Top Free Dispersed Camping near Crumpler, NC

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Crumpler? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Crumpler's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Crumpler, NC (15)

Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Crumpler

46 Reviews of 15 Crumpler Campgrounds


  • Harley G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetop
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Whitetop

    Absolutely stunning!

    Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.

  • Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Tumbling Creek
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Little Tumbling Creek

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.

  • Jay N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scales Trailhead Basecamp
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Isolated & wonderful!

    We've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.

    The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!

    Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Creek
    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.

  • Jon M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scales Trailhead Basecamp
    May. 31, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Serious off road capability needed

    The road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite
    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.

  • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
    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

  • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Creek
    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 !

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    Jul. 28, 2023

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Incorrect listing, don’t come here!

    This listing is for the main office for the forest. There are no camping sites near here. The sites are all located in the area listed as Washington and Jefferson camps sites down to the south west on HWY58, about a 45 minute drive toward Damascus VA.

  • Sara S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    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.

  • Michael W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    May. 23, 2023

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Not as depicted on DYRT

    Went to site Dyrt said on pro trip selection. Read reviews looked good. See photos I give. It is the headquarters bldg. Free sites are from Damascus up mtn to bear creek campground

  • Erik C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Great little spot near the creek

    Overall this was a great little spot right off the road. The sound of the creek was lovely all night. Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night. There second spot close by and set a little further back that would get lit up by headlights as cars passed. Really lovely morning hike around the nearby lake more than made up for it though.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Beautiful site by the creek

    I stayed here two nights because it was so beautiful! It is a little close to the main road, as others have mentioned, but it was still removed enough for me to feel remote. The creek is loud and the trees offered privacy. It is a pull-thru so it would be convenient for trailers, too.

  • Raquella 🥸.
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    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!

  • Kelly G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry
    Dec. 12, 2021

    Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

    Life 360 - a break in the Green Tunnel!

    This was truly one of my most memorable campsites I’ve ever stayed at. After a glorious hike up Roan Mountain and back down I crossed the road and hiked out along the three balds and found a few lonely trees to hang a hammock between. The Appalachian Trail is frequently referred to as The Green Tunnel because of the amazing wormhole effect of trees, rhododendron and other vegetation that shroud your views. But not here! There was an evening thunderstorm over an adjacent mountain, a beautiful sunset, a full moon to howl at, and a sunrise that can’t be beat. The hike back was in and out of the clouds. Pure bliss!

    Pro Tip : Please do not skin or scar trees. Bring your own firewood.

  • Matthew C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetop
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Whitetop

    Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic views. The wind is killer. Very little Verizon and AT&T signal. Gorgeous sunsets.

  • Carissa D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

    Spectacular Views!

    It’s a short hike up from Carver Gap. There are several spots on the bald to pitch your tent. There are not too many spots to gather firewood. A few sites already have rock pits made for you. Super windy so dress appropriately!



Guide to Crumpler

Camping near Crumpler, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service at many campgrounds. A camper at Grindstone mentioned, "There wasn’t any signal, but the hosts can tell you where to drive outside of the campground to find it."
  • Primitive Camping Options: Some campgrounds, like Little Oak Campground, offer primitive sites without electric hookups. A visitor noted, "All sites are primitive."
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the camping season for each site. For example, Honey Bear Campground is open from March 15 to October 31.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, one parent said, "The hiking is excellent. The campsites are large and spacious."
  • Secluded Sites: Choose sites that offer privacy. A camper at Honey Bear Campground mentioned, "The mature trees and shrubbery make it feel like you’re all alone."
  • Plan for Rain: Be ready for wet weather. A visitor at Blue Bear Mountain Camp said, "Unfortunately rained the whole time we were there, ended up leaving a day early."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to choose level sites for easier setup. A reviewer at Wytheville KOA noted, "A lot of the sites were not level."
  • Amenities Matter: Look for campgrounds with good amenities. One RV camper at Hungry Mother State Park said, "The campground was easy to navigate, and the bathroom facilities were very clean."
  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer fun activities. A visitor at Wytheville KOA mentioned, "We got in early enough that we were able to get a game of bowling in before they closed."

Camping near Crumpler, North Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Crumpler, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Crumpler, NC is Mount Rogers National Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Crumpler, NC?

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Crumpler, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.