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.