The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Black Mountain, NC

112 Reviews

The mountains surrounding Black Mountain, North Carolina feature predominantly dispersed camping options within Pisgah National Forest, where primitive sites offer solitude and scenic beauty. Located approximately 15 miles east of Asheville, this region provides access to numerous free camping areas along forest roads and near mountain streams. Victor Road Dispersed and Old NC 105 Dispersed Camping are particularly popular options, with sites typically featuring basic fire rings but minimal other amenities. Steele Creek and Wash Creek areas offer additional dispersed camping opportunities with creekside locations that attract tent campers seeking natural settings without developed facilities.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring travel on unpaved forest roads that can become challenging after rain. As one camper noted, "The road is pretty well maintained other than a few spots that you have to crawl through on the corners specifically. I drive a Toyota Camry that sits fairly low and I made it fine." High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote sites, particularly in Pisgah National Forest. Cell service is inconsistent across the area, with many campers reporting complete disconnection at sites like Wash Creek. Temperature fluctuations can be significant due to elevation changes, with one visitor cautioning: "This campsite is fairly high in elevation, so it gets cool at night. Don't make the mistake of taking a summer sleeping bag."

Mountain streams and creeks enhance many camping experiences in the Black Mountain area, providing both ambiance and practical water sources for those with filtration equipment. "There is a babbling brook next to the site for great ambience," reported one RV camper at Wash Creek. Sites along Old NC 105 receive consistently high ratings for their panoramic mountain views, with visitors noting, "About 5 camping spots along the road have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, hills and valleys." Competition for prime spots increases on weekends and during peak summer months. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer frequently spotted near Victor Road sites. Security concerns exist at some locations, with one camper at Wash Creek warning about theft: "There are signs about being a high crime area and they are not kidding... I wouldn't leave anything valuable to mark it as your site."

Map showing campgrounds near Black Mountain, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Black Mountain, North Carolina (35)

    1. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Barnardsville, NC
    11 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."

    2. Victor Road Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Little Switzerland, NC
    16 miles

    "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."

    3. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "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!"

    "Absolutely beautiful area and one of my new favorite wilderness areas on the east side of the country."

    4. Crabtree Creek on Victor Road

    1 Review
    Little Switzerland, NC
    15 miles

    5. Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    4 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    22 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"

    "Was a pretty nice camp site compared to a lot you just have to be aware of the people around you."

    6. Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    22 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."

    7. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    13 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    32 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1

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

    9. Mills River Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    23 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."

    10. Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2

    1 Review
    Mills River, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Black Mountain Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Black Mountain, NC

102 Photos of 35 Black Mountain Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Black Mountain, NC

112 Reviews of 35 Black Mountain Campgrounds

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Free Camping but Lots of Foot Traffic

    There are two great things about this campsite. It’s free, and it is close to great views of the mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located off of Highway 215, you do hear road noise, but that is not too much of a problem. During the day, you get a lot of day use hikers since the largest campsite is right beside the trail. There is a large flat area to set your tent if you are lucky enough to be the first one there, and there is a fire pit. Beyond that, there are no facilities. You can hear the sounds of water all night long from Flat Laurel Creek. The last time I was in that area, I tried to cross Flat Laurel Creek over slippery rocks against my better judgment, and the weather was in the upper 30s. I fell, got soaked, and nearly froze to death. This time, it was summer and I learned to cross in my bare feet despite the fact that the rocks were dry this time. The trail eventually takes you to Sam’s Knob, which offers beautiful views, and there is lots of scenery along the way. This campsite is fairly high in elevation, so it gets cool at night. Don’t make the mistake of taking a summer sleeping bag. You could, but you take a chance of being cold even during the peak of summer. This is not a good place for RVs or travel trailers. It is mainly for tent camping even though you do not have to hike in. Just make sure to take water or a water filter. Overall, I recommend this campsite if you are going to hike somewhere else during the day. However, you will not get solitude of any kind here because of all the day hikers.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Great dispersed site in the Pisgah NF

