I’d consider Uwharrie as central N.C. but it does have some good spots for camping.
OP are you looking for amenities or primitive camping? If the later, the National forests in the mountains (Pisgah and Nantahala) allow for some sort of primitive camping. Rules vary by ranger district so do your due diligence on that end before heading out. I know the Grandfather district is pretty much anything goes regarding primitive camping others are camping by permit and still others are camping at marked sights only. Each district has a ranger that you can email for clarification on the rules if you get confused.
National Forests in North Carolina - Home
www.fs.usda.gov