Best Dispersed Camping near Highlands, NC

Several dispersed camping options exist within the Nantahala National Forest around Highlands, North Carolina. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping provides approximately 8-10 free primitive sites spread across forest service land, while backcountry camping opportunities can be found at Glen Falls, Whiterock Mountain, and Whiterock Gap. Additional dispersed sites are available across the state border in South Carolina, including Mountain Rest Mountain Top, King Creek, Falls Creek, and Sandy Beach Campsite along the Chattooga River. Most locations feature primitive conditions with no facilities or amenities.

Forest service roads in the region vary from moderately maintained gravel to rough dirt tracks requiring higher clearance vehicles. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping is accessible via Blue Valley Road (SR 1618), approximately 5.5 miles south of Highlands on NC 28, though some navigation challenges exist as several reviewers note the location can be difficult to find without proper directions. Most backcountry sites require hiking in, particularly Glen Falls Backcountry Campground and the Whiterock Mountain sites. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at any location, and campers must follow leave-no-trace principles. Fires are permitted at most sites except Blue Valley, which has fire restrictions.

These primitive camping areas provide secluded forest experiences with natural features like creeks and mountain views. Blue Valley sites are described as "very secluded and there was very little traffic on the dirt road," with many positioned alongside creeks. One camper noted that Blue Valley has "8 very well kept campsites, almost all near a creek of some sort. Hiking trails nearby." The Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite offers particularly impressive vistas, with a reviewer describing it as having "incredible overlook" with "several nice established fire pits." Most sites accommodate only small groups with limited vehicle access, though Mountain Rest Mountain Top provides "room to turn around" and space for multiple tents. Cell service is generally unavailable throughout the region, and campers should be prepared for complete self-sufficiency.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Highlands, North Carolina (57)

    1. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    3 miles
    Website

    "Directions: From Highlands, follow NC 28 south about 5.5 miles and turn right onto Blue Valley Rd. (S.R. 1618) at the sign. The pavement will end in a half mile."

    "Location is actually about 1.5. Miles further than shown on map. Just keep going. Stayed for a week. About 7 campsites with fire rings. Great trails and people camping near were respectful."

    2. Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    3 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-5353

    "We arrived pretty late, close to midnight after hitting a lot of traffic traveling from Fl."

    "Great spot with room to turn around. Shaded and at trailhead of a trail down to creek and near a second trail to a waterfall. Had a few people during the day but evenings were totally quiet."

    3. Glen Falls Backcountry Campground

    1 Review
    Highlands, NC
    3 miles
    Website

    "The backcountry site is located near the far trailhead at Glen Falls located at the end of a forestry road."

    4. Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite

    1 Review
    Otto, NC
    7 miles
    Website

    "This site is located at the top of a small peak a short way off of the main Whiterock Mountain Trail."

    5. Whiterock Gap Backcountry Campsite

    1 Review
    Scaly Mountain, NC
    6 miles
    Website

    "Although the site itself is fairly wooded you can walk 5 min up the trail to get to an opening in the trees and have some incredible views."

    6. Sandy Beach Campsite

    1 Review
    Tamassee, SC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 476-9700

    "Right next to the Chattooga river. You're on the beach."

    7. King Creek

    1 Review
    Highlands, SC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 336-3248

    8. Albert Mountain Firetower Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Otto, NC
    16 miles
    Website

    "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"

    "This campground is located at the top of Albert Mountain right next to the fire tower. It is along a section of the AT and is a great place to camp for the night."

    9. Soggy Boot Campground

    5 Reviews
    Rabun Gap, GA
    18 miles

    "We came looking for this campsite past dark and after a half hour of driving on a gravel road we gave up searching and just parked on the side of the road for the night."

    "Is a little confusing to find but just when you question if you’re heading to the right place, you’re greeted with a fork and small trail down to a massive clearing."

    10. Falls Creek

    2 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-9568

    "Decent site(s) near chatooga river. Moderate clearance vehicle required, (or hike it)."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Highlands, NC

120 Reviews of 57 Highlands Campgrounds


  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Free Camping but Lots of Foot Traffic

    There are two great things about this campsite. It’s free, and it is close to great views of the mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located off of Highway 215, you do hear road noise, but that is not too much of a problem. During the day, you get a lot of day use hikers since the largest campsite is right beside the trail. There is a large flat area to set your tent if you are lucky enough to be the first one there, and there is a fire pit. Beyond that, there are no facilities. You can hear the sounds of water all night long from Flat Laurel Creek. The last time I was in that area, I tried to cross Flat Laurel Creek over slippery rocks against my better judgment, and the weather was in the upper 30s. I fell, got soaked, and nearly froze to death. This time, it was summer and I learned to cross in my bare feet despite the fact that the rocks were dry this time. The trail eventually takes you to Sam’s Knob, which offers beautiful views, and there is lots of scenery along the way. This campsite is fairly high in elevation, so it gets cool at night. Don’t make the mistake of taking a summer sleeping bag. You could, but you take a chance of being cold even during the peak of summer. This is not a good place for RVs or travel trailers. It is mainly for tent camping even though you do not have to hike in. Just make sure to take water or a water filter. Overall, I recommend this campsite if you are going to hike somewhere else during the day. However, you will not get solitude of any kind here because of all the day hikers.

