Top Free Dispersed Camping near Linville, NC

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Linville? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your North Carolina excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Linville, NC (20)

Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Linville

74 Reviews of 20 Linville Campgrounds


  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    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".

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Creek
    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.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    Love Big Ivy

    Easy access to water. Not a lot of theft. People with aggressive dogs do come here and think it's okay to have them off a leash. But that's everywhere anymore. The area is beautiful and one of the better places I've stayed.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot

    Horrible

    The camp site appears okay. Water sources are non-existent. Traffic was insane. Got attacked by someone's unrestrained dog, this is getting to be an issue everywhere it seems. Constant dust in the air from traffic. And my camp got raided by a thief. I just can't recommend the Gorge anymore, used to be one of my favorite places but it has taken a serious dive. Probably won't go back.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite
    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.

  • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Party spot

    The 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

  • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Creek
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Steele Creek

    Quiet creek spot

    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 ! 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 !

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

    Great overnight stay near Blue Ridge Parkway

    Although this is not an official camp site, I arrived later than intended and with no other campsites open, I stayed the night here. There’s a stream that runs along the clearing, making some great natural white noise for sleeping. The forest road is very bumpy and narrow, but high clearance is not needed. Very low light pollution and the bare trees allowed for some great star gazing.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2
    Mar. 10, 2024

    Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2

    Roomy spot in middle of nowhere

    It is a roomy site immediately off the road, a surprisingly well maintained gravel road. My class C had no problems making its way along and fitting in the roomy semicircle next to the tent and fire pit pad. There is a babbling brook next to the site for great ambience. We were able to fit our 30ft motorhome and car into the site with no problem. But avoid blocking the emergency access road to the side. Also, be prepared to completely disconnect from civilization since you can't even make calls here. Beautiful site to relax!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
    Feb. 28, 2024

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Free in the woods on a creek

    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. 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.

  • I
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Oct. 22, 2023

    Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    Beautiful but impossible to find

    We drove for what felt like forever at the Big Ivy Trailhead and only ever found one labeled campsite. We gave up and camped in an unofficial spot.

    It was gorgeous! But there’s not much there and the drive is long.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views

    If you take your time and they are available there are a few spots on both sides of the road with wonderful views the begging of the road from either side is easy enough to get down but in the middle it gets really rough would not recommend driving all the way through with out an SUV or better clearance and 4 wheel drive the road got worse while I was there from the rain biggest con for me is I use a pump filter to fill up water no camp sight that I could find had access to the river that runs along this road so make sure to bring plenty of bottled water and the road has a lot of traffic at-least one person a day has stopped to ask me questions while I was laying in my hammock

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great camping spot

    First the sight is beautiful and most have a beautiful trout stream close by when navigating if using Apple Maps pay attention to where it is routing you mine wanted me to walk through the woods for an hour to get here it’s easier to find if you navigate to north mill’s campground first second there are signs about being a high crime area and they are not kidding while I was out picking up a few things at ingles someone came by and took my tent and sleeping bag that was inside I wouldn’t leave anything valuable to mark it as your sight and I have T mobile and I lost service about 10 mins from the campground and had no signal while staying there

  • Sara S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    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.

  • Katie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 Dispersed
    Apr. 12, 2023

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Easy drive, great views

    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. 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.

  • Andy K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 Dispersed
    Jan. 8, 2023

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Free camping with great views

    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. Some spots are very shaded deep into the trees while others afford superb views of the gorge and distant Lake James.

  • Filip M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    Nov. 30, 2022

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great Dispersed Camping

    Relatively easy gravel road with sites along either side. Some sites are better than others and offer good views of the surrounding mountains down to lake James. Don’t expect much in the way of accommodations so come prepared, and be aware that most spots are not level, so bring leveling blocks if you are planning on sleeping in your vehicle.



Guide to Linville

Camping near Linville, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the hiking opportunities at Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway. One reviewer mentioned, "Spent a weekend car camping at Julian Price which served as a great Basecamp for exploring the Blue Ridge and surrounding area."
  • Fishing: The Swannanoa River is a great spot for fishing. A visitor at Asheville East KOA noted, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, golf car rentals, fishing and splashing in the Swannanoa River."
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Campers can easily visit nearby towns like Black Mountain and Asheville. One reviewer said, "It’s a good location to explore downtown Asheville (20-25 minutes), Black Mountain (5 minutes) and Montreat (10 minutes)."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA noted, "The main issue with this campground is how close the sites are... literally no privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Mount Mitchell State Park Campground pointed out, "The bathhouse is very clean but had no showers or hot water."
  • Noise from Trains: Some campgrounds are near train tracks. A camper at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins mentioned, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA said, "On weekends they have themes and activities that include crafts and movies."
  • Space for Play: Choose campgrounds with open areas for kids to play. A visitor at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins noted, "Kids loved the playground and there were a lot of other kids to make friends with."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway mentioned, "There are several ways to hike in, as many of the South Mountains SP trails intersect."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins warned, "We could barely open our awnings without touching the RV in the space next to us."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some roads can be tricky for larger rigs. A camper at Black Mountain Campground advised, "The road into the facility... turns into a gravel road for the last mile or so with a few small potholes."
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Black Mountain Campground noted, "No cell service whatsoever even with a booster."

Camping near Linville, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Linville, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Linville, NC is Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Linville, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.