The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Culberson, NC

99 Reviews

Dispersed camping around Culberson, North Carolina occurs primarily in the Nantahala National Forest and Cherokee National Forest, with several free primitive sites available. Notable areas include Panther Top Dispersed Site, Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, Fires Creek Hunters Camp, and Lake Santeetlah Dispersed. These backcountry camping locations typically feature basic amenities like fire rings and occasionally picnic tables, but lack facilities such as drinking water, showers, or electrical hookups. Most sites permit stays up to 14 days and allow pets, providing budget-friendly alternatives to developed campgrounds.

Access to many dispersed camping areas requires travel on unpaved forest roads, with conditions ranging from well-maintained gravel to rough terrain with potholes and blind curves. Several campsites, particularly at Long Hungry Road and Lake Santeetlah, offer lakefront locations suitable for kayaking or fishing. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for certain areas, especially during wet weather. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most sites. Campers should prepare to pack out all trash and bring necessary supplies, as most locations have no potable water or sanitation facilities.

The dispersed sites near Culberson provide opportunities for seclusion and direct access to recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and paddling. Many campsites are situated near trails or bodies of water, enhancing their appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. Long Hungry Road sites are particularly praised for their lake views and spacing. According to one visitor, "Sites are so spread out it feels like you're the only one on the lake!" Another camper noted about Panther Top, "There are only two primary camping spots with fire rings and tent pads. My spot had a picnic table and two tent pads, a pole for your lantern and was just feet from the lake."

Map showing campgrounds near Culberson, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Camp Woodruff Boy Scout Summer Camp

Camp Woodruff Boy Scout Summer Camp

14 min away

Panther Top Dispersed Site

Panther Top Dispersed Site

19 min away

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Culberson Contest

Enter to Win

Best Dispersed Sites Near Culberson, North Carolina (59)

    1. Panther Top Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Tusquitee National Forest, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-5152

    "Great spot right on the little lake. You can hear the gun range from the Camp Spot, but it is barely noticeable. There are two main spots right on the lake that are set up for tent camping."

    "We also hiked up to a nearby fire tower and it was a fun little hike. 10/10 will be returning.

    (I just got a new drone and I made a fun little video of the campsite and the hike we did.)"

    2. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    21 miles
    Website

    "The lost cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN. The campground is operated and maintained by the USFS."

    "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."

    3. Fires Creek Hunters Camp/Huskins Branch

    3 Reviews
    Hayesville, NC
    18 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."

    4. Sourwood Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coker Creek, TN
    21 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"

    5. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    14 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    29 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."

    6. Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Cherry Log, GA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Nice firepit, hiking across the way. 4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some."

    7. Goforth Creek Campground A

    2 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    21 miles
    Website

    "This campsite is a backcountry site located along the Goforth Creek trail and is the closest to the parking area. It is also the largest of the sites with room for several tents."

    8. Jack's River Falls Trail/Cohutta Wilderness Backcountry Group Camp

    4 Reviews
    Cisco, GA
    24 miles

    "This is a tough trail but good for teens looking to challenge themselves in the back country. The views are amazing with rock falls. Camping is primitive as back country can be but worth the trek."

    "Obviously very close to the river to filter water from. We didn't see any wildlife at this site, but we did see a copperhead at another earlier in the trip, so be aware!"

    9. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    30 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."

    10. Goforth Creek Campground B

    1 Review
    Reliance, TN
    21 miles
    Website

    "This is another large campsite that sits further up the creek and is pretty easy to find from the main trail. It is more open than site A but also a good option."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 59 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Culberson Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Culberson, NC

121 Photos of 59 Culberson Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Culberson, NC

99 Reviews of 59 Culberson Campgrounds

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2022

    Big Creek Primitive Camping Area

    Remote Primitive Camping

    This is a great off grid camping spot along a creek. There are about 7 spots here with most of them each able to hold multiple vehicles and set ups. We had 3 vehicles (two with rooftop tents and one with a small teardrop trailer) and we still had room for more set ups in the spot we set up in. All the sites have at least 1 fire ring, most had multiple.

    This is primitive camping, so there are no facilities (no bathhouse, no power, no dump station, no trash, ect). It's all pack it in, pack it out. We had no service with Verizon. 

    This is also bear country, so you need to practice bear safety with your food and trash. We did not see any bears in camp, but did spot one just down the road the morning we were leaving. 

    There is hiking in the area and there are areas in the creek deep enough for wading and soaking. 

    This is along Forest Service Road 221 which this section of FS 221 shares driving trails such as the Big Frog Loop, the Georgia Traverse, and the Trans America Trail (TAT), so there could be lots of traffic with overlanders, adventure bikers, and off-roaders.

  • Kaylee D.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    Wow! Amazing primitive campsites! 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). Sites are so spread out it feels like you’re the only one on the lake! Most parking next to campsites could fit camper van or tiny trailer and at the end of the road there is a turn around space if needed; however every site has steps down to the level area (L9 has the longest straight down hill to the lake), so you won’t be parking right next to the site if that is a problem...it wasn’t for me). Just drive carefully( lots of big potholes and blind curves)! Overall, a beautiful area to set up camp (up to 14 days)! I didn’t want to leave.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Creekside Camp

    Very primitive

    No picnic tables or pit toilets. Flat campsites next to a very nice creek.

  • Natalie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2024

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Quiet, nice spaces, and clean!

