Best Dispersed Camping near Croatan National Forest

Croatan National Forest in North Carolina has several spots for dispersed camping where you can enjoy a basic, no-frills outdoor experience. You'll need to bring everything you need since these sites don't have bathrooms or water sources. You can find this type of camping at Backcountry Large Area and Sourwood Campground. Make sure to practice Leave No Trace methods while camping to keep the forest in good shape. The rules require camping a certain distance from roads and water, and you can stay up to 14 days at a time. Some sites might need a higher-clearance vehicle to reach because of rough roads. Remember to bring in all your supplies and take all trash with you when you leave. Check for any fire bans before planning to have a campfire. Store your food properly since there are many animals in the area. If you want to hike during your stay, the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Mountains are not far away.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Croatan National Forest (52)

    1. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    13 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    8 miles

    "Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."

    "The only downside to this campground is that for half of the sites the parking is across the small access road. This would be most ideal for tent camping."

    2. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    "Campground Review:

    The Nantahala National Forest, due south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is chock full of free semi-developed campsites – some are drive-up, some are boat-up, and"

    "We got a spot right on the lake. It was nice and quiet. The view was great for watching the sunset. I think there was a pit toilet but we didn’t check it out."

    3. Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "I was hoping to car camp a little closer to NOC but not in a campground but this is the closest I could find in February. I would definitely stay here again!"

    "GPS coordinates got me exactly to where I wanted to go. Lots of twists and turns going up the dragon with beautiful scenery of the trees changing colors in late October."

    4. Calderwood Lake Primitive campground

    3 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, TN
    4 miles

    "You are right in the little slickrock cover with waterfalls as white noise. unlike the other sites this one is also very flat which is best for walking. if you enjoy hiking campsite one is right on the"

    "If you are willing to bring everything with you, pack everything out, and paddle multiple miles on a nonmotorized finger lake, this is this place for you!"

    5. Citico Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    10 miles
    Website

    "No hookups, but a majority of the 14 sites are on the creek itself. Could not recommend Citico Creek more."

    "My only complaint was there were cars frequently driving by throughout the night on the dirt road. Other than that, really enjoyed this place."

    6. Sourwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    13 miles
    Website

    "You could pretty much drive by this place without giving it a second thought. I am glad I didn't. We got there late after 1pm. I was afraid that we were out of luck."

    "Google maps brought me to a spot 30 miles away"

    7. Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

    1 Review
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    "The hike in is quite difficult. we boated into slickrock cove off of Calderwood lake and walked from there to the sites. which was only about 1.5 miles. so a lot easier than the whole 13.5 mile hike."

    8. Beach Creek Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    0 miles

    10. Fires Creek Hunters Camp/Huskins Branch

    3 Reviews
    Hayesville, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-5152

    "This is a little loop drive across from a day use area on Fires Creek. Pick a spot, and set up your tent. There is a concrete outhouse but no potable water."

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Showing results 1-10 of 52 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Croatan National Forest

96 Reviews of 52 Croatan National Forest Campgrounds



Guide to Croatan National Forest

Dispersed camping near Croatan National Forest in North Carolina offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Croatan National Forest

  • Enjoy fishing and swimming at the scenic Lake Santeetlah Dispersed, where you can park right next to your site and take in stunning lake views.
  • Hike the nearby trails at Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy peaceful walks along the lake.
  • Experience the thrill of kayaking or canoeing at Calderwood Lake Primitive Campground, which is accessible by a short paddle and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Fires Creek Hunters Camp/Huskins Branch, which can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience; many sites, such as Citico Creek Area, do not offer amenities like running water or electricity, so bring all necessary supplies.
  • Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles, as seen at Sourwood Campground, where visitors often need to clean up after others to maintain the area's beauty.

Best Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Visit the historic Wesser Bald Fire Tower, where you can camp nearby and enjoy breathtaking sunrise views after a short hike.
  • Explore the picturesque Bartram Trail Campground on Nantahala Lake, which provides easy access to water and stunning sunset views over the lake.
  • Discover the hidden gem of Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry, where you can find secluded spots along the river for a truly tranquil camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Croatan National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Croatan National Forest is Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Croatan National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 52 dispersed camping locations near Croatan National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.