Best Dispersed Camping near Conover, NC

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Conover, North Carolina

44 Reviews of 8 Conover Campgrounds

• 

  Corey M.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 24, 2022

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Amazing views for free!

  This was our first stop on our first trip to North Carolina and now we don’t want to leave! We drove the entire road between Lake James and Linville Falls and there are tons of good spots for boondocking and hiking. About 5 camping spots along the road have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, hills and valleys. Those spots are obviously the first to go, so come early or on a weekday for those. Otherwise, there are a ton of other great spots. The road itself is all dirt and gravel and can get a little rough. It’s much easier with a 4WD vehicle, but we saw sedans and minivans driving it.

• 

  kylie B.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 18, 2024

  Steele Creek

  Quiet creek spot

  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 ! There are plenty of sites to pick from all along the creek , all of which appear to be well maintained , each with a fire ring . 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 . My favorite part is definitely The creek , it 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. It has a couple small waterfalls to add to the ambience. The site is very clean other than some glass that I’ve been picking up . Definitely highly recommend these camp sites out of any others in the pisgah national forest! this area is beautiful and pure peace compared to the others in the area !

• R

  Robin B.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 28, 2024

  Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

  Free in the woods on a creek

  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. The ground wood for campfires is very abundant and many of the sites are appropriate for groups. There are numerous waterfalls to hike to, one of which is a short hike from the end of the end of the road.

• 

  Jolie L.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 3, 2020

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

  Perfect Primitive Camping/Backpacking

  Great free primitive camping. If all you need is a fire and a tent, this is the spot for you. The Linville Loop is also an amazing 3-4 day backpacking trip for anyone up to the challenge.

• 

  Julie L.

  Ranger

  

  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.

• 

  Phillip C.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 16, 2022

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Wonderful Views!

  All sites are primitive camping but the views are incredible and the trip to get there is part of the fun!

• 

  Kenny L.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 3, 2024

  Steele Creek

  Love this place

  Great camping spot with access to the creek for swimming

• 

  Andy K.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 8, 2023

  Old NC 105 Dispersed

  Free camping with great views

  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.

• 

  Alex E.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 1, 2022

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  CLOSED BY BOULDERS

  Drove up to the exact coordinate and the two camping spots are fully blocked off by boulders. If you’re camping In a tent you should be able To drive in just enough to get your car off the road but you’ll have to walk past the boulders to camp in a tent/hammock.

  Definitely no car camping. :(and

• 

  Mic F.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 16, 2022

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Gorgeous views, rough road

  The view from on top of the mountain is easily 10/10. But if you're a big rig like us (we're about 35ft long) the gravel road to get up to the camping spots is virtually not safe. We made it just before the other sites I believe, couldn't get much further without our stuff inside going everywhere even more. They're mainly pull offs where you park and if you want to you can tent camp into the forest more. Still though being able to see the sun rise and set over the mountains and the view of the lake was gorgeous.

• 

  Raquella 🥸.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 2, 2022

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

  Off of NC-105

  We drove up on a Saturday and it wasn’t too crowded, definitely people around but plenty of open campsites. There were a couple of good washouts in the road, so 4WD or AWD would be recommended but maybe not required. Several good spots to pull in with a vehicle. We found a big spot but it was right next to the road (most of the campsites were), but it was still quiet enough - only one car that drove by at night.

  We had a view of Table Rock and plenty of space for the two of us and our dog.

  3 stars because of the proximity of the campsites to the road, as well as many of the campsites needing to be picked up after the last campers (we checked out at least 10 other spots before deciding where we wanted to stay).

  Overall, a nice visit!

• 

  Joseph F.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 14, 2024

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Beautiful Car Camping spot

  Great place for beginners and experienced campers alike. You're gonna need 4x4 or AWD on the dirt road to the campsites especially if the weather is no good but we did just fine and nothing was too intense. There are 13.8mi worth of campsites so plenty of privacy and peace and quiet. Had a lotta fun seeing the stars and sitting by the fire. Wiseman's View is stunning and yes we did see the brown mountain lights well worth the trip.

