Linville Falls is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Linville Falls, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Linville Falls, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"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!"
"This was our first stop on our first trip to North Carolina and now we don’t want to leave!"
"Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property."
"We often camp in and around the Linville Gorge area, mostly in the primitive campsites down in the Gorge on Linville River.
We stayed before Hurricane Helene but haven't been back since then."
"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."
"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."
"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 !"
"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."
"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!"
"Know that there is no signal when you are out there."
"Great place with lots of shade"
"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."
LegendAt the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant. The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.
Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. 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 often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace!
Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety.
The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.
LegendJust 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.
TravelerLots 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.
GuideWe often camp in and around the Linville Gorge area, mostly in the primitive campsites down in the Gorge on Linville River.
We stayed before Hurricane Helene but haven't been back since then.
There are primitive sites along the foot trail (Linville Gorge Trail) but you still need to call to let the park ranger/main office know when you're planning to camp and provide how many people will be camping.
There are not great tent sites along the trail since it's at the bottom of the Gorge (not much flat ground and rocky). But there are some nice spots further south from Linville Falls. We usually hammock camp and trees hanging has more options.
Hiking out is moderate to hard as it's straight up through switchbacks and good elevation gain.
Pack everything out and practice LNT in this area. You may also be able to trout fish in Linville River if it's trout season and you're licensed. Speckled and Rainbow trout are beautiful in this area. Most fall within the 8-12 inch range. Check bait restrictions. It's almost always no live bait allowed when we've camped there.
ScoutThere 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.
RangerThese 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.
TravelerMy 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--
GuideThis 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.
ScoutFirst time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Linville Falls, North Carolina, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning views and a variety of landscapes, this area offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping spots in Linville Gorge?
Free dispersed camping is available in the Linville Gorge Wilderness area, particularly along the western section accessed via Kistler Memorial Highway (NC 1238). To reach these sites, take Route 221 to Linville Falls, then right on 183, followed by a right onto Kistler Memorial Highway. The dirt road has numerous pull-offs suitable for camping and is accessible with standard vehicles. Another excellent option is Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping, which offers multiple free sites along a dirt road between Lake James and Linville Falls, several with stunning mountain views. Remember that a free permit is required for weekend camping in Linville Gorge Wilderness from May through October.
Is car camping allowed in Linville Gorge dispersed areas?
Yes, car camping is allowed in several Linville Gorge dispersed areas. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 offers multiple pull-offs directly from the road where you can set up camp next to your vehicle. The dirt road is generally passable for most cars, though high-clearance vehicles are preferred during wet conditions. For those wanting alternatives, Victor Road Dispersed near mile marker 342 provides several car camping spots along a gravel road. The access road may be narrow in places, but most passenger vehicles can reach these sites with careful driving.
What are the best camping spots near Linville Falls for a secluded experience?
For a truly secluded experience near Linville Falls, the primitive campsites along the Linville Gorge Trail by the Linville River offer exceptional solitude, though be prepared for a challenging hike back up from the gorge with your gear. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites at the intersection of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia provides secluded spots along Bear Creek with excellent hiking and fishing opportunities. For a tent-only secluded option, Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area near Watauga Lake offers a walk-in camping experience where you park outside the gate and carry gear to spacious, private sites perfect for escaping crowds.
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