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Best Dispersed Camping near Lenoir, NC

79 Reviews

The mountainous terrain surrounding Lenoir, North Carolina features predominantly dispersed camping options within Pisgah National Forest and along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. Old NC 105 Dispersed Camping stands out as a popular destination, offering numerous primitive sites along a 13.8-mile dirt road with panoramic mountain views. Linville Gorge Wilderness provides free camping with pull-offs along forest roads, while Steele Creek and Upper Creek areas offer creek-side camping with swimming holes and hiking access. Most sites are primitive with established fire rings but minimal amenities, catering primarily to tent campers and smaller vehicles rather than large RVs.

Road conditions significantly impact accessibility throughout the region, with many campsites requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. While some campers report successfully navigating these roads in standard passenger vehicles, high-clearance or 4WD vehicles are recommended, especially after rain. As one camper noted, "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." Cell service varies considerably, with some areas like Old NC 105 reporting good coverage while more remote locations have none. Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own or collect and filter from nearby streams.

Mountain views and water access represent the primary attractions for campers in the Lenoir area. Sites along ridgelines provide expansive vistas, particularly at sunrise and sunset. According to one visitor, "About 5 camping spots along the road have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, hills and valleys. Those spots are obviously the first to go, so come early or on a weekday." Creek-side locations offer swimming opportunities during warmer months. Wildlife sightings, including deer and turkey, are common. Weekday visits typically provide more solitude, as popular areas can experience significant traffic on weekends. Several reviewers mention the importance of Leave No Trace practices, with one noting they "pulled 30 pounds of trash off the hillside" during their stay.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lenoir, North Carolina (17)

    1. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "There are so many sites tucked along this dirt road and some incredible views! I spent almost 14 days here and almost didn't want to leave!"

    "Absolutely beautiful area and one of my new favorite wilderness areas on the east side of the country."

    2. Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    5 Reviews
    Jonas Ridge, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road."

    "This is one of many forest roads in this area with free camping. I went during the week and had the entire area to myself."

    3. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    13 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    23 miles
    Website

    "We hiked down to the gorge and also enjoyed the dispersed camping available right along the riverside, which was pretty cool but... that hike back up is a DOOZY especially with a pack on."

    "Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property."

    4. Steele Creek

    4 Reviews
    Jonas Ridge, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    "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."

    "This 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 !"

    5. Old NC 105 Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    "Old 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."

    "Coordinates 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."

    6. National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    Jonas Ridge, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    "Know that there is no signal when you are out there."

    7. Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot

    2 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "Great place with lots of shade"

    8. Victor Road Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Little Switzerland, NC
    36 miles

    "My husband and I took a road trip and needed to find a spot to car camp last minute in the area. The narrow road to go up/down is alittle sketchy but we made it."

    "Nearly right at mile marker 342 Long gravel road, couple/few camping spots along the way, mostly on the left."

    9. Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

    3 Reviews
    Roan Mountain, NC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 689-9694

    "Beautiful 6000’ bald off the AT and along the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee, plenty of places to pitch a tent. Firewood is scarce so bring a lantern and cook stove."

    "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!"

    10. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Barnardsville, NC
    48 miles

    "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."

    "There is free camping all through out these woods & plenty of water access. Trails out the wazoo! Our doggies love the trails & there are quite a few family friendly paths."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lenoir, NC

65 Photos of 17 Lenoir Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lenoir, NC

79 Reviews of 17 Lenoir Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

  • Alyssa E.
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, safe, peaceful, and fast cell service!

    There are so many sites tucked along this dirt road and some incredible views! I spent almost 14 days here and almost didn't want to leave! The dirt road must've been regraded in the past year as it is easily drivable. I stayed in several sites further up the road and they're all good options! There is traffic, but not much. I have 5G service on both Verizon and Sprint/Tmobile (Verizon has a better signal). Lake James State Park has water at the picnic shelters. The water pump at the Catawba River entrance allows you to connect a hose to it while the Paddy Creek is better for using containers. I'm not confident it's potable water though there's no sign saying it's not. I was using jugs at Paddy Creek and noticed tiny things in the water. Went to Catawba and didn't find anything in the water, but filtered it to be safe.

  • Julie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Good Times at the Gorge!

    These are pretty decent sites. You just pull off the road, set up and enjoy the camping experience. 
    We hiked down to the gorge and also enjoyed the dispersed camping available right along the riverside, which was pretty cool but... that hike back up is a DOOZY especially with a pack on. I would recommend it. The payoff of the views is highly worth any trail difficulties. 
    This was a really clean, well respected area. I liked to see that most other campers were clearly doing their part to Leave no Trace.

