Great Lake Dispersed Site, near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina, is a rugged spot for those who crave a true wilderness experience. This area is all about getting back to nature, with no amenities to distract you from the stunning surroundings.

Visitors have highlighted the beautiful natural scenery, including longleaf pine forests and serene lakes. You can camp just about anywhere, but be prepared for some bumpy roads and a bit of a trek to find your perfect spot. As one camper noted, “Dispersed camping deep in the national forest” offers a unique chance to connect with the wild.

Wildlife is abundant here, so keep your eyes peeled for alligators and bears, and be ready to fend off some pesky mosquitoes. The trails can be a bit tricky due to hurricane damage, but those who venture out often find the untouched beauty of the area worth the effort. Just remember, this isn’t a typical campground—it's a chance to immerse yourself in the great outdoors without the usual comforts.

If you're looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle, Great Lake Dispersed Site is a solid choice. Just pack everything you need, and get ready for an adventure in one of North Carolina's hidden natural treasures.

Welcome to the Croatan National Forest, one of four National Forests in North Carolina and the only true coastal forest in the East. The Croatan National Forest's 160,000 acres have pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs and raised swamps called pocosins. Bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound, the forest is defined by water. All this water provides a variety of recreation and diversity of wildlife- from deer, black bears and turkeys to wading birds, ospreys and alligators. Canoeing and fishing are popular on blackwater creeks and saltwater marshes. The Croatan is also home to the carnivorous Venus fly-trap, sunder and pitcherplant. The Croatan National Forest has one Ranger District, the Croatan Ranger District. Please contact the District for more information. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Croatan National Forest can be found here. Recreation Maps Croatan National Forest Maps Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest

Havelock is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Havelock, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Havelock

The Best Camping Near Havelock, North Carolina

Lots of trails and beautiful pines. Pitcher plants and Venus fly traps, Camp any where you want, Bring everything because it is not a campground as such. Wilderness area Lots of mosquitoes

Mostly pocosin and wet lands 

This is not a”campground” per se, but rather a large area of national forest  where dispersed camping is allowed. This is about as close to nature as it gets! All primitive camping, no amenities at all. Beautiful natural surroundings. Watch out for snakes and alligators! 

Not a “campground”, dispersed camping areas

Dispersed camping deep in the national forest. A native long leaf pine forest in a swampy alligator habitat with some nice lakes. Lots of roads closed from hurricane damage, so don't trust Google maps. The dirt roads were not maintained and ridiculously bumpy and unmanageable for smaller cars. There are alligators, bears, way too many ticks, mosquitos and a ridiculous amount of shotgun shells. It definitely felt dangerous. Would not recommend tent camping, but great for an RV if you can figure out where to park. 

Primitive 

We tried to camp here but all the access roads were closed due to hurricane damage. They looked have been closed for a long time. In a pinch we found a camp spot  nearby at Catfish Lake. The road in was easy but it was extremely trashy with lots of shotgun shells on the ground. Lots of people showed up to trap shoot nearby so we had to keep going over to let them know we were there. 

Camp area unacceptable 

The path is blocked at about halfway down by concrete barriers and downed trees. So I pulled my Ford Ranger in the pines beside the path and slept there.

Path blocked.

You can access Great lake with an Atv or SXS. There are passable trails past the barricades but you will need a capable 4x4 to get thru. The lake is virtually untouched and the roads were still in good shape.

Photos of Great Lake Dispersed Site - Croatan National Forest

Real photos from real campers