Best Dispersed Camping near Hot Springs, NC

Looking for dispersed camping near Hot Springs? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hot Springs, NC (27)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    1. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    29 Photos
    512 Saves
    Barnardsville, North Carolina

    The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here Recreation Maps Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps Directions to Frequently Requested Places NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area Blue Ridge Parkway South Blue Ridge Parkway North Pisgah Ranger District Cradle of Forestry Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route) The Biltmore House Mt. Mitchell Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility. Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off

    2. FS 289 Pull Off

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    78 Saves
    Hartford, Tennessee
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Paint Creek Corridor
    Camper-submitted photo from Paint Creek Corridor
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

      10. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

      3 Reviews
      2 Photos
      146 Saves
      Balsam Grove, North Carolina

      Within the Pisgah Ranger District there are 65 disbursed roadside camping sites that are available on a first come - first serve basis. These campsites are located alongside gravel roads throughout the district and include a parking area, tent pad, and fire ring. Toilet facilities and drinking water are not available. Trash pick-up is not provided. Trash must be collected and disposed of properly. Failure to remove or properly dispose of trash is a crime and law enforcement officers will issue citations for littering if trash is strewn about or not properly disposed of. The following regulations must be adhered to and are strictly enforced by Law Enforcement Officers. • Roadside camping is allowed at designated campsites only. Signs designating a legal campsite show a camping_ symbol and a site number (for example "AC-3" for Avery Creek site 3). • The National Forests in North Carolina have a policy which allows for campers to occupy a roadside campsite for a maximum of 14 days out of a 30 day period. If a camper changes locations or moves to another campsite, it cannot be within 10 miles of previous site, the maximum stay limit of 14 days applies to all sites occupied. • All vehicles must be parked along road shoulders without blocking traffic. • Campfires are allowed only within the metal fire ring provided on the site, Building of additional fire rings is not allowed. AJJ camping equipment and tents must remain on the designated tent pad. • Collecting 'dead and downed' :firewood in the forest is permitted for camp fires. It is illegal to cut, chop, or saw live or standing trees or other live growth. Do not chop into or drive nails into live trees. • It is illegal to establish and set up a campsite for the purpose of reserving a camping place. The campsite must be occupied on the night it is set up by a minimum of one person. • It is illegal to leave a camp unattended for period of more than 24 hours. • It is illegal to fail to remove all camping equipment, personal property, trash, and refuse from a campsite when vacating or leaving that area or site. • It is mandatory that all human waste be buried at least 6 _inches deep and a minimum or 200 feet from a stream. trail, or campsite. • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Avery Creek Road (FSR 477) and Lickstone Road (FSR 97). Prohibition is 1000 feet to either side of the road, campsites, trails or roads leading off of either of the aforementioned. Warning: Unattended property and equipment in these areas can be an easy target for criminal activity. Protect your property by locking valuables out of site. Access to these campsites is easy by any vehicle. If you see anyone stealing anything from a roadside campsite or parking area near a public trailhead, picnic, or recreation area please call 911 to report it or call USPS Law Enforcement at the Pisgah District Ranger Station at 828-877-3265

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
    Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Hot Springs

    56 Reviews of 27 Hot Springs Campgrounds


    • tyrone T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed
      Nov. 10, 2024

      Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

      Place to hole up

      Right off 276 on the right as you are going down the mountain. Hard gravel road. As soon as you turn in there is a spot on the left and a little further up there is a bigger spot right on the little creek just before the gate. Not 100% sure it is a spot as it is not marked but signs may have been damaged and it does show a tent symbol on the forest service map. There is a lot of back and forth traffic in the morning but it dies down around 9 pm. There is a fall a few miles up the road and connects to other service roads hence the traffic . 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 Did not see any fire rings in this spot or the first one ( pictured in the first image). No cell service, starlink worked enough to stream tv and post this.

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
      Aug. 19, 2024

      Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

      Stunning

      It's beautiful up there although there's not many campsites. I stayed at the second one up the dirt road. It wasn't officially designated but it was used as a campsite. You'll need four wheel drive to get in and out of it though. The road is long but you'll see a bunch of cool waterfalls and at the end of the road there is a great hiking trail with a beautiful waterfall. The dirt road goes on for a long time but it's in good condition so keep driving and you'll find a spot. There's really only 4 viable spots on that road but man is it gorgeous. Go to ranger road and keep going up. Do not follow google maps it will take you to a private driveway where there's a sign saying "no camping, your app is wrong, turn around now".