    Such a great find! 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! Very quiet and clean and the sites are very well laid out and maintained! No hook ups of any kind but it’s worth it! Highway Patrol and Park Rangers patrol pretty frequently so I felt really safe as a solo female. I still took all the safety precautions but didn’t feel as necessary as some.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2021

    Siler Bald Trail Shelter TR 373

    Trail Shelter along the Appalachian Trail

    Siler Bald is not to be confused with Silers Bald, which borders the NC/TN state line in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Siler Bald is actually in the Nantahala National Forest and is close to Wayah Bald along the Appalachian Trail. The shelter is aptly named after the adjacent mountain bald. I first went to Siler Bald many years ago but did not go to the trail shelter. This second time, I did go to the trail shelter, which is about nine-tenths of a mile past the Siler Bald summit if you are hiking north on the Appalachian Trail. If you are hiking from Wayah Bald, it is a little over three and a half miles. Since this is a trail shelter, it does not have electrical hookups. You will need to take a water filtration system for fresh water. Instead of searching for firewood, we used my old Coleman stove for dinner. Surprisingly, there were no other groups in the shelter the night we stayed there. The best things about this trail shelter are its proximity to the Appalachian Trail, the quietness you’ll experience since it is away from major highways, and its proximity to the Siler Bald summit. The summit provides a fantastic 360 degree view since it is a grassy bald, but it is a steep climb from the base to the summit. This is not an RV campground, and you do have to pack everything in(and out). You cannot go to the store to get supplies without hiking a long way, so be prepared. Overall, I loved it because of its peace and solitude.

  • Roy B.
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Grassy Field in forested mountainous area.

    This is a primitive group camping area close to Lake Conasauga. GPS is 34.86064073010609,-84.63659794105651. (Photos and this review are from my last stay here on 31 Oct- 02 Nov 2021.) 

    The camping field is at the base of Bald Mountain, altitude 4005'. Nearby Tearbritches Trail will take you to the summit of Bald Mountain and then down to the Conasauga River. The Emery Creek Trail is at the back of the camping area. There are some fire pits in the open field. 

    The cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar(or no cell). 

    This area is fairly remote and the rough gravel forest service roads are best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle. 2x2 usually works ok though. (It takes patience and a while to get here.) This is a popular mountain bike area and the cyclists can easily hit speeds of 30MPH on the sketchy downhills.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2022

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great peaceful spot

    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.

  • William S.
    Sep. 25, 2021

    Albert Mountain Firetower Dispersed Campsite

    This one's for the hikers

    You can access this campsite by various means, but do your research and save yourself as many steps, because make no mistake, this is a serious hiking trail (a mile to a mile and a half, depending on route) up to the Fire Tower. 

    Part of the Appalachian Train, once you park your car or hike in, you'll make your way uphill over crude-cut rocks, tree roots, and muddy, narrow paths. Hiking poles are strongly recommended. The path down is just as treacherous as the path up, as moisture from the mountain drips down over craggy footholds. 

    While the path is popular with hikers, anyone camping should consider using a very small pack, especially since some of the trails have nothing but a chasm on one side. 

    Once you make it to the Fire Tower, however, all is forgiven. The site from the bottom is breathtaking, and you can see, well, forever. Heading up the tower (the very top is closed to visitors and mothballed), you get an almost full 360º panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains. 

    The camp site itself is very rustic, no amenities other than a rock fire ring, and does not face the vistas. There's a weak LTE signal at the top, but be prepared to lose your signal along the way.

    Side note: I came through the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory, which has numerous signs posted that you cannot camp there. However, it's part of the larger National Forest and it's not exactly clear where camping begins to be allowed, as there were several rustic sites along the trail at the upper end.

    If you do come driving through the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory path, be prepared for narrow, steep gravel lanes. And keep in mind that if you do park your car on one of the (few) spaces available, you're going to be very far from it, and the site didn't appear to be patrolled in any way.

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 19, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Large Dispersed Camping Field

    This is a large field for dispersed camping along Conasauga Lake Road that is popular with both hikers (Emery Creek Trail and Tear Britches Trail both have trailheads here) and Overlanders (site is on the Big Frog Loop and Georgia Traverse). There are multiple fire rings established around the field and this field can handle many groups. No water or facilities here, but you can go down to the Lake Conasauga Campground about a mile away and use their facilities for a $5 fee. The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van.

Guide to Culberson

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Culberson, North Carolina, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of primitive camping.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Culberson, North Carolina

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Goforth Creek Campground A, which can fill up quickly on weekends.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; many areas, such as Justus Creek Campsite, do not have toilets or trash services, so pack out what you pack in.
  • Familiarize yourself with bear safety practices, particularly in areas like Big Creek Primitive Camping Area, where wildlife encounters are possible.

Dispersed campers should check out Goforth Creek

  • Goforth Creek offers multiple sites along the trail, providing easy access to water for purification or swimming, making it a refreshing choice for hot summer days.
  • The area is known for its peaceful ambiance, with the soothing sounds of the creek enhancing the camping experience at Goforth Creek Campground B.
  • Campers can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking and fishing, with scenic views and natural beauty surrounding spots like Goforth Creek Campground C.

Enjoy fishing and hiking while free camping near Culberson

  • The Lost Creek - Cherokee NF area is perfect for those looking to fish, with nearby streams teeming with life and great hiking trails to explore.
  • For a more remote experience, consider Fires Creek Hunters Camp/Huskins Branch, where you can hike along beautiful trails and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • Many dispersed sites, like Panther Top Dispersed Site, provide excellent opportunities for both fishing and hiking, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of the Nantahala National Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Culberson, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Culberson, NC is Panther Top Dispersed Site with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 59 dispersed camping locations near Culberson, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring