Best Dispersed Camping near Asheville, NC

The mountains surrounding Asheville serve as home to several dispersed camping areas throughout the Blue Ridge region. Camping outside established sites in national forests requires self-sufficiency and proper preparation. Sunburst Campground sits in the Great Smoky Mountains area and tends to fill up on weekends with campers looking for basic sites. You'll need to carry in your own water and supplies since these remote spots lack facilities of any kind. Following Leave No Trace practices helps keep these areas in good condition for future campers. Rules state that you must camp at least 200 feet from streams and roadways. Before lighting any fires, check current fire bans as they change seasonally based on conditions. You can stay up to 14 days at most dispersed sites before needing to move. Many access roads become rutted after rain, making higher clearance vehicles necessary for reaching certain areas. Bears and other wildlife roam these forests, so hang food properly and keep a clean camp. Remember that everything you bring in must leave with you—these areas have no trash service.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Asheville, North Carolina (34)

    1. Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    3 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    9 miles

    "First the sight is beautiful and most have a beautiful trout stream close by when navigating if using Apple Maps pay attention to where it is routing you mine wanted me to walk through the woods for an"

    "I was looking for an easy and free site to post up for several days near Asheville and this was all I needed.

    Primitive site and right next to another."

    2. Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "The forest road is very bumpy and narrow, but high clearance is not needed. Very low light pollution and the bare trees allowed for some great star gazing."

    3. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Barnardsville, NC
    19 miles

    "I stayed at the second one up the dirt road. It wasn't officially designated but it was used as a campsite. You'll need four wheel drive to get in and out of it though."

    "There is free camping all through out these woods & plenty of water access. Trails out the wazoo! Our doggies love the trails & there are quite a few family friendly paths."

    4. Mills River Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

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

    5. Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1

    1 Review
    Mills River, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    6. Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2

    1 Review
    Mills River, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    7. Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "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."

    "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."

    8. Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    24 miles
    Website

    "Right off the road, the short couple yards dirt road entrance to the campsite had a couple big pot holes that requires accurate driving around, but the campsite had at least three spots for seclusion for"

    "Good place for me to overnight, there are no facilities, the entrance is a bit hidden google maps will get you very close look for the small tent sign on your right when headed away from the parkway my"

    9. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "All dirt roads back here. Beautiful waterfall (whaleback falls I think?) just a quick 15 minute walk across the river and up the trail (follow Daniel ridge trail loop from parking lot)."

    "With that said:

    • remote- you have to want to get up here but it's really easy to do once you drive it a few times.

    *clearly marked spots. I am actually located at ucc-2. ** The Dead End spot."

    10. Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    1 Review
    Brevard, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "Not 100% sure it is a spot as it is not marked but signs may have been damaged and it does show a tent symbol on the forest service map."

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Showing results 1-10 of 34 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Asheville, NC

100 Reviews of 34 Asheville Campgrounds



Guide to Asheville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Asheville, North Carolina, where nature lovers can find serene spots to pitch their tents and enjoy the great outdoors. With stunning landscapes and a variety of activities, these locations offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Asheville

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Wash Creek

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Asheville, North Carolina

  • Always check your navigation before heading to Mills River Dispersed, as GPS can sometimes lead you astray; it's best to have a backup plan.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities at sites like Sunburst Dispersed Camping, where you’ll need to bring your own water and supplies.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially at popular spots like Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2, where theft has been reported; securing valuables is essential for a worry-free stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Asheville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Asheville, NC is Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5 with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Asheville, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 34 dispersed camping locations near Asheville, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.