Looking for the best dispersed camping near Lansing? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Lansing's most popular destinations.
This is a FREE national forest site along Hwy 58. There are quite a few of these sites within 3 miles of this site. Road side, but with the creek next to you it drowns out all road noise.
You may disperse camp on Forest Service lands that do not have closures or restrictions. Dispersed camping is not allowed in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Drive on existing roads and, when car-camping, keep your campsite within 150 feet of a road.
If you can, pick a site that has been used before to minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite where you are going, then follow Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil, if possible, to avoid damaging plants. Do not camp within 200 feet of any water source. Avoid camping in the middle of a clearing or meadow; keep your campsite less visible so that other visitors can enjoy the views. Do not try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Pick a tent site that is already level with good drainage.
For additional details: https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/tennessee/carvers-gap-grassy-ridge-bald
Guide
Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.
Guide
Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.
ScoutWe've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.
The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!
Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.
Scout
Maybe I missed this in the reviews, but all but 1 site were best for tents. I drove in to camp in my car and there was only 1 spot, which is by the creek crossing, and it was already taken. There’s a nice big spot at the end of the trail where you could rooftop tent/car camp, but the actual site is about 100’ away. Road wasn’t too bad, only a spot or 2 on the switchback that were probably best for a 4 wheel drive vehicle, but I’m sure most cars would be fine.
ScoutThe road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.
Traveler
We been going to this spot for years! Our friends introduced us to this area. We are naming after our late friend Nate. This place is spectacular, a lovely creek/river with swimming pools. Campfire rock rings. There’s probably about 10 spots. There’s a spot that outweighs the rest. Anywho, the terrain is definitely rough but cars, trucks and vans can get down there just not RVs. Know that there is no signal when you are out there.
ScoutCamp next to a quiet bumbling creek with beautiful scenery.
Scout
very nice and beautiful camped right next to the upper creek. the state road was in good shape but steep narrow and lots of switch backs but well worth it
GuideThe camp sites were good size but had trash and glass . Our site was fairly close to the road . Traffic wasn’t bad through the week but weekend it was busy . The next site up had over 25 cars and they were partying pretty loud . Fortunately they did quiet down at a decent time . The road in was a bit bumpy but nothing too serious . My car made it in fine
GuideThis is my favorite spot in the pisgah national forest . I have stayed at all the free campsites around and left my review for each. This is by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest , site yet ! There are plenty of sites to pick from all along the creek , all of which appear to be well maintained , each with a fire ring . The road is pretty well maintained other than a few spots that you have to crawl through on the corners specifically. I drive a Toyota Camry that sits fairly low and I made it fine . My favorite part is definitely The creek , it is a great spot to swim so we are excited about that . There is a walking trail at the end of the road about 100 feet from our site , that had the best swimming hole at the end of it , where you can jump in. It has a couple small waterfalls to add to the ambience. 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! this area is beautiful and pure peace compared to the others in the area !
ScoutGreat camping spot with access to the creek for swimming
Guide
The past reviews are dead on for all aspects and road conditions.
GuideThis is one of many forest roads in this area with free camping. I went during the week and had the entire area to myself. The ground wood for campfires is very abundant and many of the sites are appropriate for groups. There are numerous waterfalls to hike to, one of which is a short hike from the end of the end of the road.
Scout
This listing is for the main office for the forest. There are no camping sites near here. The sites are all located in the area listed as Washington and Jefferson camps sites down to the south west on HWY58, about a 45 minute drive toward Damascus VA.
Traveler
The road up to the campsites is pretty steep and bumpy. Wouldn't recommend a car but saw several go through. There are a handful of sites on either side of the road. Some have steep drop offs off the side of the mountain so be careful. A few group sized sites with misc trails to wonder. Very quiet and serene but only 30 minutes from town.
Scout
Right next to the road, so first time campers would feel safe. The creek’s sound is pleasant. No network at all.
LegendWent to site Dyrt said on pro trip selection. Read reviews looked good. See photos I give. It is the headquarters bldg. Free sites are from Damascus up mtn to bear creek campground
TravelerCoordinates are accurate to get you to this gravel road along a ridge top. Easy pull-in spots for cars and vans next to the road, several with great views of the valley and gorge. Most have primitive fire rings. Great cell service. Only downsides are good view sites right on the road, and hard to find level ground. Popular spot for vans.
ScoutVery primitive but a great and free place to get some dark pea e and quiet
GuideIt was very easy to get a spot but there weren’t great views and there is not much to do
LegendOld NC 105 is a dirt road which goes on for miles with views both sides. Camping spots are available all along the road some with better views than others. Some spots are very shaded deep into the trees while others afford superb views of the gorge and distant Lake James.
GuideOverall this was a great little spot right off the road. The sound of the creek was lovely all night. Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night. There second spot close by and set a little further back that would get lit up by headlights as cars passed. Really lovely morning hike around the nearby lake more than made up for it though.
GuideI stayed here two nights because it was so beautiful! It is a little close to the main road, as others have mentioned, but it was still removed enough for me to feel remote. The creek is loud and the trees offered privacy. It is a pull-thru so it would be convenient for trailers, too.
TravelerBeautiful spot right by a babbling creek that will lull you to sleep.
TravelerWe drove up on a Saturday and it wasn’t too crowded, definitely people around but plenty of open campsites. There were a couple of good washouts in the road, so 4WD or AWD would be recommended but maybe not required. Several good spots to pull in with a vehicle. We found a big spot but it was right next to the road (most of the campsites were), but it was still quiet enough - only one car that drove by at night.
We had a view of Table Rock and plenty of space for the two of us and our dog.
3 stars because of the proximity of the campsites to the road, as well as many of the campsites needing to be picked up after the last campers (we checked out at least 10 other spots before deciding where we wanted to stay).
Overall, a nice visit!
ScoutI love how they get me where I'm going
Legend
This was truly one of my most memorable campsites I’ve ever stayed at. After a glorious hike up Roan Mountain and back down I crossed the road and hiked out along the three balds and found a few lonely trees to hang a hammock between. The Appalachian Trail is frequently referred to as The Green Tunnel because of the amazing wormhole effect of trees, rhododendron and other vegetation that shroud your views. But not here! There was an evening thunderstorm over an adjacent mountain, a beautiful sunset, a full moon to howl at, and a sunrise that can’t be beat. The hike back was in and out of the clouds. Pure bliss!
Pro Tip : Please do not skin or scar trees. Bring your own firewood.
Camping near Lansing, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Lansing, NC, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lansing, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lansing, NC is Mount Rogers National Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lansing, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Lansing, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
