Best Dispersed Camping near Jonas Ridge, NC
Dispersed camping is available throughout the Pisgah National Forest surrounding Jonas Ridge, North Carolina, with numerous free primitive sites located along forest service roads. Old NC 105 features multiple pull-off camping areas along a ridge with valley views, while the Linville Gorge Wilderness area offers backcountry sites both along the western rim and down by the river. Other notable dispersed camping zones include Steele Creek, Upper Creek, and several spots accessible from National Forest roads where camping is permitted without reservation or fee.
Road access to these areas varies considerably, with many sites requiring navigation on unpaved forest roads. Old NC 105 is a dirt road with some rough patches but remains accessible to most passenger vehicles, while areas like Steele Creek feature narrower, bumpier roads with occasional challenging sections. A review noted that "the road was narrow and windy so be careful driving but not awful." Most sites lack amenities entirely - no drinking water, no toilets, and no trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles. Fire rings are common at established sites, and fires are permitted in most areas when no fire bans are in effect.
The dispersed camping experience near Jonas Ridge combines mountain views, creek access, and forest seclusion. Sites along Old NC 105 provide "superb views of the gorge and distant Lake James," according to one camper, while Steele Creek campsites sit alongside a creek that offers swimming opportunities in warmer months. Upper Creek sites are situated in wooded areas with hiking access to nearby waterfalls. Weekends typically see higher usage, especially at prime sites with views or water access. One camper described Steele Creek as "by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest site" among the free camping options in the area. Cell service is available at some higher elevation sites but limited or nonexistent in creek valleys and gorge areas. Most locations feature abundant downed wood for campfires, and many established sites include primitive fire rings.
