a more difficult hike, try the 2.5-mile Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, which winds through winding hills. After reaching the summit, the trail descends 500 feet in a quarter-mile. The summit of Sugarloaf is one of the park’s most scenic viewpoints.

Padding

You have several options for getting up close and personal with Lake Tillery. You can launch a traditional boat from the boat launch near the pier and leave your rig in the parking lot, or you can launch a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from several points along the edge. Lake Tillery is a great place to float on a lazy afternoon or get some exercise with those oars for those who are more athletic. In any case, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from the water. You can rent a canoe or kayak from the park marina if you didn’t bring your own.

Morrow Mountain State Park Location

Morrow Mountain State Park is easily accessible by RV or car because it is only six miles from Albemarle, NC, and is accessible via North Carolina highways 24/27, 73, and 740. The park is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes northeast of Charlotte and one hour and fifteen minutes south of Greensboro. Local roads will take you anywhere within the park, including the Park Office and Museum, as well as the campground and trails.Within the park, there are no driving restrictions for RVs or trailers, so you’ll be able to get around easily whether you’re in your rig or another vehicle. The local roads are paved for a quick walk around the area, and the Museum and Park Office are nearby for your exploration pleasure.

Parking

There are five parking lots available for RVs and trailers throughout the park. There will be parking near the Park Office, Kron House, boat launch, picnic area, and the Bridle Trail. Of course, if you’re staying overnight, you can also park at the campground.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available