• 

  Spencer A.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 10, 2021

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Superb car camping

  There are campsites located all along the road. Once you find one that you like, pull over and set up camp for the night. Campsites are marked by a firepit. I recommend bringing a bag or two of your own firewood. It rained for us and was very foggy, but once morning came we got a great view of a gorgeous sunrise. Don't be discouraged by the gravel road. It is pretty washed out in some areas but if you have a good vehicle and are careful, it should be no problem. Don't settle on a campsite tucked away in the woods (unless that is what you want); there are plenty of sites with a view if you go far enough. We had about a dozen other vehicles drive past us after we were set up. So, there are other campers in the area. However, they are spread far enough out that you don't even know that they are there. Great views while camping on this ridgeline.

• 

  Peter H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 8, 2021

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

  Isolated and gorgeous

  Primitive campsites for tent/ENO camping. Which is personally my favorite kind of camping. It’s simple and has breathtaking views

• 

  Frank M.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 9, 2020

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Great View!

  Happened upon this campsite not long after starting up the “105” fro the south. At only 2575’ it’s not high but the view is spectacular. Plenty of room for a couple of tents. Wouldn’t try with a RV though.

• 

  Arthur D.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 21, 2023

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

  Good rest

  Very primitive but a great and free place to get some dark pea e and quiet

• 

  kylie B.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 18, 2024

  Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

  Party spot

  The camp sites were good size but had trash and glass . Our site was fairly close to the road . Traffic wasn’t bad through the week but weekend it was busy . The next site up had over 25 cars and they were partying pretty loud . Fortunately they did quiet down at a decent time . The road in was a bit bumpy but nothing too serious . My car made it in fine

• 

  Sara S.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 21, 2023

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

  Breath Taking views

  The road up to the campsites is pretty steep and bumpy. Wouldn't recommend a car but saw several go through. There are a handful of sites on either side of the road. Some have steep drop offs off the side of the mountain so be careful. A few group sized sites with misc trails to wonder. Very quiet and serene but only 30 minutes from town.

• 

  Adam B.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 14, 2024

  Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot

  Horrible

  The camp site appears okay. Water sources are non-existent. Traffic was insane. Got attacked by someone's unrestrained dog, this is getting to be an issue everywhere it seems. Constant dust in the air from traffic. And my camp got raided by a thief. I just can't recommend the Gorge anymore, used to be one of my favorite places but it has taken a serious dive. Probably won't go back.

• 

  Mark M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 21, 2021

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Secluded camping off the BRP

  Needed a spot to stop at off the Blue Ridge Parkway and this did the job. There's no signs that this is a campsite at all other than the fire pits, but the sites were tucked away and you could pull your car right up to them. Some pretty great views off the mountains too and the site was really quite with very few cars passing by.

  You have to travel at least 3.5mi on a dirt road (if you're coming from the south) which can be annoying, but the sites are visible from the road. It looked like there were at least 2, not sure if there's more if you go further up the road. Didn't want to try it with my sedan.

• 

  Joe P.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 25, 2024

  Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

  peaceful

  very nice and beautiful camped right next to the upper creek. the state road was in good shape but steep narrow and lots of switch backs but well worth it

• B

  Brianna W.

  Traveler

  

  May. 19, 2024

  National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite

  Best camping spot

  We been going to this spot for years! Our friends introduced us to this area. We are naming after our late friend Nate. This place is spectacular, a lovely creek/river with swimming pools. Campfire rock rings. There’s probably about 10 spots. There’s a spot that outweighs the rest. Anywho, the terrain is definitely rough but cars, trucks and vans can get down there just not RVs. Know that there is no signal when you are out there.

• M

  Michael W.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 29, 2024

  Steele Creek

  Great for tent camping

  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. 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. Road wasn’t too bad, only a spot or 2 on the switchback that were probably best for a 4 wheel drive vehicle, but I’m sure most cars would be fine.

• 

  Katie A.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 12, 2023

  Old NC 105 Dispersed

  Easy drive, great views

  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. Most have primitive fire rings. Great cell service. Only downsides are good view sites right on the road, and hard to find level ground. Popular spot for vans.

• B

  Brian

  Guide

  

  Mar. 14, 2024

  Old NC 105 Dispersed

  2024 check in

  The past reviews are dead on for all aspects and road conditions.

• 

  Drew P.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 5, 2024

  Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot

  Very Shaded

  Great place with lots of shade

• 

  Liam G.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 16, 2021

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Great view, little privacy

  The site is right next to the road near a former burn area, so there's a clearing between the site and the lake. A lot of people just stop and walk right through my camp to get a better view, only a few of them even apologizing and even fewer asking permission. But tthe view from this site is better than from most.