Dispersed camping near Hot Springs, North Carolina offers primitive sites throughout Pisgah National Forest with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. Many rustic campsites require navigating unpaved forest roads that become increasingly challenging after rainfall or during winter months. Forest Service roads provide access to secluded camping opportunities with varying levels of privacy and natural settings.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls nearby: The Victor Road Dispersed campsites provide excellent access to regional waterfalls. A camper noted, "In the other direction, you can get on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and drive north for about a mile to see Devil's Courthouse. To get to the top, you have to hike about four-tenths of a mile."
Explore mountain balds: Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping offers unique high-elevation camping experiences. "It's an easy 20-30min hike to the top of the mountain with tall grass and a wide open view to see the sunrise and sunset!" according to one visitor.
Fish in mountain streams: Several camping areas provide access to fishing opportunities in cold mountain waters. At Victor Road Dispersed, one camper mentioned, "The fishing there is absolutely beautiful and the trout are pretty plentiful up there."
What campers like
Natural sound barriers: The constant sound of flowing water enhances privacy at many sites. A camper at Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off noted, "There's a stream that runs along the clearing, making some great natural white noise for sleeping."
Stargazing opportunities: Low light pollution in dispersed camping areas creates exceptional night sky viewing. "Very low light pollution and the bare trees allowed for some great star gazing," reported a visitor to Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off.
Cloud experiences: The high elevation of some sites creates unique weather interactions. A camper at Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites shared, "The clouds are amazing you are basically in them or above them."
Multiple site options: Many dispersed camping areas offer several potential spots. "There are three campsites located in Victor Road... The sites had lots of roots, so it was difficult to find a level site without roots all over the area," wrote one camper describing their experience.
What you should know
Seasonal road closures: Weather conditions can affect access to camping areas. A visitor to Pisgah National Forest Dispersed noted, "The road was closed due to flood damage when we tried to visit on 6/2/25."
High theft areas: Some camping zones require extra security measures. A camper at Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5 warned, "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."
Limited site availability: Competition for sites increases during peak seasons. "I was looking for an easy and free site to post up for several days near Asheville and this was all I needed... So I felt lucky to snag a spot!" commented a visitor to Wash Creek Dispersed.
Cell service limitations: Most rustic camping spots near Hot Springs lack reliable connectivity. A camper at Wash Creek noted, "I have T mobile and I lost service about 10 mins from the campground and had no signal while staying there."
Tips for camping with families
Look for stream-accessible sites: Children enjoy playing in shallow creek areas. At Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites, "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."
Choose established fire rings: Sites with existing fire pits provide safer options for family cooking and evening activities. According to one camper at Victor Road Dispersed, "Sites 1 & 2 are located about 1/2 mile down Victor Road on the left and are adjacent to one another, but appear to be large and have foliage separating them."
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Higher elevation sites experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. A visitor to Paint Creek Corridor advised, "This campsite is fairly high in elevation, so it gets cool at night. Don't make the mistake of taking a summer sleeping bag."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance considerations: Many rustic sites require appropriate vehicles. At FS 289 Pull Off, a visitor shared, "In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up."
Smaller RV options: Some sites can accommodate compact recreational vehicles. "Great place by Blue Ridge Pkwy. Not very far off Pkwy, we had no problem getting there with our Artic Fox truck camper and pulling a Jeep," reported a camper at Victor Road Dispersed.
Check road conditions first: Forest service roads deteriorate after weather events. A camper noted, "The narrow road to go up/down is alittle sketchy but we made it. The first two spots were taken so we drove to the end where it seperated to private drives."
