Best Dispersed Camping near Green Mountain, NC

Dispersed camping in Pisgah National Forest surrounds the Green Mountain, North Carolina area, with multiple free primitive sites available along forest service roads. Victor Road Dispersed, Old NC 105 Dispersed, and Steele Creek are among the established dispersed camping zones in the region. These areas feature basic, undeveloped campsites with fire rings but minimal other amenities. Most sites are situated along streams or offer mountain views, providing campers with authentic backcountry experiences.

The forest roads accessing these dispersed sites range from packed gravel to rough dirt tracks with occasional water crossings. Many require careful navigation, particularly after rain. A review noted, "The dirt road is initially rough but no issues in my Honda Accord." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some areas, though standard cars can access many sites with cautious driving. Most sites lack drinking water, toilets, and trash service, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with fire rings available at established sites.

These backcountry areas provide scenic camping opportunities with varying levels of privacy and natural features. Victor Road Dispersed offers three campsites with creek access, while Old NC 105 Dispersed provides numerous sites along a ridgeline with mountain views. According to a camper, "About 5 camping spots along the road have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, hills and valleys." Steele Creek features multiple sites along a creek with swimming holes. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent in most areas, providing a true disconnection from urban environments. Wildlife sightings are common, and many sites offer access to hiking trails within Pisgah National Forest. Most areas remain relatively quiet except for occasional vehicle traffic on the access roads.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Green Mountain, North Carolina (28)

    1. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Barnardsville, NC
    17 miles

    "I stayed at the second one up the dirt road. It wasn't officially designated but it was used as a campsite. You'll need four wheel drive to get in and out of it though."

    "There is free camping all through out these woods & plenty of water access. Trails out the wazoo! Our doggies love the trails & there are quite a few family friendly paths."

    2. Victor Road Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Little Switzerland, NC
    14 miles

    "My husband and I took a road trip and needed to find a spot to car camp last minute in the area. The narrow road to go up/down is alittle sketchy but we made it."

    "Nearly right at mile marker 342 Long gravel road, couple/few camping spots along the way, mostly on the left."

    3. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "There are so many sites tucked along this dirt road and some incredible views! I spent almost 14 days here and almost didn't want to leave!"

    "Absolutely beautiful area and one of my new favorite wilderness areas on the east side of the country."

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

    13 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property."

    5. Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

    3 Reviews
    Roan Mountain, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 689-9694

    "Beautiful 6000’ bald off the AT and along the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee, plenty of places to pitch a tent. Firewood is scarce so bring a lantern and cook stove."

    "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!"

    6. Crabtree Creek on Victor Road

    1 Review
    Little Switzerland, NC
    15 miles

    8. Old NC 105 Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    "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."

    "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."

    9. Steele Creek

    4 Reviews
    Jonas Ridge, NC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    "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."

    "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 !"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Green Mountain, NC

94 Reviews of 28 Green Mountain Campgrounds


  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Great dispersed site in the Pisgah NF

    Great Campsite along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by. Tent camping near the jeep or a high clearance overland teardrop should make it back here ok but not recommended for regular RV's.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great camping spot

    First the sight is beautiful and most have a beautiful trout stream close by when navigating if using Apple Maps pay attention to where it is routing you mine wanted me to walk through the woods for an hour to get here it’s easier to find if you navigate to north mill’s campground first second there are signs about being a high crime area and they are not kidding while I was out picking up a few things at ingles someone came by and took my tent and sleeping bag that was inside I wouldn’t leave anything valuable to mark it as your sight and I have T mobile and I lost service about 10 mins from the campground and had no signal while staying there

  • Alyssa E.
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, safe, peaceful, and fast cell service!

    There are so many sites tucked along this dirt road and some incredible views! I spent almost 14 days here and almost didn't want to leave! The dirt road must've been regraded in the past year as it is easily drivable. I stayed in several sites further up the road and they're all good options! There is traffic, but not much. I have 5G service on both Verizon and Sprint/Tmobile (Verizon has a better signal). Lake James State Park has water at the picnic shelters. The water pump at the Catawba River entrance allows you to connect a hose to it while the Paddy Creek is better for using containers. I'm not confident it's potable water though there's no sign saying it's not. I was using jugs at Paddy Creek and noticed tiny things in the water. Went to Catawba and didn't find anything in the water, but filtered it to be safe.

  • Julie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • K
    May. 15, 2021

    Victor Road Dispersed

    On the fly

    My husband and I took a road trip and needed to find a spot to car camp last minute in the area. The narrow road to go up/down is alittle sketchy but we made it. The first two spots were taken so we drove to the end where it seperated to private drives. There was a fire pit and a trail that we didn't explore. Our 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee didn't take up much space. There was plenty of space for a wider vehicle or multiple. There's literally no amenities which was no issue for us since we had what we needed, no cell service(Verizon) but no issues for us. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, other than the stream near by. Other than a deer that left its tracks nearby, nothing bothered us. --Visited May 9th-10th--

  • Justin L.
    Dec. 27, 2020

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

    Nice spot off a dirt road

    Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property. Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It’s a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester. I camped here in December 2020 and didn’t see anyone else. Plenty of wood, but not much of a view from my camp anyway. Lots of camps.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Paint Creek Corridor

    Paint Creek Dispersed Camping

    The national forest service website says there are dispersed camping site throughout the corridor; however, I was only able to locate one and luckily it was vacant. There are several spots along the road that may have been for dispersed camping as some point but are now clearly marked with no camping signs. I did enjoy my stay here but I’m a little disappointed in the website saying there were multiple sites … i has to drive almost 4 hours to get there and would have been super disappointed if I arrived to no spots. Also a lot of trash in the area of the site sadly.

  • C
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Victor Road Dispersed

    Quiet & Secluded

    Nearly right at mile marker 342 Long gravel road, couple/few camping spots along the way, mostly on the left. Drive through a little creek, and stay to the right, a little ways down you’ll find another spot just before Laurel Retreat. A little larger clearing than the others, my pop-up fight nicely , plus Toyota Sequoia. Big fire pit. No water, no bathrooms, no hookups. (I have solar panels) A couple shelter/observation buildings with handicap parking scattered along the way.


Guide to Green Mountain

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Green Mountain, North Carolina, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With numerous spots to choose from, you can find the perfect place to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Green Mountain

  • Stargazing is a must at Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping, where the clear skies provide a stunning view of the stars, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned campers.
  • Hiking opportunities abound in the area, especially near Pisgah National Forest Dispersed, where you can explore beautiful trails leading to breathtaking waterfalls.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of nature while fishing or swimming in the creek at Steele Creek, which offers a peaceful setting for relaxation and recreation.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Green Mountain, North Carolina

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Victor Road Dispersed

  • This area features several camping spots along a scenic road, with the best sites located near a creek crossing, making it a picturesque choice for nature lovers.
  • Expect a peaceful atmosphere at Victor Road Dispersed, where you can enjoy building campfires and soaking in the natural beauty.
  • Be mindful of other campers, as this spot can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended to secure a good location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Green Mountain, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Green Mountain, NC is Pisgah National Forest Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near Green Mountain, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.