    Great Campsite along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by. Tent camping near the jeep or a high clearance overland teardrop should make it back here ok but not recommended for regular RV's.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2020

    Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Camping with Great Views Close

    Although you can camp just about anywhere in Pisgah National Forest, there are specific sites near the trailhead to Sam Knob. This area is known as Black Balsam. There are no RV sites, and you have to hike about a hundred yards or less to the sites, unless you camp on the bald. The sites had lots of roots, so it was difficult to find a level site without roots all over the area. With that said, it is a good place to camp, and it is just a short walk to the pit toilet, which is also at the trailhead. There are fire pits, but there are no lantern hangers or tent pads. Expect to hear lots of cars and people during the busy months about 200 feet away. Because of that, a better place to stay is at the top of Sam Knob, which you can do. That was a better choice for me since I try to stay away from crowds as much as I can. However, you cannot clear or make a new spot; you have to“find” a spot in which you do not disturb the area. You will need a freestanding tent since you will probably be pitching it on solid rock. 

    The biggest problem with staying on the knob is the weather. Unfortunately, it poured rain and was windy when I was there. I expected it to be windy, but mixed with the rain, it made it unpleasant. Sam Knob is a heather bald, so that gives you a little privacy. However, expect a hikers to end up there since it is a hiking destination and the views are great. 

    Overall, it is a good place to camp, but there will be people close by no matter where you pitch your tent, whether it is a hundred yards from the parking lot or up on top of Sam Knob.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great camping spot

    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 hour to get here it’s easier to find if you navigate to north mill’s campground first second there are signs about being a high crime area and they are not kidding while I was out picking up a few things at ingles someone came by and took my tent and sleeping bag that was inside I wouldn’t leave anything valuable to mark it as your sight and I have T mobile and I lost service about 10 mins from the campground and had no signal while staying there

  • Alyssa E.
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, safe, peaceful, and fast cell service!

    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! The dirt road must've been regraded in the past year as it is easily drivable. I stayed in several sites further up the road and they're all good options! There is traffic, but not much. I have 5G service on both Verizon and Sprint/Tmobile (Verizon has a better signal). Lake James State Park has water at the picnic shelters. The water pump at the Catawba River entrance allows you to connect a hose to it while the Paddy Creek is better for using containers. I'm not confident it's potable water though there's no sign saying it's not. I was using jugs at Paddy Creek and noticed tiny things in the water. Went to Catawba and didn't find anything in the water, but filtered it to be safe.

  • Julie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Good Times at the Gorge!

    These are pretty decent sites. You just pull off the road, set up and enjoy the camping experience. 
    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. I would recommend it. The payoff of the views is highly worth any trail difficulties. 
    This was a really clean, well respected area. I liked to see that most other campers were clearly doing their part to Leave no Trace.

  • K
    May. 15, 2021

    Victor Road Dispersed

    On the fly

    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. The first two spots were taken so we drove to the end where it seperated to private drives. There was a fire pit and a trail that we didn't explore. Our 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee didn't take up much space. There was plenty of space for a wider vehicle or multiple. There's literally no amenities which was no issue for us since we had what we needed, no cell service(Verizon) but no issues for us. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, other than the stream near by. Other than a deer that left its tracks nearby, nothing bothered us. --Visited May 9th-10th--

  • Justin L.
    Dec. 27, 2020

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Nice spot off a dirt road

    Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. 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. I camped here in December 2020 and didn’t see anyone else. Plenty of wood, but not much of a view from my camp anyway. Lots of camps.

  • Tony F.
    Aug. 7, 2020

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Very nice, great location

    Really isn't much to this campsite. 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 both tent camping and car camping, which I did. Also, there's a little trail to a waterfall after you go down the old logging road and follow the path across the creek. Very short, very easy about 0.5 mile or less from the creek. Also, very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it a great spot.

