Dispersed camping opportunities near Highlands, North Carolina provide access to the rugged terrain of the Nantahala National Forest at elevations between 3,500-5,000 feet. The region experiences significant temperature drops at night, even during summer months when daytime temperatures typically reach 75-85°F. Most backcountry sites in this area require hikers to carry all necessary supplies, as primitive conditions prevail throughout the forest service lands.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 0.5-mile hike from Glen Falls Backcountry Campground leads to multiple cascade views. A camper notes 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."
Fire tower climbing: 1-mile uphill hike at Albert Mountain Firetower Dispersed Campsite rewards with panoramic vistas. "The site from the bottom is breathtaking, and you can see, well, forever. Heading up the tower, you get an almost full 360º panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains," according to one camper.
Creek wading: Several sites feature small waterfalls and swimming holes. At Soggy Boot Campground, "you can hike up or down the stream to get to other beautiful small falls that are perfect for swimming in during the hot summers."
What campers like
Secluded creekside sites: Blue Valley Dispersed Camping offers "beautiful, large, private sites. You couldn't see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek," as one camper described.
Stargazing opportunities: Mountain Rest Mountain Top provides "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." Another visitor noted: "Great view of the stars during early spring/late winter."
River access: Proximity to the Chattooga River makes several sites popular. Sandy Beach Campsite puts you "right next to the Chattooga river. You're on the beach," according to one review.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Most rustic camping areas near Highlands have limited signage. For Blue Valley, a camper advises: "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. Just stay on the main path for just little over 3 or so miles."
Vehicle requirements: Roads to many sites demand careful driving. At Falls Creek, "moderate clearance vehicle is required, (or hike it)." Another reviewer specified: "The road is not bad getting in. Basically 2 track forest road."
Temperature fluctuations: Pack warm clothing regardless of season. One camper at Blue Valley noted: "I went in July and it was cool in day and cold at night nice, secluded."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural play areas: Blue Valley offers spaces "for kids to play and explore" with creek access for supervised water activities.
Consider tent-only sites: Whiterock Gap Backcountry Campsite has "a clearing for about 1 tent or multiple hammocks" making it manageable for families who can backpack their gear.
Plan water sources: At Whiterock Gap Backcountry Campsite, "the water source nearby is only about a 10-15 min walk," so bring containers for fetching water.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate large RVs. King Creek "is NOT for RVs. First of all, the road is narrow and vegetation hangs low along the road. It is uneven and sometimes muddy."
Scout sites first: When possible, explore without your RV before attempting access. At Soggy Boot Campground, "the road is very bumpy" and requires careful navigation.
Alternative options: Small camper vans may access some sites. Mountain Rest Mountain Top works for smaller vehicles: "you don't need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just don't have anything with worse clearance than that."
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