Art Lilley Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground and OHV trail system are closed December 15 through April 1 to prevent soil erosion and stream sedimentation. Reopens April 1, 2026.
Appalachian Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
Our staff on the Appalachian Ranger District, in cooperation with partners and volunteers, have made great progress clearing debris and repairing damage from Hurricane Helene on the Pisgah National Forest.
Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Roan Mountain area of Appalachian Ranger District due to heightened fire danger caused by Hurricane Helene. The fire restriction is in effect on all National Forest System land from Hughes Gap to Doll Flats on the
Pisgah National Forest Driving Safety Alert
Please use caution as you travel in and around the Forest. We have a lot of heavy equipment and repair crews in the area working on roads damaged during Hurricane Helene. Up to 2,000 tons of gravel are being placed EVERY DAY on our Forest Service roads through the summer and fall.
Paint Rock Closure
Effective through May 1, 2035, certain National Forest System lands in the Paint Rock area, located on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and the Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest, will be closed to protect cultural resources.
Grandfather Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
The following recreation sites and trails remain closed:McDowell County:
Appalachian Trail Detour- Iron Mountain Gap
The Iron Mountain Gap detour is now in place to route hikers around the final remaining 6 miles of closed section of the Appalachian Trail from about a mile south of the destroyed Cherry Gap Shelter to about a mile north of Iron Mountain Gap (approx. NOBO mile 360.6 to 365.9).
Kings Mountain Point Fishing Pier Closure
The fishing pier at Kings Mountain Point Day Use Area on the Uwharrie National Forest is closed till further notice due to storm damage. The Day Use area remains open and the three smaller accessible fishing platforms are available for public use.
Pisgah Camping Limitations
The following act is prohibited within 1000 feet of a road open to public vehicle travel on the Pisgah Ranger District in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties in North Carolina.
Max Patch Restrictions
Restrictions on camping, fires, animals, aircraft and bicycles in Max Patch area.
About
Art Lilley Campground is a free primitive camping area located within the Uwharrie National Forest, primarily serving off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. The campground features an open gravel lot suitable for various camping setups including walk-in tent sites and space for RVs and campers, though no hookups or amenities are provided. Named in memory of Art Lilley, the site offers direct access to approximately 16 miles of designated OHV trails marked with orange diamonds that traverse varied topography throughout the Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no camping fees, though a valid OHV trail pass is required. The facility includes a single vault toilet but no potable water, electricity, or other developed amenities. Campers must be self-sufficient and prepared for a primitive experience. The OHV trail system follows seasonal closures from December 15 through April 1 to prevent soil erosion and stream sedimentation during wet winter months. NCDOT approved helmets and eye protection are required for all OHV riders, and vehicles must stay on designated trails to protect the forest environment.
Directions
Located off Wolf Den Road near Troy, NC. Access via NC 24/27 East. Forest Service office is at 789 NC 24/27 East, Troy, NC 27371.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (910) 576-6391 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Art Lilley Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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