Guide to Black Mountain

Dispersed camping near Black Mountain, North Carolina offers primitive sites within Pisgah National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 feet. The surrounding area features dense hardwood forests and numerous tributary streams that feed into larger river systems. Temperature swings between day and night can exceed 20 degrees, particularly during spring and fall months when overnight lows may drop below 40°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Several camping areas provide access to stocked trout waters. At Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping, visitors can find multiple fishing spots within short walking distance. One camper mentioned, "I drove the whole road South end to North in my fwd sedan and saw plenty of beautiful spots to settle at."

Mountain biking access: The trails near Henderson Reservoir offer connections to popular biking routes. A camper at Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1 noted, "Lots of morning mountain bikers and late night drivers so privacy is limited."

Hiking to waterfalls: The Linville Gorge area contains numerous cascades accessible via moderate to strenuous trails. A visitor at Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping reported, "I hiked down to the river where the waterfall is and that was pretty cool. Moderate difficulty on that trail."

What campers like

Creek-side camping: Many sites feature ambient water sounds that enhance the camping experience. A camper at Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2 noted, "There is a babbling brook next to the site for great ambience. We were able to fit our 30ft motorhome and car into the site with no problem."

Wildlife viewing: The forests around Black Mountain support diverse wildlife populations. At Victor Road Dispersed, one visitor reported, "Other than a deer that left its tracks nearby, nothing bothered us."

Night sky clarity: Limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. A camper at Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off shared, "Very low light pollution and the bare trees allowed for some great star gazing."

What you should know

Road conditions: Forest roads accessing dispersed camping can deteriorate quickly after rain. A visitor to Old NC 105 observed, "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."

Security concerns: Some camping areas have reported theft issues. A camper at Mills River Dispersed warned, "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."

Cell service limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have no cellular connectivity. A visitor at Victor Road Dispersed camping stated, "No cell service (Verizon) without driving 10 minutes, and then patchy for another 10-15."

Site competition: The most desirable locations fill quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Pisgah National Forest Dispersed advised, "Free sites, first come first serve. Get there early as possible as people can post up for a week there."

Tips for camping with families

Temperature preparation: Higher elevation sites experience significant overnight cooling. At Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping, a camper suggested, "Rain was an issue and bugs were pretty bad. Very difficult to get a fire started due to how damp everything was."

Site selection for kids: Choose locations with adequate flat space away from roads. At Victor Road Dispersed, a visitor described, "Sites 1 & 2 are located about 1/2 mile down Victor Road on the left and are adjacent to one another, but appear to be large and have foliage separating them. One of the sites had three tents pitched along side a beach tent and still had plenty of open space."

Water filtration needs: Streams provide water sources but require proper treatment. A Pisgah National Forest Dispersed camper noted, "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."

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2, an RVer reported, "My class C had no problems making its way along and fitting in the roomy semicircle next to the tent and fire pit pad."

Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling. A camper at Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5 mentioned, "Great place to stay just be aware of your surroundings."

Pull-through limitations: Nearly all sites require backing in. At Victor Road Dispersed, a camper with an RV noted, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Black Mountain, NC?

Free dispersed camping near Black Mountain, NC can be found throughout Pisgah National Forest. Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites offer free camping with great mountain views near the Blue Ridge Parkway off Highway 215. These sites accommodate both tent and car camping with several secluded spots. Another excellent option is Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping, which features numerous sites along a dirt road with incredible views. The road has been maintained and is easily drivable. Both areas are first-come, first-served with no facilities, so come prepared with everything you need, including water and waste disposal solutions.

Are there free dispersed camping spots with water access near Black Mountain?

Yes, there are several free dispersed camping spots with water access near Black Mountain. Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5 offer beautiful sites with a trout stream nearby. These sites provide a peaceful setting with water access for fishing or relaxation. Another option is FS 289 Pull Off, which features a nice stream running alongside the camping area. This site requires a high-clearance vehicle for access but rewards visitors with a peaceful setting by the water. Both locations are free and provide the natural water access many campers seek, though it's always advisable to bring your own drinking water or purification methods.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Black Mountain, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Black Mountain, NC is Pisgah National Forest Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 35 dispersed camping locations near Black Mountain, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring