Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites, near Morganton, North Carolina, is a free camping spot that offers a laid-back atmosphere for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With a mix of tent and RV sites, you’ll find a variety of options to set up camp, all conveniently located near a creek perfect for a refreshing dip.

The area is part of an OHV network, so expect some traffic from trucks and dirt bikes, especially on weekends. Visitors have noted that while some sites might have a bit of trash, most are well-maintained and provide a decent level of privacy. One camper mentioned, “We stayed here for 12 days... it was the most secluded,” highlighting the charm of the first site on the right.

Amenities are basic but functional, with picnic tables and fire rings available at most sites. There are vault toilets scattered throughout, and while cleanliness can vary, they generally get the job done. If you’re in need of supplies, the Collettsville General Store is just a short drive away, offering everything from snacks to gas.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the nearby OHV trails provide plenty of opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re looking for a quick overnight stay or a longer retreat, Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites offers a friendly vibe and a chance to connect with nature.

Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites

Collettsville is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Collettsville is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Collettsville and user-submitted reviews.

Collettsville

The Best Camping Near Collettsville, North Carolina

Stayed here for 5 days.

The road is gravel and dirt. No major potholes and easily navigable. Two cars/trucks and most likely two small to mid-sized RVs can squeeze by at the same time. If you take the road all the way to the end, about 2 to 2.5 miles, there is a huge asphalt parking lot(see pics). One caveat: there is a relatively narrow turn near the top of the lot, past the camping sites, that would be difficult for larger RVs. Then again many trucks hauling dirt bikes on trailers made it up to the parking lot. If they can, I imagine many lengthy vehicles probably could get through also.

This parking lot is mainly used by Off Highway Vehicles(OHV). That is, dirt bikes and four wheelers. The OHV trail starts at the parking lot, which is why on weekends it gets extremely busy. I'd say I saw upwards of 25 trucks and vans in November. Most leave before sundown. Some may occasionally camp. The OHV lot is far enough from the sites, about 0.5 miles, that you won't hear the bikers coming and going from the OHV trail. You will hear them when they pass your site on their way in and out. By the way, I believe you cannot camp at the parking lot though I did not try.

There are a handful of sites, all of which are of different sizes and shapes. All can accommodate tents with ease. Tables and fire rings are available in most though I didn't check them all. Some sites will fit trailers and trucks, especially if you squeeze them in. See pics of how a few campers did exactly that. Small RVs will fit in most sites, possibly by backing them in. The road is wide enough where backing in is possible, especially with assistance. I saw a large fifth wheel in one of the sites and a truck and trailer in another of the smaller sites(see pics).

There are two toilets about 100 feet apart. They are clean and toilet paper is supplied(see pics).

Phone reception and internet access are unavailable at the sites, or at least the one I was at. It's possible that with a booster you may get service. You will get service to make phone calls at the OHV trail parking lot. Internet is spotty.

Being a forest, trees abound. Depending on the site you are at, you may or may not get sunshine. The trees provide plenty of shade. This can be good and bad. My solar panels had to be moved every 15 to 20 minutes if I wanted them to provide full charge. A bit of a hassle but doable. I was able to charge my power station sufficiently.

As for groceries, there is a store diagonally across from the entrance of the forest. Unfortunately, it was only open during the weekend when I happened to be there. The Collettsville General Store is about 6 miles from the dispersed camping sites and a far better bet. If you're exiting the forest, turn left and keep going until you hit a T point. Turn right and it's immediately to your right. They are a fully stocked convenience store where you can also get pizza and sandwiches. The general store also serves as a gas station. And they're open 7 am to 9 pm to boot!

About 0.25 to 0.5 miles from the Collettsville General Store is the Hard and Flossie Clark Family Park, a public park, where phone reception is available. There are covered picnic tables so you can sit and surf(see pics). If you scout around you'll find a power outlet that is turned on. Enough to get routine tasks done while charging your laptop.

Collettsville also has a post office, which opens during the afternoon every day. I think from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Or it may be 12:30 to 4:30.

Forest Dispersed Camping With Toilets and Phone Reception Nearby

Closed for the season as of January 6, 2021. 

Closed for the season

This campsite was a stop over for a trip out west.. and it was wonderful! Especially for being free. The trash was overflowing a little and the vault toilets obviously didn’t smell the best but aside from that it was all we could ask for. We had a picnic table, a designated fire area, a creek about 20 feet from our camp, and the toilet just steps away. It was clean for the most part, maybe some cigarette butts here and there but overall really clean. We would have stayed longer if we had more time.

Great little spot and free

Beautiful spots well cleaned and maintained. Forest service rd is well Maintained! Handful of sights and multiple privy’s 

Perfect for overnight or weekend 

We stayed here for 12 days in the very first spot on the right , it was the most secluded and we had a bar of service near/ at the picnic table. We enjoyed our stay. A lot of traffic came through especially on the weekends and everyone seemed friendly . There was some trash we noticed and glass but minimal.  The road is pretty well maintained . I did see about 3 maybe 4 vault toilets , I’m not sure on the cleanliness of them . There was a creek with a decent swimming hole 2 minutes walking distance from camp . Overall this was one of my favorite spots 

Great spot 

This is a gravel road that links up with an OHV area/trailhead/parking lot - there are at least 9 campsites, some on the right and most on the left about 100-200 feet from the creek. Being part of an OHV network, expect a lot of trucks towing bikes, 4x4s, etc. throughout the day/night. Some sites were pretty trashed, but none too far gone. Stayed Sunday night and had an unbothered time. About 20 min from Lenoir. 

Photos of Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites

Real photos from real campers