Top Free Dispersed Camping near Marshall, NC

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Marshall? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Marshall, NC (32)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    1. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    29 Photos
    506 Saves

    The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here Recreation Maps Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps Directions to Frequently Requested Places NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area Blue Ridge Parkway South Blue Ridge Parkway North Pisgah Ranger District Cradle of Forestry Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route) The Biltmore House Mt. Mitchell Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility. Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off

    3. FS 289 Pull Off

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    76 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Paint Creek Corridor
    Camper-submitted photo from Paint Creek Corridor
    Camper-submitted photo from Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

    9. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    2 Photos
    145 Saves

    Within the Pisgah Ranger District there are 65 disbursed roadside camping sites that are available on a first come - first serve basis. These campsites are located alongside gravel roads throughout the district and include a parking area, tent pad, and fire ring. Toilet facilities and drinking water are not available. Trash pick-up is not provided. Trash must be collected and disposed of properly. Failure to remove or properly dispose of trash is a crime and law enforcement officers will issue citations for littering if trash is strewn about or not properly disposed of. The following regulations must be adhered to and are strictly enforced by Law Enforcement Officers. • Roadside camping is allowed at designated campsites only. Signs designating a legal campsite show a camping_ symbol and a site number (for example "AC-3" for Avery Creek site 3). • The National Forests in North Carolina have a policy which allows for campers to occupy a roadside campsite for a maximum of 14 days out of a 30 day period. If a camper changes locations or moves to another campsite, it cannot be within 10 miles of previous site, the maximum stay limit of 14 days applies to all sites occupied. • All vehicles must be parked along road shoulders without blocking traffic. • Campfires are allowed only within the metal fire ring provided on the site, Building of additional fire rings is not allowed. AJJ camping equipment and tents must remain on the designated tent pad. • Collecting 'dead and downed' :firewood in the forest is permitted for camp fires. It is illegal to cut, chop, or saw live or standing trees or other live growth. Do not chop into or drive nails into live trees. • It is illegal to establish and set up a campsite for the purpose of reserving a camping place. The campsite must be occupied on the night it is set up by a minimum of one person. • It is illegal to leave a camp unattended for period of more than 24 hours. • It is illegal to fail to remove all camping equipment, personal property, trash, and refuse from a campsite when vacating or leaving that area or site. • It is mandatory that all human waste be buried at least 6 _inches deep and a minimum or 200 feet from a stream. trail, or campsite. • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Avery Creek Road (FSR 477) and Lickstone Road (FSR 97). Prohibition is 1000 feet to either side of the road, campsites, trails or roads leading off of either of the aforementioned. Warning: Unattended property and equipment in these areas can be an easy target for criminal activity. Protect your property by locking valuables out of site. Access to these campsites is easy by any vehicle. If you see anyone stealing anything from a roadside campsite or parking area near a public trailhead, picnic, or recreation area please call 911 to report it or call USPS Law Enforcement at the Pisgah District Ranger Station at 828-877-3265

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2

    10. Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    34 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Marshall

96 Reviews of 32 Marshall 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".

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

    10/10

    I actually cannot stop thinking about my weekend camp here. So beautiful and lots of places to camp. Not a hard hike in either. A lot of day hikers through out the day. Lots of flies bc of dog poop but it’s worth it.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    Jul. 3, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Good location

    Another review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up. There’s a bit of trash but I’ve seen worse. Definitely bring bug repellent. The creek is only a few feet away from the campsite.

  • Courtney R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Moon Hill Bridge
    Jun. 7, 2024

    Moon Hill Bridge

    Moon Hill Bridge

    It's a cute cozy spot that is on either side of the road. Every spot has an area for a fire and also your car and tent. The only downside is that sometimes it does get trashy and there are a few people who live here.

