Best Dispersed Camping near Connelly Springs, NC
Dispersed camping options dot the landscape surrounding Connelly Springs, North Carolina, with the Pisgah National Forest providing several free primitive camping areas. Old NC 105 offers multiple dispersed sites along a dirt road stretching between Lake James and Linville Falls, while the Linville Gorge Wilderness area features numerous pull-off camping spots. Additional options include Upper Creek, Steele Creek, and Victor Road dispersed sites, all located within public forest lands where camping is permitted without developed facilities or reservations.
The dirt and gravel forest roads accessing these camping areas vary significantly in quality and difficulty. Old NC 105 is described as rough in spots with some washouts, though many vehicles including sedans navigate it successfully with careful driving. Roads to Steele Creek and Linville Gorge sites typically require higher clearance, with some campers noting 4WD is beneficial during wet conditions. Most sites feature established fire rings but lack amenities like restrooms, potable water, or trash service. Camping is generally permitted for up to 14 days, and campers must pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Many dispersed sites offer scenic views, particularly along Old NC 105 where several spots provide panoramic vistas of Linville Gorge, Table Rock Mountain, and distant Lake James. Sites along creeks like Steele Creek and Upper Creek provide water access for filtering and swimming opportunities. Cell service varies by location, with some areas on Old NC 105 receiving surprisingly good coverage while more remote locations have none. "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," noted one camper about Old NC 105. Another visitor mentioned, "The site is very clean other than some glass that I've been picking up. Definitely highly recommend these camp sites out of any others in the Pisgah National Forest!"