  • K
    May. 15, 2021

    Victor Road Dispersed

    On the fly

    My husband and I took a road trip and needed to find a spot to car camp last minute in the area. 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. There was a fire pit and a trail that we didn't explore. Our 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee didn't take up much space. There was plenty of space for a wider vehicle or multiple. There's literally no amenities which was no issue for us since we had what we needed, no cell service(Verizon) but no issues for us. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, other than the stream near by. Other than a deer that left its tracks nearby, nothing bothered us. --Visited May 9th-10th--

  • Justin L.
    Dec. 27, 2020

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Nice spot off a dirt road

    Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property. Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It’s a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester. I camped here in December 2020 and didn’t see anyone else. Plenty of wood, but not much of a view from my camp anyway. Lots of camps.

  • C
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Victor Road Dispersed

    Quiet & Secluded

    Nearly right at mile marker 342 Long gravel road, couple/few camping spots along the way, mostly on the left. Drive through a little creek, and stay to the right, a little ways down you’ll find another spot just before Laurel Retreat. A little larger clearing than the others, my pop-up fight nicely , plus Toyota Sequoia. Big fire pit. No water, no bathrooms, no hookups. (I have solar panels) A couple shelter/observation buildings with handicap parking scattered along the way.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    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".

  • Sara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Breath Taking views

    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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2020

    Victor Road Dispersed

    Victor Road Dispersed Camping

    There are three campsites located in Victor Road. Victor Road is approx. 2 miles north of highway 80 (highway 80 is is approx 16 miles north of Mount Mitchell) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road is initially pavement but quickly turns to packed gravel. The road is a little rough in spots, but I had zero issues in my Honda Accord. Sites are free and do not appear to be managed by any official municipal, state or federal authority...but they are in great shape.

    Three sites are available from what I could see. The marker on this map is at the site of what I am calling #3. 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. One of the sites had three tents pitched along side a beach tent and still had plenty of open space in the middle around a stone fire pit. I stayed at site number three. This has enough room for two cars and a four person tent at most. I have a three person tent and it covered most of the flat pad area. The site has a fire pit and is located just before a large(ish) stream that crosses the road. Beyond this campsite, the road turns private. The site is on the left hand side as you approach the stream. There is room on the right hands side of the road for perhaps another tent if one wanted to do so.

    This is fairly remote, despite being close enough to the BRP to hear cars occasionally. There are no amenities aside from the fire pit, but it's handy to have a creek for water for filtering or boiling. You should note that there are hunting blinds at the top of the hill between sites 1/2 and 3. These are facing a field that points away from the campsites. I imagine during turkey season (I saw a lot of turkey), you may hear gunshots. 

    There aren't any trails down this road, but you are within a few minutes of the BRP where they are plentiful and Mt. Mitchell and associated trail systems are less than 20 minutes. The BRP would have to be open for you to access these sites, so plan accordingly (my suggestion is the real time map on nps.org).

Guide to Lenoir

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lenoir, North Carolina, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of spots to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in stunning views and peaceful surroundings.

Stunning Views for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Lenoir, North Carolina

  • Bring your own water, as many sites like Steele Creek do not have drinking water available, making it essential to come prepared.
  • Be aware of road conditions; for example, the access road to Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping can be steep and bumpy, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.
  • Pack out what you pack in; sites like Old NC 105 Dispersed often require campers to leave no trace, ensuring the area remains pristine for future visitors.

Activities While Free Camping Near Lenoir

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lenoir, NC?

Several excellent free dispersed camping options exist near Lenoir. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping offers numerous secluded sites along a dirt road with incredible mountain views. The road has been recently regraded and is generally accessible, with many campers staying for extended periods. Another popular option is Victor Road Dispersed, located approximately 2 miles north of Highway 80 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This area features three established campsites along a packed gravel road. While the road can be a bit rough in spots, most vehicles can manage it, though high clearance is recommended for certain sites.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in the Lenoir area?

Dispersed camping in the Lenoir area follows standard National Forest regulations. At Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry, and most dispersed sites, you'll need to camp at least 100 feet from water sources and 150 feet from roadways. Stays are typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Campfires are permitted in existing fire rings when there are no fire restrictions in effect, but firewood collection may be limited in some areas. At Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, you'll need to park outside designated gates and carry gear in. Always practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and waste. Check with the Pisgah National Forest office for current regulations and seasonal restrictions.

Are there free RV camping options without hookups near Lenoir?

Yes, there are free RV camping options without hookups near Lenoir, though they're limited and typically best for smaller rigs. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed offers some sites accessible for RVs, but four-wheel drive is recommended as the dirt roads can be challenging. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping has several pull-offs suitable for smaller RVs along Kistler Memorial Highway. The road is dirt but generally passable for moderate clearance vehicles. These sites are primitive with no facilities or hookups, so come prepared with all necessary water and supplies, and be ready to pack everything out.

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