Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping, near Sylva, North Carolina, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors and don’t mind a little adventure. This area offers a unique camping experience right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, with options to set up camp under towering pine trees or on the mountain's summit for breathtaking views.

Visitors rave about the stunning sunrises and sunsets, with one camper noting, “The clouds are amazing; you are basically in them or above them.” While there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the freedom to camp in such a beautiful setting is a major draw. Just be prepared for some wind if you choose to camp at the top—one reviewer warned that “the wind is no joke” up there.

For those looking to stretch their legs, the nearby Skinny Dipping Falls is a must-see, just a short hike away. The area is known for its scenic trails and picturesque landscapes, making it a great base for hiking and exploring. While some campers mentioned the proximity to the parking lot can bring in more people, the views and natural beauty make it worth the trip. If you’re after a peaceful escape with stunning scenery, Black Balsam Knob is definitely worth checking out.

Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

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The Best Camping Near Balsam Grove, North Carolina

Although you can camp just about anywhere in Pisgah National Forest, there are specific sites near the trailhead to Sam Knob. This area is known as Black Balsam. There are no RV sites, and you have to hike about a hundred yards or less to the sites, unless you camp on the bald. The sites had lots of roots, so it was difficult to find a level site without roots all over the area. With that said, it is a good place to camp, and it is just a short walk to the pit toilet, which is also at the trailhead. There are fire pits, but there are no lantern hangers or tent pads. Expect to hear lots of cars and people during the busy months about 200 feet away. Because of that, a better place to stay is at the top of Sam Knob, which you can do. That was a better choice for me since I try to stay away from crowds as much as I can. However, you cannot clear or make a new spot; you have to“find” a spot in which you do not disturb the area. You will need a freestanding tent since you will probably be pitching it on solid rock. 

  

The biggest problem with staying on the knob is the weather. Unfortunately, it poured rain and was windy when I was there. I expected it to be windy, but mixed with the rain, it made it unpleasant. Sam Knob is a heather bald, so that gives you a little privacy. However, expect a hikers to end up there since it is a hiking destination and the views are great. 

  

Overall, it is a good place to camp, but there will be people close by no matter where you pitch your tent, whether it is a hundred yards from the parking lot or up on top of Sam Knob.

Dispersed Camping with Great Views Close 

Perfect for tent camping right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Campsites are next to the road under the pine trees or you can camp on top of the mountain. It’s an easy 20-30min hike to the top of the mountain with tall grass and a wide open view to see the sunrise and sunset!

Free, easy, and beautiful

Lots of places to set up camp. We set up below the mountain, but there are spots at the top as well. The clouds are amazing you are basically in them or above them. Definitely worth the trip!

￼Also recommend checking out skinny dipping falls it is about 5 miles away and about a mile round trip. Lots of fun and cool rocks to climb on. ￼

Great camping spot!

The sunset was breathtaking and the hike was very fun but if you are camping overnight, expect wind gusts that are capable of snapping tent poles. There is very little wind coverage at the top of the mountain.

The wind is no joke

I actually cannot stop thinking about my weekend camp here. So beautiful and lots of places to camp. Not a hard hike in either. A lot of day hikers through out the day. Lots of flies bc of dog poop but it’s worth it. 

10/10

You MUST camp outside of 1000ft from road.  You WILL get investigated by park Rangers, which stepped up enforcement of this stupid, pointless law around 2 years ago.

Otherwise, wonderful, awesome spot.  If you wanna ignore the rules, I advise the topmost pullout.  Best sunrise views.

DO NOT CAR CAMP

The coordinates tried to send us to Sam Knob, but we followed the signs to Black Balsam instead. They’re the same parking lot so it’s not a big deal. Like others have said, the wind is killer. Took a bit of time to anchor our tent poles so they didn’t fold in because of the wind. It was still very intense and I personally didn’t get any sleep. BUT. If you want to wake up to the most beautiful sunrise, the best view, and feel physically closer to God than you ever have, it’s worth all of it. I will have failed if I don’t come back here before I die. I loved it. 

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