  • 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.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2020

    Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Camping with Great Views Close

    Although you can camp just about anywhere in Pisgah National Forest, there are specific sites near the trailhead to Sam Knob. This area is known as Black Balsam. There are no RV sites, and you have to hike about a hundred yards or less to the sites, unless you camp on the bald. The sites had lots of roots, so it was difficult to find a level site without roots all over the area. With that said, it is a good place to camp, and it is just a short walk to the pit toilet, which is also at the trailhead. There are fire pits, but there are no lantern hangers or tent pads. Expect to hear lots of cars and people during the busy months about 200 feet away. Because of that, a better place to stay is at the top of Sam Knob, which you can do. That was a better choice for me since I try to stay away from crowds as much as I can. However, you cannot clear or make a new spot; you have to“find” a spot in which you do not disturb the area. You will need a freestanding tent since you will probably be pitching it on solid rock. 

    The biggest problem with staying on the knob is the weather. Unfortunately, it poured rain and was windy when I was there. I expected it to be windy, but mixed with the rain, it made it unpleasant. Sam Knob is a heather bald, so that gives you a little privacy. However, expect a hikers to end up there since it is a hiking destination and the views are great. 

    Overall, it is a good place to camp, but there will be people close by no matter where you pitch your tent, whether it is a hundred yards from the parking lot or up on top of Sam Knob.

  • 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

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Glen Falls Backcountry Campground

    Ranger Review: Red Ledge Free Rein Jacket at Glen Falls Backcountry

    Campground Review:

    There are two ways to access this campsite and one definitely requires significantly more sweat (that’s the route we took). The backcountry site is located near the far trailhead at Glen Falls located at the end of a forestry road. We hiked in from the trailhead that most people use to access the falls and continued down the trail past the typical turnaround point until you reach the bottom of the valley. The site is on the nicer side for a backcountry campground as it is level and has multiple areas for tents along with a large fire pit surrounded by logs for sitting on. The main advantage of this site over others in the area is that it is located on the inside of a curve in the river so the creek surrounds almost the entire site giving easy access to water and a relaxing sound to help you sleep at night. The hike down from the upper trailhead is relatively steep and involves going down many (many) stairs but is well worth it for the views of Glen Falls. This is a well-traveled and also well cared for route and we saw many other hikers while we were there. However, most people do not make it all the way down to this site so you will most likely find a significant amount of privacy if you plan on camping here. Since it is National Forest you will have no issues with camping just make sure to follow leave no trace practice and keep your fire under control. I would also highly recommend a dip in the cool waters to help with the heat during the middle of the summer. Overall, this is a beautiful secluded campsite very close to Highlands that provides both tranquility and also some strenuous hiking.

    ...........................

    ****Product Review:** **

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products while out adventuring. At this campground, I stayed dry using the Red Ledge Free Rein Jacket. After multiple rainy hikes and wet campground days some of my favorite features are:

    1. Dryness (obviously): Although it is the main purpose of a raincoat I still want to mention that this design is highly effective at keeping you dry. Not only is the material incredibly water-resistant and all seams are well sealed but it also has a dual closure system in the front to keep every last drop of water away from your body. I also know that this effectiveness will last since my wife has been using a Red Ledge raincoat for many years and only recently did it need a fresh waterproofing treatment. The small touches like a multi-cinching hood and velcro wrist straps make this an incredibly effective raincoat.
    2. Breathability: Where I am hiking in the south breathability is just as important as waterproofing since the heat will often cause you to become wetter from sweat than anything the rain can do. I found that this raincoat although still being hot was significantly more breathable than others I have used with the same rain protection. It has huge armpit zipper openings and several large mesh pockets that can be opened to increase airflow. The only negative I found was that the sizes for men run slightly smaller than usual so the tightness decreased airflow. However, this can be easily solved by getting a size larger than your usual. 
    3. Color Options: One of the things that often frustrates me about men's hiking clothing and gear is that the colors are typically boring and flat. They stick to dull greens and blues or grays and blacks. But not these raincoats! They come in bright reds and greens and many other color options to fit your individual personality. This was a big plus for me and is important if you want to be seen while hiking in areas that allow hunting or don't want to get lost from your hiking partner in a torrential downpour. 

    Overall, for the very reasonable price of these raincoats, they are incredibly effective and comfortable and I would highly recommend seriously considering them for your next raincoat purchase.

  • 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.

  • Tony F.
    Aug. 7, 2020

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Very nice, great location

    Really isn't much to this campsite. Right off the road, the short couple yards dirt road entrance to the campsite had a couple big pot holes that requires accurate driving around, but the campsite had at least three spots for seclusion for both tent camping and car camping, which I did. Also, there's a little trail to a waterfall after you go down the old logging road and follow the path across the creek. Very short, very easy about 0.5 mile or less from the creek. Also, very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it a great spot.

  • Kevin S.
    Jun. 4, 2021

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Great overnighter

    Good place for me to overnight, there are no facilities, the entrance is a bit hidden google maps will get you very close look for the small tent sign on your right when headed away from the parkway my nv200 did not have a problem navigating but watch the potholes

  • 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.


Guide to Highlands

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Highlands, North Carolina, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views and Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

Relaxing by the Water While Free Camping Near Highlands

  • The Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites are situated near Flat Laurel Creek, where the soothing sounds of flowing water create a calming environment for campers.
  • At the Blue Valley Dispersed Camping, you'll find multiple sites near beautiful creeks, perfect for fishing or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • The Falls Creek area offers a secluded spot with easy access to the Chatooga River, ideal for cooling off on hot summer days.

Unique Experiences for Dispersed Campers

  • The Mountain Rest Mountain Top provides a unique hilltop camping experience with access to hiking trails leading to waterfalls and scenic views.
  • For a hidden gem, check out the Soggy Boot Campground, where you can enjoy spacious sites surrounded by nature, perfect for group camping.
  • The Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping offers a peaceful backcountry experience with a gurgling stream nearby, making it a great spot for relaxation and exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Highlands, NC is Blue Valley Dispersed Camping with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 57 dispersed camping locations near Highlands, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.