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Best Dispersed Camping near Hickory, NC

63 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist in the Pisgah National Forest near Hickory, North Carolina. Popular free camping zones include Old NC 105, Linville Gorge Wilderness, Upper Creek, Steele Creek, and Victor Road dispersed areas. These primitive sites are located along forest service roads and offer varying levels of seclusion, with some providing mountain views of Table Rock and the surrounding valleys. Most sites feature established fire rings but no other amenities, typical of dispersed camping on national forest land.

Many access roads require careful navigation, particularly after rain. Old NC 105 is a dirt and gravel road with some rough sections that may require high-clearance vehicles in certain areas. According to one visitor, "The dirt road must've been regraded in the past year as it is easily drivable," though others note that "in the middle it gets really rough." Most dispersed sites are simple pull-offs with fire rings. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in most areas. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services are available, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service varies by location and carrier.

These primitive camping areas provide opportunities for solitude and scenic views. Sites along Old NC 105 feature panoramic vistas of the mountains and valleys. A camper noted, "There are so many sites tucked along this dirt road and some incredible views!" The Linville Gorge area offers access to hiking trails with views described as "breath taking" by reviewers. Upper Creek and Steele Creek areas provide creek-side camping with swimming opportunities. Victor Road dispersed camping includes sites near streams in a quiet setting. Visitors frequently mention the peace and quiet of these areas, though some locations see more traffic than others, particularly on weekends and during peak seasons.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hickory, North Carolina (11)

    1. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    35 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."

    2. Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    5 Reviews
    Jonas Ridge, NC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road."

    "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."

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

    13 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    38 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."

    4. Steele Creek

    4 Reviews
    Jonas Ridge, NC
    32 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 !"

    5. Old NC 105 Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    35 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."

    6. National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Jonas Ridge, NC
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    "Know that there is no signal when you are out there."

    7. Victor Road Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Little Switzerland, NC
    48 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."

    8. Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot

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

    "Great place with lots of shade"

    9. Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

    3 Reviews
    Roan Mountain, NC
    50 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!"

    10. Crabtree Creek on Victor Road

    1 Review
    Little Switzerland, NC
    48 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hickory, NC

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hickory, NC

63 Reviews of 11 Hickory Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2020

    Victor Road Dispersed

    Victor Road Dispersed Camping

    There are three campsites located in Victor Road. Victor Road is approx. 2 miles north of highway 80 (highway 80 is is approx 16 miles north of Mount Mitchell) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road is initially pavement but quickly turns to packed gravel. The road is a little rough in spots, but I had zero issues in my Honda Accord. Sites are free and do not appear to be managed by any official municipal, state or federal authority...but they are in great shape.

    Three sites are available from what I could see. The marker on this map is at the site of what I am calling #3. Sites 1 & 2 are located about 1/2 mile down Victor Road on the left and are adjacent to one another, but appear to be large and have foliage separating them. One of the sites had three tents pitched along side a beach tent and still had plenty of open space in the middle around a stone fire pit. I stayed at site number three. This has enough room for two cars and a four person tent at most. I have a three person tent and it covered most of the flat pad area. The site has a fire pit and is located just before a large(ish) stream that crosses the road. Beyond this campsite, the road turns private. The site is on the left hand side as you approach the stream. There is room on the right hands side of the road for perhaps another tent if one wanted to do so.

    This is fairly remote, despite being close enough to the BRP to hear cars occasionally. There are no amenities aside from the fire pit, but it's handy to have a creek for water for filtering or boiling. You should note that there are hunting blinds at the top of the hill between sites 1/2 and 3. These are facing a field that points away from the campsites. I imagine during turkey season (I saw a lot of turkey), you may hear gunshots. 

    There aren't any trails down this road, but you are within a few minutes of the BRP where they are plentiful and Mt. Mitchell and associated trail systems are less than 20 minutes. The BRP would have to be open for you to access these sites, so plan accordingly (my suggestion is the real time map on nps.org).

  • A
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

    Mountain Views

    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.

  • Michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Old NC 105 Linville Gorge - Tablerock Mountain Outlook (Spot)

    Absolutely beautiful area and one of my new favorite wilderness areas on the east side of the country. I went solo camping for 5 days and stayed at the overlook, got really lucky finding my spot in the middle of the night but nonetheless, I drove the whole road South end to North in my fwd sedan haha and saw plenty of beautiful spots to settle at. Definitely recommend you to come check this out, I met some of the nicest people and another solo traveler that I ended up spending 2 nights with. You definitely wont regret it, and dont worry If you dont have a great car for offroad, I saw alot of reviews about absolutely needing an AWD vehicle with good clearance but I maneuvered my way through the road with my little hyundai. You definitely need to be a confident driver if you do that though. Good luck, hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Guide to Hickory

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hickory, North Carolina, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Hickory

  • Enjoy hiking to stunning waterfalls, with several trails accessible from Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC, where you can camp right next to the creek.
  • Stargazing is a must, especially at Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping, where the clear skies provide a perfect backdrop for a night under the stars.
  • Experience the thrill of swimming in natural pools at Steele Creek, which offers access to a beautiful creek ideal for cooling off after a day of hiking.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Old NC 105

  • This area features a long dirt road with numerous camping spots, allowing for plenty of privacy and peace, making it a favorite among campers at Old NC 105 Dispersed.
  • The road can be bumpy, but it’s manageable for most vehicles, and the scenic views along the way are well worth the drive.
  • Campers can enjoy the abundant wildlife and serene surroundings, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • For breathtaking vistas, Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 offers several sites with stunning views of the gorge and surrounding mountains.
  • The area is known for its steep and rugged terrain, making it ideal for adventurous campers who appreciate a challenge.
  • With a variety of trails nearby, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the region while enjoying the peace that comes with dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at primitive camping sites near Hickory?

Primitive camping sites near Hickory are truly minimal in terms of amenities. At Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, you'll find basic pull-off sites with established fire rings but no facilities. These sites are simple pull-offs from the dirt road where you can set up camp and enjoy the wilderness experience. Similarly, at Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry, there are plenty of places to pitch a tent at 6,000 feet elevation, but firewood is scarce, so bringing a lantern and cook stove is recommended. Most dispersed sites in the region offer no water, toilets, trash service, or other facilities, so pack accordingly.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hickory, NC?

Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping offers numerous free sites along a dirt road with stunning mountain views. The road has been recently regraded making it accessible for most vehicles. Located between Lake James and Linville Falls, you'll find multiple camping spots, some with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. Another option is Victor Road Dispersed, located approximately 2 miles north of Highway 80 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This area features three distinct campsites along a gravel road. While initially paved, the road transitions to packed gravel with some rough spots, but remains passable for most vehicles.

How remote are the dispersed camping areas around Hickory?

Dispersed camping areas around Hickory offer varying degrees of remoteness. At Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest, you'll find yourself in truly secluded settings with limited cell service and few neighbors. For those seeking moderate remoteness, National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place provides isolation while still being accessible by vehicle. The road conditions for many dispersed sites can be challenging—often featuring steep, bumpy dirt roads that require careful navigation. Some areas like Linville Gorge offer riverfront camping, but be prepared for strenuous hikes with significant elevation changes to reach these more secluded spots.

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