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 15, 2024

      Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

      10/10

      I actually cannot stop thinking about my weekend camp here. So beautiful and lots of places to camp. Not a hard hike in either. A lot of day hikers through out the day. Lots of flies bc of dog poop but it’s worth it.

    • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
      Jul. 14, 2024

      Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

      Love Big Ivy

      Easy access to water. Not a lot of theft. People with aggressive dogs do come here and think it's okay to have them off a leash. But that's everywhere anymore. The area is beautiful and one of the better places I've stayed.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
      Jul. 3, 2024

      FS 289 Pull Off

      Good location

      Another review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up. There’s a bit of trash but I’ve seen worse. Definitely bring bug repellent. The creek is only a few feet away from the campsite.

    • Courtney R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Moon Hill Bridge
      Jun. 7, 2024

      Moon Hill Bridge

      Moon Hill Bridge

      It's a cute cozy spot that is on either side of the road. Every spot has an area for a fire and also your car and tent. The only downside is that sometimes it does get trashy and there are a few people who live here.

    • Dylan S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from 475b
      Jun. 2, 2024

      475b

      Isolated spot for car camping or tent camping

      Road is a little rough but not terrible. 3-4 spots to park around this hairpin with 3 camping spots lotuses in the middle. Little runoff creates a creek that is nice to listen to but only deep enough to get feet in.

    • Forrest S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from 475b
      May. 23, 2024

      475b

      Several walk up sites with easy access

      This is a great first-come-first-serve location with several sites.

    • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Mills River Dispersed
      Apr. 20, 2024

      Mills River Dispersed

      Theft

      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. I'd really recommend Sunburst or Big Ivy instead of North Mills really.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
      Apr. 1, 2024

      Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

      Great overnight stay near Blue Ridge Parkway

      Although this is not an official camp site, I arrived later than intended and with no other campsites open, I stayed the night here. There’s a stream that runs along the clearing, making some great natural white noise for sleeping. The forest road is very bumpy and narrow, but high clearance is not needed. Very low light pollution and the bare trees allowed for some great star gazing.

    • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
      Mar. 20, 2024

      FS 289 Pull Off

      Great dispersed site in the Pisgah NF

      Great Campsite along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by. Tent camping near the jeep or a high clearance overland teardrop should make it back here ok but not recommended for regular RV's.

    • HThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2
      Mar. 10, 2024

      Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2

      Roomy spot in middle of nowhere

      It is a roomy site immediately off the road, a surprisingly well maintained gravel road. My class C had no problems making its way along and fitting in the roomy semicircle next to the tent and fire pit pad. There is a babbling brook next to the site for great ambience. 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. Also, be prepared to completely disconnect from civilization since you can't even make calls here. Beautiful site to relax!

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Paint Creek Corridor
      Mar. 4, 2024

      Paint Creek Corridor

      Paint Creek Dispersed Camping

      The national forest service website says there are dispersed camping site throughout the corridor; however, I was only able to locate one and luckily it was vacant. There are several spots along the road that may have been for dispersed camping as some point but are now clearly marked with no camping signs. I did enjoy my stay here but I’m a little disappointed in the website saying there were multiple sites … i has to drive almost 4 hours to get there and would have been super disappointed if I arrived to no spots. Also a lot of trash in the area of the site sadly.

    • IThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
      Oct. 22, 2023

      Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

      Beautiful but impossible to find

      We drove for what felt like forever at the Big Ivy Trailhead and only ever found one labeled campsite. We gave up and camped in an unofficial spot.

      It was gorgeous! But there’s not much there and the drive is long.

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
      Jul. 25, 2023

      Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

      Great camping spot

      First the sight is beautiful and most have a beautiful trout stream close by when navigating if using Apple Maps pay attention to where it is routing you mine wanted me to walk through the woods for an hour to get here it’s easier to find if you navigate to north mill’s campground first second 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 that was inside I wouldn’t leave anything valuable to mark it as your sight and I have T mobile and I lost service about 10 mins from the campground and had no signal while staying there

    • NThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
      Jul. 20, 2023

      Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

      Very Dispersed

      It was a great site, although there are only a few campsites on the road to it. We ended up driving to the top and someone already claimed it, so we had to go back down to a less convenient spot. The campsites are very secluded and quiet.

