Dispersed camping near Casar, North Carolina provides opportunities in the Pisgah National Forest where elevations range from 2,000 to 3,500 feet throughout the camping areas. The region features mixed hardwood forests with scattered pine stands. Seasonal weather varies dramatically, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and dropping to 55-65°F at night, while spring and fall bring significant temperature fluctuations requiring layered clothing.
What to do
Creek swimming spots: At Steele Creek, several natural swimming areas along the creek provide relief during summer months. "This is my favorite spot in the pisgah national forest... The creek is a great spot to swim so we are excited about that. 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," reports camper Kylie B.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours offer the best chances to spot local wildlife throughout the forest roads. "The birds in the early morning were beautiful though," notes Claire K. about her stay at Old NC 105. Deer sightings are common, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Hiking access: Upper Creek offers direct access to forest trails. As Nick M. describes: "a two mile long gravel road that parallels with a beautiful river with a bunch of pull offs to camp or hangout at." The area connects to several day-hiking routes ranging from 1-3 miles in length.
What campers like
Campsites with privacy: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at National Forest Road/Steele Creek. "This was a great stay at a large site, near a creek with fire pit. My Starlink worked great! Road coming in is winding and you have to cross a submerged bridge. A few cars went by, but it's not a thru road, so they passed again shortly after. Quiet, safe place!" notes Christie S.
Natural sound environment: The ambient sounds of flowing water enhance many camping experiences. David H. from Upper Creek appreciates "Amazing seclusion and peace in the Pisgah Forest. I really enjoyed this place. I got the best spot in all the dispersed sites here. Big space, right next to the creek. All I heard was the water and some faint crickets hanging on in November."
Multiple site options: Free dispersed camping in this area offers various terrain choices. According to Bryce W. at Upper Creek, "This road lead to multiple spots to camp. Some walk in and some drive in. The spots are well spaced out so you do not see other campers. Though the spots are large, there is not room for a large trailer."
What you should know
Vehicle recommendations: Most forest roads require appropriate vehicles. Michael C. from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping notes: "I drove the whole road South end to North in my fwd sedan haha and saw plenty of beautiful spots to settle at. You definitely need to be a confident driver if you do that though."
Water preparation: All dispersed camping areas lack potable water. David P. advises: "biggest con for me is I use a pump filter to fill up water no camp sight that I could find had access to the river that runs along this road so make sure to bring plenty of bottled water."
Seasonal conditions: Weather patterns affect road conditions and accessibility. After rainfall, roads deteriorate significantly. As David P. states, "the road got worse while I was there from the rain."
Tips for camping with families
Timing considerations: Arrive early for optimal site selection, especially for sites with space for multiple tents. Sam C. reports: "We ended up arriving in the evening, so driving up to the location we could see random open spots but they were just off the road in the woods with a place for a vehicle and trailer and had a fire pit but that was about it, no view."
Space requirements: Pisgah National Forest Dispersed offers varied site sizes for different group needs. According to Timothy, there are "Several dispersed camping sites where you can easily park a vehicle. There are several along Roses Creek road and along New Ginger Cake road."
Safety precautions: Be aware of wildlife and insects. Brenna M. notes: "Beautiful area, the road was narrow and windy so be careful driving but not awful. The sound of the creek was nice but I did get eaten alive by mosquitos and I found a tick on my chair so be on the lookout."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Victor Road Dispersed accommodates some larger camping vehicles. Art R. confirms: "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."
Limited larger vehicle options: Most dispersed camping in the area has restrictions for RVs. Michael W. observed at Steele Creek: "Maybe I missed this in the reviews, but all but 1 site were best for tents. I drove in to camp in my car and there was only 1 spot, which is by the creek crossing, and it was already taken."
Clearance considerations: Low-clearance RVs should avoid many areas. Kyle C. advises: "This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I've seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords."
