Multiple dispersed camping areas exist near Bakersville, North Carolina, primarily within Pisgah National Forest. Free primitive sites can be found along forest roads including Victor Road, Old NC 105, and Kistler Memorial Highway in the Linville Gorge Wilderness. Backcountry camping is also permitted at higher elevations such as Grassy Ridge Bald along the Appalachian Trail. These areas typically feature fire rings and flat spots for tents, but provide no amenities or facilities.
Access to most dispersed sites requires careful navigation of unpaved roads. The Linville Gorge area features dirt roads with occasional washouts where high-clearance vehicles are beneficial though not always required. Victor Road, accessible from Blue Ridge Parkway near mile marker 342, transitions from pavement to packed gravel with some rough spots. Several campsites include water access from nearby creeks, though all water requires treatment. No restrooms, trash service, or potable water are provided at any dispersed sites, and campers must pack out all waste.
These primitive areas attract visitors seeking mountain views and solitude. The Linville Gorge sites provide access to hiking trails and occasional riverside camping, though reaching water requires steep descents. Victor Road dispersed sites offer creek-side camping with relative privacy. One camper noted, "The road is initially pavement but quickly turns to packed gravel. The road is a little rough in spots, but I had zero issues in my Honda Accord." Grassy Ridge Bald camping requires hiking in but rewards with panoramic views. A visitor mentioned, "There are several spots on the bald to pitch your tent. There are not too many spots to gather firewood. Super windy so dress appropriately!"
"We hiked down to the gorge and also enjoyed the dispersed camping available right along the riverside, which was pretty cool but... that hike back up is a DOOZY especially with a pack on."
"Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property."
"There are so many sites tucked along this dirt road and some incredible views! I spent almost 14 days here and almost didn't want to leave!"
"It was a private site with the shade and some sunshine. There are a lot of sites with shade, some small some large. There are some sunny sites. A lot of the sites are very close to the road."
"Beautiful 6000’ bald off the AT and along the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee, plenty of places to pitch a tent. Firewood is scarce so bring a lantern and cook stove."
"The Appalachian Trail is frequently referred to as The Green Tunnel because of the amazing wormhole effect of trees, rhododendron and other vegetation that shroud your views. But not here!"
"My husband and I took a road trip and needed to find a spot to car camp last minute in the area. The narrow road to go up/down is alittle sketchy but we made it."
"Nearly right at mile marker 342 Long gravel road, couple/few camping spots along the way, mostly on the left."
"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."
"Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road."
"This is one of many forest roads in this area with free camping. I went during the week and had the entire area to myself."
"Old NC 105 is a dirt road which goes on for miles with views both sides. Camping spots are available all along the road some with better views than others."
"Coordinates are accurate to get you to this gravel road along a ridge top. Easy pull-in spots for cars and vans next to the road, several with great views of the valley and gorge."
"Its more of a trail head parking lot. Good tent camping if you hike down the trail"
"Totally need 4WD with high clearance."
"I made it up safely. Yes there were sketchy spots, but if you have a high clearance off road camper with independent suspension and enough truck.. you’re good to go."
"There’s a nice big spot at the end of the trail where you could rooftop tent/car camp, but the actual site is about 100’ away."
"This is my favorite spot in the pisgah national forest . I have stayed at all the free campsites around and left my review for each. This is by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest , site yet !"
ScoutGreat spot to pull in last minute. There are multiple spots along this stretch of road. Would not recommend if you want to post up somewhere private, decent amount of traffic pulling through for a mountain road.
GuideAfter much research I could not find anything about brining a travel trailer up Old NC 105. Everything told me not to. I detached my truck at the bottom and drove to the top. And found it was doable…. If you have the right setup.
I have an ember overland 190msl and a Ram 2500 diesel. I made it up safely. Yes there were sketchy spots, but if you have a high clearance off road camper with independent suspension and enough truck.. you’re good to go. I did have to air down quite a bit (25psi) on the camper (30psi) on truck due to steep inclines with large rock step ups.
But it is doable with the right setup.
TravelerPulled up with 20 ft camper behind a xterra. No problems, beautiful view.
GuideGreat spot! I didn’t stay at the pull off but further down the road there’s actual campgrounds with tent platforms and fire rings for dispersed camping. I found the last empty one. It was quiet but there was a bit of cycling traffic up and down the road. They had signs posted about bear activity and I even saw a bear come out 10 feet from my car! Didn’t bother me after walking back down the road. Nice quiet site :)
Scoutgot lucky and found a great spot right across the road from beautiful viewpoint. road was busier during the day but calmed down at night. enjoyed our visit
TravelerI camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.
ScoutThis place has an amazing view there's one more campsite earlier up on the road it has an even better view but this is still an 8 out of 10, it's perfect for a hammock setup it might be a little bit harder if you're trying to put a tent up in here. Clean site.
ScoutWe stayed on Thursday and Friday night. There is noticeably more traffic on Friday night, but nothing that ran late. We had to pick up trash on our arrival from previous campers so a good reminder to bring gloves a shovel and dig a hole for your poop or pack your poop out! It was a private site with the shade and some sunshine. There are a lot of sites with shade, some small some large. There are some sunny sites. A lot of the sites are very close to the road. Some of them are back further into the woods for more privacy.
We drove a Traverse which doesn’t have super high clearance and it was a steep grade gravel road. There are sites that will require a high clearance vehicle but also plenty of level spots to get in. No disturbances; no animal sightings. No safety concerns. Near trailheads for convenient hiking.
ScoutThis was our first weekend out with our new camper and we loved this spot! We stayed at the second spot along the road on the left, then further back along the trail. It was only the two of us with our dogs but there was definitely enough room for a group.
Primitive camping near Bakersville, North Carolina typically consists of dispersed sites within the Pisgah National Forest and surrounding areas. Most sites sit at elevations between 3,000-6,000 feet, creating cooler camping conditions even in summer months with temperatures often 10-15 degrees lower than nearby valleys. Campers should prepare for temperature drops at night that can reach the 40s even in July and August at higher elevations.
Swimming at creek sites: Upper Creek in Pisgah National Forest offers multiple swimming opportunities along a two-mile gravel road with numerous pull-offs. One camper at Upper Creek noted, "There are numerous waterfalls to hike to, one of which is a short hike from the end of the road." The creek access provides natural cooling during summer months.
Trout fishing in season: Several primitive camping areas provide access to quality trout fishing. Fishing licenses and seasonal restrictions apply. One visitor at Steele Creek mentioned, "This is by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest site yet! There is a walking trail at the end of the road about 100 feet from our site, that had the best swimming hole at the end of it, where you can jump in."
High-elevation hiking: Access the Appalachian Trail from several dispersed camping areas for day hikes with panoramic views. A reviewer described their experience, "This was truly one of my most memorable campsites I've ever stayed at. After a glorious hike up Roan Mountain and back down I crossed the road and hiked out along the three balds and found a few lonely trees to hang a hammock between."
Mountain vistas: Many dispersed sites along Old NC 105 offer direct views into the Linville Gorge and surrounding mountains. A camper at Old NC 105 Dispersed shared, "Old NC 105 is a dirt road which goes on for miles with views both sides. Camping spots are available all along the road some with better views than others. Some spots are very shaded deep into the trees while others afford superb views of the gorge and distant Lake James."
Creek-side campsites: Multiple areas feature spots directly adjacent to running water. A visitor at Victor Road Dispersed explained, "Great place by Blue Ridge Pkwy. Not very far off Pkwy, we had no problem getting there with our Artic Fox truck camper and pulling a Jeep. Stayed next to a creek at the end."
Privacy between sites: Despite being free dispersed camping, many areas offer good separation between camping spots. One camper noted, "Sites are free and do not appear to be managed by any official municipal, state or federal authority...but they are in great shape. The ground wood for campfires is very abundant and many of the sites are appropriate for groups."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access to most primitive sites requires navigating forest roads of varying quality. A camper at Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping advised, "Beware if you're coming from the south google tries to take you through private property. Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It's a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bakersville, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bakersville, NC is Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bakersville, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Bakersville, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
