Best Dispersed Camping near Lincolnton, NC

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Lincolnton, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that North Carolina camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Lincolnton, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lincolnton, North Carolina (7)

    1. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    45 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
    43 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. Old NC 105 Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    46 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."

    4. Steele Creek

    4 Reviews
    Jonas Ridge, NC
    45 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. National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite

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

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

    6. Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot

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

    "Great place with lots of shade"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lincolnton, NC

39 Reviews of 7 Lincolnton Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Old NC 105 Linville Gorge - Tablerock Mountain Outlook (Spot)

    Absolutely beautiful area and one of my new favorite wilderness areas on the east side of the country. I went solo camping for 5 days and stayed at the overlook, got really lucky finding my spot in the middle of the night but nonetheless, I drove the whole road South end to North in my fwd sedan haha and saw plenty of beautiful spots to settle at. Definitely recommend you to come check this out, I met some of the nicest people and another solo traveler that I ended up spending 2 nights with. You definitely wont regret it, and dont worry If you dont have a great car for offroad, I saw alot of reviews about absolutely needing an AWD vehicle with good clearance but I maneuvered my way through the road with my little hyundai. You definitely need to be a confident driver if you do that though. Good luck, hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

  • Corey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2022

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Amazing views for free!

    This was our first stop on our first trip to North Carolina and now we don’t want to leave! We drove the entire road between Lake James and Linville Falls and there are tons of good spots for boondocking and hiking. 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 for those. Otherwise, there are a ton of other great spots. The road itself is all dirt and gravel and can get a little rough. It’s much easier with a 4WD vehicle, but we saw sedans and minivans driving it.

  • Spencer A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2021

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Superb car camping

    There are campsites located all along the road. Once you find one that you like, pull over and set up camp for the night. Campsites are marked by a firepit. I recommend bringing a bag or two of your own firewood. It rained for us and was very foggy, but once morning came we got a great view of a gorgeous sunrise. Don't be discouraged by the gravel road. It is pretty washed out in some areas but if you have a good vehicle and are careful, it should be no problem. Don't settle on a campsite tucked away in the woods (unless that is what you want); there are plenty of sites with a view if you go far enough. We had about a dozen other vehicles drive past us after we were set up. So, there are other campers in the area. However, they are spread far enough out that you don't even know that they are there. Great views while camping on this ridgeline.

  • Alex E.
    Nov. 1, 2022

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    CLOSED BY BOULDERS

    Drove up to the exact coordinate and the two camping spots are fully blocked off by boulders. If you’re camping In a tent you should be able To drive in just enough to get your car off the road but you’ll have to walk past the boulders to camp in a tent/hammock.

    Definitely no car camping. :(and

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Steele Creek

    Great for tent camping

    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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    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. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2024

    National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite

    Best camping spot

    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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!


Guide to Lincolnton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lincolnton, North Carolina, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the forest while exploring stunning landscapes.

Waterfalls and Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC offers access to numerous waterfalls, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate natural beauty and want to hike to scenic vistas.
  • Campers can enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the creek while setting up their tents, as many sites are located right next to the water, providing a refreshing backdrop for relaxation.
  • This area is known for its abundant firewood, allowing for cozy campfire evenings under the stars, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Hiking and Exploration While Free Camping Near Lincolnton

  • The Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping features 13.8 miles of campsites, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness.
  • Campers can enjoy stunning views from various spots along the road, making it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
  • The area is also known for its starry nights, providing a perfect setting for stargazing after a day of adventure.

Peaceful Retreats for Nature Lovers

  • The Steele Creek is a well-reviewed spot that offers a quiet environment, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • With multiple sites along the creek, campers can choose their perfect spot to set up camp, ensuring a sense of privacy and tranquility.
  • The nearby swimming holes and small waterfalls add to the charm of this location, making it a great choice for families and groups looking to enjoy nature together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lincolnton, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lincolnton, NC is Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lincolnton, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Lincolnton, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.