    • Dai C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
      Jul. 1, 2023

      Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

      Gorgeous group camping area

      Beautiful free group camping area with large parkinglot. All dirt roads back here. 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). Not much free fall action for nature bathers, though there is enough water flow to lean in and get all that grease out of your hair! Big boulders to climb on at the base of the falls.. be careful as wet rocks are slippery. Serene and gorgeous forest all around you.

      Zero phone connection whatsoever (T Mobile 5g / LTE). Greater earth love connection a thousandfold. Highly recommend.

      <3

    • aThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
      Jul. 1, 2023

      Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

      Roadish side/semi primitive

      I love Pigah. It doesn't seem to matter what season! With that said:

      • remote- you have to want to get up here but it's really easy to do once you drive it a few times.

      *clearly marked spots. I am actually located at ucc-2. ** The Dead End spot.

      *Creek is located very close nearby. But not on the clear spots for tents.

      *Not for big rigs, RVs, etc. It's a tent or as I use the tree tent.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Mills River Dispersed
      May. 5, 2023

      Mills River Dispersed

      Beautiful, mostly peaceful, inconvenient

      *this is just for the free campsites- there appears to be paid campsites and maybe RV hook ups very close by.

      Pros:

      1. Gorgeous lush forest
      2. ice-cold flowing stream (in May) immediately off most camp spots
      3. well maintained and leveled places to pitch a tent.
      4. except for occasional cars, very very peaceful and far from any urban life or freeway.

      Cons:

      1. No cell service (Verizon) without driving 10 minutes, and then patchy for another 10-15
      2. camp spots are mostly immediately off the road. It’s a very isolated place, so you have inconsistent privacy and peace and quiet.
      3. several cars drove by and woke me up after 11pm.
      4. 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. I bottomed out going into the parking space, and I lifted my Prius 1.5in

      TO NOTE: 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.

      Explored up to campsite 4 the next day. Campsite 3 is a larger group site and a bit further off the road.

      It’s not true “dispersed” camping because they have designated site you are supposed to stay at. Im not sure how many there are, but I only got up to #4, driving about 5-10 min down the dirt road.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
      Feb. 17, 2023

      Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

      The wind is no joke

      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. There is very little wind coverage at the top of the mountain.

    • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
      Jan. 20, 2023

      Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

      Snowy wonderland

      I saw the campsite it's a beautiful campsite but someone was already there I decide to camp at the top. The cords where I camped at the time they had roads closed off due to weather. If you take the parkway rd up to the Beech Gap you can park to the side of the road just be aware it's not a designated campsite so be respectful of the area. Woke up to beautiful views.

    • IThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
      Sep. 3, 2022

      Victor Road Dispersed

      Several spots leading to creek

      Great spot off of blue ridge parkway. There are several spots (at least 5 or so), but expect many to be occupied. The best spot appears to be at a creek crossing before the road splits. Not sure what is up there. Road is smooth, at least until the creek crossing. Several hunting cabins provide shelter as well.

    • Claire K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
      Jun. 21, 2022

      Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

      Love the stream and not bad sites

      I stayed two nights during Labor day weekend so might of been a bit more busy that weekend. Seems to be about 5 sites. 3 on the water and two more towards the road. you have to cross the river to access the other two and the terrain is a bit bumpy so many more hammock camping there. At night it’s a bit more peaceful than during the day since there isn’t any people parking to hike then. Even if people are camping near you the stream creates a nice sound barrier so you don’t really hear them. Very nice to fall asleep to the sound of the stream. I stayed for 2 nights and my stuff wasn’t messed with when i was gone hiking even though there’s a lot of foot traffic during the day. I will be returning to camp here again. Absolutely no cell service though. Some pictures included are photos from a nearby hiking spot at waterrock knob



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hot Springs, NC?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hot Springs, NC is Pisgah National Forest Dispersed with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hot Springs, NC?

      TheDyrt.com has all 27 dispersed camping locations near Hot Springs, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.