Best Dispersed Camping near Millers Creek, NC
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Millers Creek region of North Carolina, with several free primitive sites available throughout Pisgah National Forest. Old NC 105 offers numerous pull-off sites along a dirt road with mountain views, while Linville Gorge Wilderness provides roadside camping with access to hiking trails. Steele Creek features creek-side camping with swimming holes and established fire rings. Upper Creek in Pisgah National Forest contains multiple sites suitable for both tent and small RV camping. According to reviews, "There are 13.8 miles worth of campsites so plenty of privacy and peace and quiet" along Old NC 105.
Most dispersed sites in this region lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or picnic tables. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. Fire rings are typically present at established sites, but visitors should check current fire restrictions before camping. Road conditions vary significantly by location. Several campers noted that while Old NC 105 is navigable in passenger vehicles, "The road itself is all dirt and gravel and can get a little rough. It's much easier with a 4WD vehicle." High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing Scales Trailhead and some sections of Linville Gorge.
Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region. Some areas like Old NC 105 have surprisingly good coverage, with one visitor reporting "5G service on both Verizon and T-Mobile." However, many forest roads have no signal whatsoever. The nearest towns for supplies include Damascus, VA (near Mount Rogers) and Linville Falls. Water can be filtered from creeks at many sites, though visitors should treat all natural water sources. Practice Leave No Trace principles, as several reviewers mentioned having to clean up trash left by previous campers.
