Mills River Dispersed is located in Pisgah National Forest, featuring forested terrain with a mix of trees and undergrowth. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include the Blue Ridge Parkway and the North Carolina Arboretum, offering opportunities for exploration and learning.

Dispersed campsites are primitive camping areas that don't have bathrooms or many of the other amenities you will find at developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is only allowed at designated areas.

To limit impact, dispersed camping is only allowed at designated sites in these areas on the Pisgah National
Forest: Pisgah Ranger District along the following corridors: Cathy’s Creek, Courthouse Creek, Wash Creek, Headwaters, Yellow Gap and Avery Creek; in corridors along Big Ivy Road, Cold Springs Creek and River Road/ French Broad River in the Appalachian Ranger District; and along the Curtis Creek corridor in the Grandfather Ranger District.
Areas closed to dispersed camping include Bent Creek Experimental Forest; the Cradle of Forestry in America; the Wilson Creek corridor; Silvermine Creek; developed day-use sites and campgrounds; and many wildlife openings. For site specific information. call the ranger districts.

Mills River Dispersed

Searching for the best camping near Mills River, NC? Mills River is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Mills River

The Best Camping Near Mills River, North Carolina

*this is just for the free campsites- there appears to  be paid campsites and maybe RV hook ups very close by.

Pros: 
1) Gorgeous lush forest 
2) ice-cold flowing stream (in May) immediately off most camp spots
3) well maintained and leveled places to pitch a tent. 
4) except for occasional cars, very very peaceful and far from any urban life or freeway.

Cons:
1) No cell service (Verizon) without driving 10 minutes, and then patchy for another 10-15
2) camp spots are mostly immediately off the road. It’s a very isolated place, so you have inconsistent privacy and peace and quiet.
3) several cars drove by and woke me up after 11pm.
4) the dirt road to get there as well as the pull off for the campsite are rough and a bit dangerous for low/regular cars. It’s doable but you should go very slow and watch out for giant holes and ridges. I bottomed out going into the parking space, and I lifted my Prius 1.5in

TO NOTE:
Google maps incorrectly told me to take a right once I was on the dirt road that doesn’t exist. Just ignore it and keep going forward.

Explored up to campsite 4 the next day. Campsite 3 is a larger group site and a bit further off the road.

It’s not true “dispersed” camping because they have designated site you are supposed to stay at. Im not sure how many there are, but I only got up to #4, driving about 5-10 min down the dirt road.


Beautiful, mostly peaceful, inconvenient 

They have a long term camper they refuse to run off and he will steal from you. Camp at your own risk, watch your stuff like a hawk. I'd really recommend Sunburst or Big Ivy instead of North Mills really. 

Photos of Mills River Dispersed

Real photos from real campers