Dispersed camping around Glendale Springs, North Carolina centers on primitive sites at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,600 feet across multiple national forest areas. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer camping typically remains cooler than surrounding lowlands. Most sites lack basic facilities but offer forest shade and direct creek access not available at developed campgrounds.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Steele Creek provides multiple swimming spots with small cascades. One camper notes there's "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."
Mountain sunrise viewing: Whitetop in Virginia offers unique sunrise experiences above the clouds. "We were ABOVE THE CLOUDS. It was absolutely stunning. The views later when the clouds cleared were spectacular," explains one visitor who camped there despite challenging conditions.
Astronomy: Clear mountain nights provide stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. At Whitetop, campers report excellent conditions for "watching the sunset" followed by being "able to star gaze" with minimal light interference.
Wildlife watching: Wild ponies can be observed near certain camping areas. One reviewer at Scales Trailhead Basecamp mentioned "our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!"
What campers like
Solitude during weekdays: Upper Creek camping areas typically have lower visitor numbers Monday through Thursday. A camper reports, "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."
Access to the Appalachian Trail: Several dispersed camping areas connect directly to major hiking trails. At Scales Trailhead Basecamp, a frequent visitor mentions "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!"
Campsite location options: Old NC 105 Dispersed provides various camping environments. One visitor explains, "Some spots are very shaded deep into the trees while others afford superb views of the gorge and distant Lake James."
Cell service at select locations: Unlike many primitive areas, certain ridgetop sites maintain connectivity. On Old NC 105, a reviewer mentioned "great cell service" at the ridgetop sites with valley views.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require careful driving. At Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest, campers note "the state road was in good shape but steep narrow and lots of switch backs but well worth it."
Weekend crowding: Popular areas fill quickly Friday afternoons. One Upper Creek visitor reported, "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."
Site preparation needed: Many dispersed sites require cleanup before use. At Upper Creek, one camper stated, "The camp sites were good size but had trash and glass."
Wildlife precautions: Ticks and other insects can be problematic. A visitor to Steele Creek reported, "I did get eaten alive by mosquitos and I found a tick on my chair so be on the lookout."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming hole safety: Creek sites often have multiple water access points of varying depths. At Steele Creek, campers appreciate that "it is a great spot to swim" with various depth options.
Site accessibility planning: Not all sites accommodate vehicle camping. One reviewer notes about Steele Creek: "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."
Arrival timing: Early arrival increases site options, especially for groups. A visitor to Old NC 105 reported arriving "Friday around 5. The best spots were already taken, I got the last 'scenic' spot but it was beautiful."
Wind protection: Higher elevation sites experience significant wind. At Whitetop, a camper warned "THE WIND IS KILLER. We ended up moving our tent to the other side of the car park at the top. There's a nice little piney forest which provided a little shelter from the wind."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV-friendly options: Most dispersed sites accommodate tents only. At Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, one camper described it as "perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, so bring your IKEA bags or a wagon."
Road clearance requirements: Forest service roads often have challenging sections. A visitor to Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites mentioned, "Coordinates take you right to the site and there's a small gravel road you can pull into. The campsite is directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet."
Pull-through availability: A few sites offer easier access for small trailers. A camper at Steele Creek mentioned, "It is a pull-thru so it would be convenient for trailers, too."
Distance from services: Free camping near Glendale Springs requires self-sufficiency. One reviewer at Washington & Jefferson noted "no service, off-grid" conditions requiring advance preparation.
