Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the Uwharrie Safari event.  If your specific question is not addressed, please feel free to Contact Us.

How can I identify an event organizer?

Each year we have tried to come up with a way to make this more obvious. We decided upon using a hat - a very ORANGE hat. Just look for someone with a hunter orange hat on and most likely you found one.

Also, just ask someone.  Many folks at the event have been here many times before and know who the organizers are.

The event organizers also have a tendency to camp in the same spot from year to year.  There is an open area across from the bathrooms where the organizers typically camp.  There is usually a camper or two located there as well.  Just walk up and ask for one of the club officers or event organizers.  They will know where to find us.

What do I do when I first arrive?

This is a good question and can be a daunting task if you have never been to an event like this.

First thing to do is stop at the registration tent.  The tent is open for limited hours (the organizers like to have fun as well!).  You should be able to ask all your questions there.

If the tent is closed, the next step is to find a camping spot.  The Badin Lake Group Camp is actually three camps in one (look at this simple map).  There is Site A, B, and C.  You do not need to worry about this since we have all of them booked.  Each site contains a section that has tent pads (approximately 8 to a site).  Check these first.  If you see an open tent pad, make it your home.  You do not need to use a tent pad.  Some folks prefer these, some do not.

If you do not want not want to use a tent pad (or they are all full), just drive around and look for an open area to setup camp.  Do not be afraid to camp close to others.  We understand that many people feel that they might be infringing upon someone elses turf but for an event of this size, you have to pack in tight.  Most folks are happy to make room.

Some times there may be vehicles parked in the way for camping.  Feel free to ask someone to move their truck if needed.  You can also ask one of the event organizers to help you find a camp site.  We are more than willing to help.

Once you find a camp site, setup camp.  Once settled in, mingle with your neighbors.  Do not be shy about marching into a camp and asking questions or going out for a ride.  Folks are always ready to go out driving - that is one purpose for this event.  The trick is to go out and meet other Land Rover enthusiasts.  There is always more room for someone at the campfire.

We do understand being a first timer at the event (all of us were a first timer at one point), it may seem a bit awkward to just walk up to some ones camp and introduce yourself but that is how it is done.  We are all at the event for the same reason, look at other Land Rovers, drive the trails, and camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts.

Where can I setup camp?

Ok, so this was covered in the "What do I do when I first arrive topic" but since it is so important and least understood, we will explain it again.  You can camp anywhere you want in the group campground except within the fenced in area behind the bath house (this is the septic drain field).

There are three main areas of the campground, Sites A, B, and C.  These areas have a limited number of tent pads.  As you drive into the group camp, Site A is the first area to your right of the trash dumpster.  The tent pads are back in the woods but can be easily seen from the road (at least in the daylight).  If you keep driving around, the next is Site B and then C.  The site pads are located back in the woods behind the pit toilet.  These are difficult to see from the road.

If you cannot find one of the  tent pads, no worries as you can just setup your tent where there is space.  If you have a camper or RV, the same applies (well, you can't use the tent pads).  Just find a spot and make it your own.  It tends to get a bit crowded during the event so do not be shy about setting up camp next to someone.  The earlier you arrive, the better choice of camping spots.  Most folks will be more than happy for you to camp next to them or help you find a spot.

We welcome campers and RVs of all types.  There are not any facilities such as water or electricity for campers.  There are a few fresh water spigots located around the campground but cannot be used to hook up to your campers on a permanent basis.  Feel free to use them to top off your water tanks.  These water spigots are for every ones use.

After the event, if you want to dump your gray and/or black tanks, drive over to the Arrowhead or the Cane Brake campground as they have a dump station for you to use.

Where do I go for the guided trail rides?

All the guided trail rides start at camp by the registration tent / the large canopy.  Just drive your vehicle over to that general area before the time of the ride.  We will make it well known that we are about to leave.  From camp, we will drive to the trail head and make a last minute walk-by of the vehicles, let you know the CB or FRS channel, and answer any last minute questions.  We will NOT be starting from the Eldorado Outpost.

If you happen to just miss the trail ride leaving, go to the registration tent and we may be able to tell you where they are going and/or contact them via CB.

Where is the Saturday night dinner held?

When you enter the group camp, you will notice a rather large canopy on your left.  All the cooking is done by this tent and the Saturday night dinner will spread out on tables here as well.  Just grab a plate, a napkin, silverware, a drink, and fill your plate up.  Make sure you bring a chair as well so you can sit down and enjoy the raffle which begins right after dinner.  If it rains, you will be under the tent.  Make sure that you bring your meal ticket!

You can purchase raffle tickets Saturday afternoon after 3pm (ok, if we are not really busy at the registration tent, you can pick them up there as well).  Just look for the guy with the roll of tickets.  We will be wandering around camp and around the canopy as well during dinner.

Who do I ask if I have any questions?

If the registration tent is open, you will be able to find someone there that can answer any of your questions.  If it is closed, look for one of the event organizers or club officers that is wearing an hunter orange baseball cap.  You can also wander over across from the showers where the campers are parked.  Many of the officers try to camp in that area every year.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, but they must be on a leash at all times. You cannot leave a dog unattended unless you have a camper where it can be contained (leashing it to a tree at your camp is not acceptable).  If this does happen, we may be forced to contact the ranger and/or ask you to leave the group camp.  This is a safety issue plain and simple.

We have had some problems the last couple of events where dogs are either running free or leashed to a truck, etc.  If you see a dog running loose or tied up unattended, just find a staff member and we will take care of it.

If the problems persists, we may have to ban all animals at this event.  Abiding by this rule is up to the participants to enforce.  Most of us have dogs and want to continue to bring them.

Can I bring alcohol?

The park does not allow alcohol.  If you are seen drinking alcohol by the ranger, you WILL be fined.  What does this mean?  The club does not promote it OR prohibit it. 

Be very careful when drinking.  The county where the forest is NO longer a dry county but the national park is.

Do I need a CB radio?

It is not required but is nice to have.  All trail leaders have CB radios.  Some may also have FRS radios.  Before we start a guided trail ride, we will make sure that those vehicles that do not have either device are placed in between folks that do so nobody gets lost or left behind.

Do extra passengers have to pay/register?

No!  The club event charges by the vehicle.  Each vehicle must register for the event.

We do not charge for extra passengers but still require that the person be on the Agreement of Risk.  So bring all your friends and pack them in.

How do I purchase a Saturday night dinner?

If you pre-registered, you will be guaranteed the number of meals that you have ordered.  We understand that things may change and you might need to add an extra dinner for your group.  We always order a few extra meals for cases like this and also for drops-ins.  Please note that most extra dinner tickets are gone before we close the registration tent down on Friday night.

If you want to order an extra meal, go to the registration tent to see if any are still available (or see one of the event organizers).

Please understand that for an event like this, we have to let the vendor know how many meals to prepare.  We would love to be able to offer an unlimited number of meals for the event but that is just not possible.

How can I purchase an extra shirt?

If you pre-registered, you will be guaranteed the t-shirts that you have ordered. We understand that things may change and you might need to purchase an extra t-short.  We always order a few extra t-shirts for cases like this and also for drops-ins but they are extremely limited in number and in size.  Please note that most extra t-shirts are gone before we close the registration tent down on Friday night.

If you want to order an extra t-shirt, go to the registration tent to see if any are still available (or see one of the event organizers).

Please understand that for an event like this, we have to pre-order the number of t-shirts to guarantee their arrival for the event.  T-shirts are expensive and do not want to have any left over.  We would love to be able to offer an unlimited number of t-shirts for the event but that is just not possible.

How do I get to the event?

Here are directions to both the Badin Lake Group Campground and also the Eldorado Outpost.  Most folks stop at the Outpost when arriving to pick up needed supplies and also the mandatory trail passes.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask them how to get the campground as well.  They also sell maps to the area.

I have not pre-registered, what can I do?

Just show up for the event.  We welcome drop-in registrations at the event.  Just go to the registration tent and you will be able to register.

Please remember that by NOT pre-registering, the cost will be more and we cannot guarantee you a t-shirt or a meal Saturday night since extras are in very limited supply.

I want to just participate for the day, what can I do?

Just go to the registration tent and they will be able to take care of you.  Let them know that you only want to participate for the day.

Is there anything I need to drive on the trails?

First and foremost you must have a valid trail pass.  The fines for not having one are very expensive.  These can be purchased at the Eldorado Outpost for around $5.00.  If you do not know where that is, just ask any event organizer or at the registration tent.  Most folks who have been to Uwharrie before will also be able to give you directions.  The Outpost is a very common destination for the forest.

Secondly, a good attitude.  We are out to have fun, help learn about off-roading, and general camaraderie.

What are the hours for the park?

Actually there are not any hours.  The trails are open 24x7 but you MUST have a trail pass.  The gates at the group campground never close during the event but be aware of the quiet hours which are 10pm - 7am.  If you are leaving are coming back from a night ride, please try to be mindful of the folks sleeping.

What is the raffle?

For every Safari ,we ask companies to sponsor the event by supplying us with items to be given away at our raffle (which is held immediately after dinner).  We sell tickets for $1 each and you can purchase as many tickets as you want.

After dinner on Saturday night, we will draw tickets for all the swag we have gotten from vendors.  The merchandise will be on display under the big canopy beginning Saturday afternoon.  Feel free to look around to see if there is anything that may interest you.

The proceeds from this raffle are used to donate to our charity.

I want to buy raffle tickets, where can I get them?

The raffle tickets go on sale Saturday afternoon.  We will be wandering around camp asking if you would like to purchase them.  They will also be on sale during dinner and before the raffle.  You should not have any trouble getting as many tickets as you want.  It will be very obvious when we are selling them.

If for any reason you cannot find them, just ask any event organizer.

Where are the bathrooms?

The group camp several options now.

First, the group camp has two large pit toilets buildings - one on each side of the campground.  These ONLY contain toilets.

Secondly, there is a large building located in the center of the group camp.  This building contains BOTH showers and toilets (with sinks).  These have both lights and hot water.

Since there can be a large number of folks at the camp, you can also use the bath house at the Arrowhead campground (about 3/4 mile down the road) but will be assessed a $3 charge.  This bath house is much larger.

Where can I get supplies and ice?

The best place is the Eldorado Outpost.  It is located just outside the park.  You will be given maps of the entire park with all the roads and trails.  If you need directions, almost anyone can point you in the right direction.  They have most everything that you need EXCEPT alcohol.

Where can I pickup my registration packet?

There will be a registration tent immediately on your right when you enter the group campground (look for the large CROC logo on the tent).  Just drop by.  The hours are limited but will be open all of Friday afternoon until about 6pm and also all day Saturday starting at 8am.

If you have pre-registered, all you need to do is sign the Agreement of Risk, pick up your packet, and get your meal tickets and/or t-shirts.  If you have not pre-registered, you will need to do the same except also pay the fees.  If you want to join the club, we will have membership forms that you can fill out as well.

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