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Map showing campground location near Highlands, North Carolina
Camper submitted image from Blue Valley Dispersed CampingView 16 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Highlands, North Carolina

Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

8 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

The gravel road into Blue Valley begins where the pavement ends, about half a mile down Blue Valley Road off NC 28, and continues for roughly three miles through narrow mountain terrain. Drivers report the surface can be rough and the road is tight enough that passing another vehicle is a real concern. Small RVs and tents work well here; larger rigs should approach with caution despite the campground's big-rig-friendly listing. The Forest Service kiosk marks the entrance, with the majority of sites to the left and a shorter spur to the right that dead-ends near a trailhead.

Water is the defining feature of the layout. Reviewers consistently note that nearly every site sits beside a creek or river, and Kelli puts it plainly: "Wonderful creek/river by every campsite we went to." Sites are well-spaced and heavily wooded, with fire rings and lantern posts at each one, and some include picnic tables. The campground holds roughly 8 to 15 drive-in sites, with additional walk-in options accessible by trail. No pets are permitted.

Cell signal is unreliable along the access road, though the campground does list WiFi and cell service. Visitors who camp here in summer report cool days and cold nights at this elevation. Crowding has come up in a handful of reviews, with occasional noise from other campers noted after dark. The nearby Glen Falls Backcountry Campground and Blue Valley Camp give anglers and hikers additional options in the same corridor. Blue Valley suits campers who want creek-side sites and seclusion, and who are prepared for a rough unpaved approach.

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Map & DirectionsBlue Valley Dispersed Camping is located in North Carolina near Highlands

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Directions

From Highlands, NC follow NC28S for 5.5 miles. Turn Right at Sign

Coordinates

35.008368 N
83.220904 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • WiFi
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

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5 Stars

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1 Star

63%
13%
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12%

4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the large, private sites surrounded by woods with creek access at most locations. Several visitors reported problems with rough dirt road access and difficulty finding the location. Many appreciated the peaceful, secluded atmosphere despite basic amenities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2024

Blue valley

I went in July and it was cool in day and cold at night nice , secluded

Site near the spring
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2021

We love it here

We have camped at 3 sites at this campground and have loved all of them. We were very secluded and there was very little traffic on the dirt road. Love hearing all the wonderful sounds of nature and nothing else. Wonderful creek/river by every campsite we went to. Some have picnic tables but all have fire rings and lantern posts. There's only about 10-15 sites that you can actually drive up to but I'm sure there's more if you hike in.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Blue Valley Dispersed Camping by Kelli , October 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Blue Valley Dispersed Camping by Kelli , October 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Blue Valley Dispersed Camping by Kelli , October 17, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 4, 2021

Hidden gem

8 very well kept campsites. Almost all near a creek of some sort. Hiking trails near by. No facilities. Room for larger groups ~40 people max for the biggest site ~6 for the smallest

Reviewed Oct. 19, 2020

Beautiful Dispersed Camping

Beautiful, large, private sites. You couldn’t see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek.

  • Review photo of Blue Valley Dispersed Camping by Kristin S., October 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Blue Valley Dispersed Camping by Kristin S., October 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Blue Valley Dispersed Camping by Kristin S., October 19, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2020

Sweet spot with plenty of space

Directions: From Highlands, follow NC 28 south about 5.5 miles and turn right onto Blue Valley Rd. (S.R. 1618) at the sign. The pavement will end in a half mile. Just stay on the main path for just little over 3 or so miles. Once arrive in the campground (information kiosk) turn left for the majority of the sites. Turn right at the kiosk there are only a few sites but the road ends after about half a mile, trailhead leads to waterfalls from there.

Reviewed Aug. 22, 2020

Very nice camping and good trials.

. Location is actually about 1.5. Miles further than shown on map. Just keep going. Stayed for a week. About 7 campsites with fire rings. Great trails and people camping near were respectful. Recommend.

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2018

A Little Hard To Find With No Cell Service

I went to Highlands and found this site listed and really was looking forward to staying here. Said to be near Glenn Falls I found the falls but no turn off to be found and cell signal unless you are right in town is pretty spotty. I returned to town screen shot some directions and headed out toward the unknown.

When I arrived the pavement ended and continued onward a very primitive gravel road. Pretty rough in some places and very narrow, let’s just say I wouldn’t want to end up encountering another car.

After winding around the mountain roads finally I saw the “experimental forest” sign followed by the National Forest sign. Not far ahead was the campground kiosk.

it seemed pretty quiet there and I was happy to settle in only to discover as a solo female traveler it appeared there was a beer bust by some local hunters or good ol boys. They were getting pretty rowdy and while I could have simply moved to a further campsite ani was a little in fear that this wasn’t gonna be a really restful evening if they were going to be up drinking all night.

I opted to use this facility for a few moments as a day use area and really enjoyed the large forest around me but didn’t stay overnight because of the circumstances.

Sites were tree-filled and nice. Picnic tables and fire rings were at each site and sites were pretty well spread out. Very much so a dispersed site, I would be a bit concerned with larger rigs on the small road but small RVs or tents are great.

Sitefirst site to the right when you drive in
  • Review photo of Blue Valley Dispersed Camping by Crystal C., October 1, 2018
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  • Review photo of Blue Valley Dispersed Camping by Crystal C., October 1, 2018
  • (8) View All
Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the options for dispersed camping at Blue Valley?

Blue Valley Dispersed Camping offers approximately 8 well-maintained sites scattered along the area, most positioned near creeks or water sources. The sites vary in size, with the largest accommodating groups of up to 40 people and the smallest suitable for about 6 people. Each site features a fire ring, and some include picnic tables. The sites are fairly secluded from one another, providing privacy and a true wilderness experience with minimal traffic on the dirt road access. Some campsites are set back from the road and not immediately visible, offering an even more private outdoor experience.

What facilities and amenities does Blue Valley Campground offer?

Blue Valley Dispersed Camping offers a rustic camping experience with minimal facilities. The campground features fire rings at each site, and some sites include picnic tables. There are no developed facilities such as bathrooms, running water, or electrical hookups. Most campsites are situated near creeks or streams, providing natural water sources (though treatment is recommended). The area includes hiking trails nearby for recreation. Cell signal is spotty and generally unavailable except in Highlands town. The campground's primary appeal is its natural setting with secluded sites, creek access, and surrounding woods perfect for exploration.

Where is Blue Valley Campground located in North Carolina?

Blue Valley Dispersed Camping is located near Highlands, North Carolina. To reach the campground, travel south on NC 28 from Highlands for approximately 5.5 miles, then turn right onto Blue Valley Road (S.R. 1618) at the sign. The pavement ends after half a mile. Continue on the main dirt road for about 3 miles until you reach the campground area, marked by an information kiosk. Note that the actual location is about 1.5 miles further than some maps indicate, so continue driving if you don't immediately find it.

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