  • Dylan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 475b
    Jun. 2, 2024

    475b

    Isolated spot for car camping or tent camping

    Road is a little rough but not terrible. 3-4 spots to park around this hairpin with 3 camping spots lotuses in the middle. Little runoff creates a creek that is nice to listen to but only deep enough to get feet in.

  • Forrest S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 475b
    May. 23, 2024

    475b

    Several walk up sites with easy access

    This is a great first-come-first-serve location with several sites.

  • 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.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mills River Dispersed
    Apr. 20, 2024

    Mills River Dispersed

    Theft

    They have a long term camper they refuse to run off and he will steal from you. Camp at your own risk, watch your stuff like a hawk. I'd really recommend Sunburst or Big Ivy instead of North Mills really.

  • 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.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    Mar. 20, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Great dispersed site in the Pisgah NF

    Great Campsite along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by. Tent camping near the jeep or a high clearance overland teardrop should make it back here ok but not recommended for regular RV's.

  • H
    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!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paint Creek Corridor
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Paint Creek Corridor

    Paint Creek Dispersed Camping

    The national forest service website says there are dispersed camping site throughout the corridor; however, I was only able to locate one and luckily it was vacant. There are several spots along the road that may have been for dispersed camping as some point but are now clearly marked with no camping signs. I did enjoy my stay here but I’m a little disappointed in the website saying there were multiple sites … i has to drive almost 4 hours to get there and would have been super disappointed if I arrived to no spots. Also a lot of trash in the area of the site sadly.

  • 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

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
    Jul. 20, 2023

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

    Very Dispersed

    It was a great site, although there are only a few campsites on the road to it. We ended up driving to the top and someone already claimed it, so we had to go back down to a less convenient spot. The campsites are very secluded and quiet.

  • Dai C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

    Gorgeous group camping area

    Beautiful free group camping area with large parkinglot. All dirt roads back here. Beautiful waterfall (whaleback falls I think?) just a quick 15 minute walk across the river and up the trail (follow Daniel ridge trail loop from parking lot). Not much free fall action for nature bathers, though there is enough water flow to lean in and get all that grease out of your hair! Big boulders to climb on at the base of the falls.. be careful as wet rocks are slippery. Serene and gorgeous forest all around you.

    Zero phone connection whatsoever (T Mobile 5g / LTE). Greater earth love connection a thousandfold. Highly recommend.

    <3



Guide to Marshall

Camping near Marshall, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are campgrounds that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hikes, with one reviewer from Cosby Campground mentioning, "The campground is big, with a lot of sites, but they seem closer together than some campgrounds, some are further out than others."
  • Fishing: The streams and rivers in the region are great for fishing. A visitor at Smokemont Campground noted, "I did fish one pool for about 30 minutes, and did not have any fish to hand, but I saw quite a few fish in the pool over the weekend."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Smokemont Campground shared, "I also saw turkeys and a family of wild hogs."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A review from Davidson River Campground highlights, "Every time I go, it’s always clean and quiet. Great place to just relax and have base camp to many hikes in the area."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were amazing. The site had okay Verizon cell service with 2 bars around 30-40mbps."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, golf car rentals, fishing and splashing in the Swannanoa River."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Cosby Campground mentioned, "No running water at campsite, but plenty of water spouts around."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Smokemont Campground shared, "One camper saw a bear one morning but was not a problem."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A reviewer at Bear Den Family Campground said, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."
  • Plan for Bathroom Access: Make sure to check bathroom availability. A visitor at Bear Den Family Campground noted, "For how many sites there are, there just aren’t enough."
  • Pack for Outdoor Fun: Bring games and outdoor gear. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA said, "We could barely open our awnings without touching the RV in the space next to us."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA noted, "This campground is very close to a main road with lots of traffic and street noise."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to use dump stations when available. A camper at Smokemont Campground appreciated the "2 bay dump station which was nice and clean with water for the RV."

Camping near Marshall, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Marshall, NC is Pisgah National Forest Dispersed with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 32 dispersed camping locations near Marshall, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.