Primitive camping near Horse Shoe, North Carolina offers several free dispersed sites within Pisgah National Forest. These campsites sit at elevations between 2,100-3,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. The area receives approximately 67 inches of annual rainfall, making water crossings common when accessing remote sites during spring and early summer.
What to do
Stream fishing opportunities: Several creeks near Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off provide trout fishing. Campers note the natural water features make excellent background noise: "There's a stream that runs along the clearing, making some great natural white noise for sleeping."
Hiking to waterfalls: From Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed, access Whaleback Falls via a short hike. A camper explains: "Beautiful waterfall (whaleback falls I think?) just a quick 15 minute walk across the river and up the trail (follow Daniel ridge trail loop from parking lot)."
Mountain biking: The North Mills River area has extensive trail networks for cyclists. Campers at Henderson Reservoir note: "Lots of morning mountain bikers and late night drivers so privacy is limited." Many trails connect to the campsite areas directly.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Most sites feature stream access, providing both ambiance and practical water sources for filtering. At Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2, campers enjoy: "There is a babbling brook next to the site for great ambience."
Star viewing: The remote location allows for minimal light pollution. A camper at 475b mentions: "Road is a little rough but not terrible. 3-4 spots to park around this hairpin with 3 camping spots lotuses in the middle."
Solitude and disconnection: With virtually no cell service, these sites offer true disconnection. A review notes: "Zero phone connection whatsoever (T Mobile 5g / LTE). Greater earth love connection a thousandfold."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be dramatic. At higher elevations like Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping, conditions can be extreme: "The sunset was breathtaking and the hike was very fun but if you are camping overnight, expect wind gusts that are capable of snapping tent poles."
Security concerns: Several campsites have reported theft issues. A review for Mills River Dispersed states: "They have a long term camper they refuse to run off and he will steal from you. Camp at your own risk, watch your stuff like a hawk."
Road conditions: Forest service roads require careful driving. A camper mentions: "The dirt road to get there as well as the pull off for the campsite are rough and a bit dangerous for low/regular cars. It's doable but you should go very slow and watch out for giant holes and ridges."
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity is common in certain areas. One camper at Henderson Reservoir reports: "Depending upon what time of year there is a lot of rain, lots of bears (I had my tent ripped open by a bear at least once/ possibly twice or vandals)."
Tips for camping with families
Camping near water features: Creeks provide natural entertainment for children. A camper shares: "Little runoff creates a creek that is nice to listen to but only deep enough to get feet in."
Avoiding crowds: For family privacy, consider camping on weekdays. One camper notes: "Even if people are camping near you the stream creates a nice sound barrier so you don't really hear them."
Navigation planning: Cell service disappears quickly in the area. Prepare paper maps and downloads before arrival. One visitor advises: "Google maps incorrectly told me to take a right once I was on the dirt road that doesn't exist. Just ignore it and keep going forward."
Road closure awareness: Seasonal and weather-related closures can affect access to many sites. A recent report states: "Yellow Gap road is gated and closed due to damage from Helene in Sep 2024. A call to Pisgah Forest Service office confirmed it may be quite a bit before it is opened up."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller RVs. At Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2, a camper notes: "We were able to fit our 30ft motorhome and car into the site with no problem. But avoid blocking the emergency access road to the side."
Leveling considerations: Bring plenty of leveling blocks as most sites are uneven. One RVer reports: "We made it down the road in a 30' class A motorhome and made a 180 and was able to level the rig no problem and it's well off the road."
Road navigation: Forest roads require careful driving for larger vehicles. A camper advises: "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."
