Free camping near Cashiers, North Carolina includes several dispersed sites within the Nantahala National Forest at elevations around 3,000 feet. The area experiences cool mountain nights even in summer, with temperatures often dropping into the 50s after sunset. Most dispersed camping options require no reservations or permits, though campers should arrive early on summer weekends when sites fill quickly.
What to do
Waterfall hunting: 0.5-mile hike from campsite. At Glen Falls Backcountry Campground, campers can access multiple cascading waterfalls. The site "is located on the inside of a curve in the river so the creek surrounds almost the entire site giving easy access to water and a relaxing sound to help you sleep at night."
Mountain summit trails: Multiple 6,000-foot peaks accessible. From Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping areas, hikers can reach Sam Knob (6,000 feet) and Little Sam Knob (5,862 feet). "It's an easy 20-30min hike to the top of the mountain with tall grass and a wide open view to see the sunrise and sunset!"
Creek swimming: Multiple sites with water access. Many campsites feature creeks for cooling off during hot days. At Mountain Rest Mountain Top, "shaded and at trailhead of a trail down to creek and near a second trail to a waterfall. Had a few people during the day but evenings were totally quiet."
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Sites set back from roads. At Blue Valley Dispersed Camping, visitors appreciate the quiet environment. "Beautiful, large, private sites. You couldn't see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek."
Established fire rings: Most sites have permanent rings. No need to build your own fire pit at Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites, which offers "at least two large groups of day hikers, and several individual hikers. There are two campsites with fire rings." Some sites also include lantern posts.
Sound of running water: Natural white noise. Many campers note how creeks enhance sleep quality. One camper reported, "Even if people are camping near you the stream creates a nice sound barrier so you don't really hear them. Very nice to fall asleep to the sound of the stream."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Some sites difficult to locate. Several campers report GPS inaccuracies in the area. At Blue Valley Dispersed Camping, one camper noted, "Location is actually about 1.5 miles further than shown on map. Just keep going. Stayed for a week. About 7 campsites with fire rings."
No facilities: Pack in all supplies. Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite and similar sites have "no water source up top you will pass a small creek slightly off the trail that provides a good place to pump water before heading up to the peak." Bring water filters, toilet paper, and waste disposal tools.
Weather preparation: Temperature drops at night. Even in summer, mountain elevations cause significant temperature swings. One camper at Blue Valley noted, "I went in July and it was cool in day and cold at night nice, secluded."
Tips for camping with families
Creek-adjacent sites: Natural entertainment. Families particularly enjoy sites with water access. At Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed, "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)."
Large group sites: Some accommodate multiple tents. Several dispersed areas feature expanded sites for family camping. One reviewer noted, "We have camped at 3 sites at this campground and have loved all of them... There's only about 10-15 sites that you can actually drive up to but I'm sure there's more if you hike in."
Cell service limitations: Plan for disconnection. Most areas have minimal to no cellular coverage. A camper at Upper Cove Creek reported, "Zero phone connection whatsoever (T Mobile 5g / LTE). Greater earth love connection a thousandfold."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV access: Most sites for small rigs only. Sandy Beach Campsite and many dispersed camping options near Cashiers aren't suitable for large vehicles. One camper notes sites are primarily for "tent or as I use the tree tent."
Road condition awareness: Check weather before arrival. Many forest roads deteriorate after rain. A camper at Mountain Rest Mountain Top advised, "Moderate clearance vehicle is required to access, (or hike it)."
Turning radius challenges: Limited space at most sites. Several campers mention tight roads and difficulty turning around. One noted, "Pretty rough in some places and very narrow, let's just say I wouldn't want to end up encountering another car."
