(Editors Note: we have received unofficial word that No Trespassing signs that are in place at Devils Tramping Ground are now being enforced. Read all you want about this ghastly place to camp, but think twice before you risk going to jail just to get a glimpse of the devil.)

Ask anyone in North Carolina about the Devil’s Tramping Ground – they’re sure to have a story. It’s a North Carolina legend. The 40 ft. circle completely devoid of life has been this way since I – and most people – can remember. What exactly is this mainstay of haunted North Carolina? Does the devil really roam these grounds, and better yet, why will nothing grow or stay in the circle?

Located in the rolling hills of Chatham County near Bear Creek, this barren patch of land has been absent of life for hundreds of years.
Jason Horne/Flickr
Nothing will grow here. Place something in the circle overnight; it will have been violently thrown out come morning.
Stories passed down claim the land is where the devil enters the earth.
Jason Horne/Flickr
He scorches the ground and comes through for a nightly, earthly reign in which he paces the circle and plots his evil. Lighter sources claim this is simply where the devil comes to 'dance.' To get even more relaxed about it, the area around the circle is sometimes littered or vandalized with 'spooky' graffiti. Although it has become a place of legend and folklore, the story of the Devil and his nightly terror dates back to before Chatham County was founded, during the War for Independence.

Whatever the devil, or nature, is doing here, it sure is mysterious. Dogs howl and bark at the empty spot of land, some won't even go near it.

Related Stories

There's A Lake Hiding In A North Carolina Forest Where You Can Camp Year-Round

There's A Lake Hiding In A North Carolina Forest Where You Can Camp Year-Round

 These Campsites In North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains Are So Secluded, Almost No One Knows They Exist

These Campsites In North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains Are So Secluded, Almost No One Knows They Exist

Paid Content Bryson City, North Carolina
Channel Your Inner Pioneer When You Spend The Night At This Covered Wagon Resort In Robbinsville, North Carolina

Channel Your Inner Pioneer When You Spend The Night At This Covered Wagon Resort In Robbinsville, North Carolina
People who've been brave enough to camp in the circle overnight have encountered strange figures lurking in the woods.
Jason Horne/Flickr
Some say they never feel 'sane' again. However you view it, the Devil's Tramping Ground is a terribly eerie place.
However you view it, the Devil's Tramping Ground is a terribly eerie place.
Jason Horne/Flickr
Once you hit a strong curve on Devil's Tramping Ground Road, you'll see a path leading down through the woods.
Jason Horne/Flickr
Follow the path to experience the circle for yourself. Stay overnight if you dare.

Watch this video if you want to learn more about the history of Devils Tramping Ground:

You’ll find this haunting place ten miles south of Siler City, on State Road 1100, Devil’s Tramping Ground Road. There are plenty of places to camp in the area, but this might be the absolute scariest place to pitch a tent in North Carolina. Have you had any personal experiences at the Devil’s Tramping Ground? What do you think is the story behind this mysterious place?

If you love learning about haunted places in North Carolina, take a night drive down these haunted roads.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Most Haunted Campground in North Carolina

Tori Jane | September 04, 2021

Where can I find haunted places in North Carolina?  

North Carolina is one of the oldest states in the union, and with that kind of history comes plenty of ghost stories. There are certain places thought to be outrageously haunted by local legend and modern residents. Some of our favorite haunted places in North Carolina to read about include:

  • The old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which is said to be haunted by lost sailors (and a cat).
  • Queens University is another place thought to be ridiculously haunted, with doors that open and close on their own, cold spots, appearing and disappearing objects, and more.
  • North Carolina is also home to its very own spook lights known as the Brown Mountain Lights, which have been witnessed for centuries as far back as Native American folks. 
  • If you’re a fan of haunted hotels, you can’t miss a stay at The Carolina Inn, which has been known to be haunted for ages.  

What are some creepy places in North Carolina?  

Other than the Devil’s Tramping Ground, which you’ve just read about, there are just some creepy places in North Carolina that are bound to make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end, such as:

  • Old Lydia’s Bridge, which is said to have been constructed following a horrific fatal accident involving the woman it’s named for. They say you’ll still see her trying to flag cars down for help when conditions are just right.
  • The French Broad River is said to be plagued by a beautiful siren who lures male hikers and campers to their watery deaths in the French Broad River. 

Which North Carolina campgrounds should I add to my bucket list?  

North Carolina is a great place for camping! In fact, there are a number of campgrounds throughout the state that you definitely ought to add to your bucket list if you haven’t visited already. Some of the best of the best North Carolina Campgrounds include:

  • Bear Den Family Campground, within Pisgah National Forest, where you’ll find all kinds of modern amenities that make this campground wonderful.
  • Camping at Carolina Beach State Park is a definite bucket-list item, too, and you won’t believe the breathtaking beauty of the grounds there.
  • You will also want to check out the campgrounds nestled within the Croatan National Forest, which is on the Atlantic coast and is simply stunning.  

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
Devils Tramping Ground Road, Devils Tramping Ground Rd, North Carolina, USA