Best Dispersed Camping near Montreat, NC

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Montreat, North Carolina

101 Reviews of 37 Montreat Campgrounds

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 30, 2020

  Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

  Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

  Just 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.

• 

  Myron C.

  Legend

  

  May. 11, 2019

  Sunburst Dispersed Camping

  Primitive, Dispersed Camping in a National Forest with No Modern Amenities

  When you want to camp away from the crowds and do not mind being without running water, electricity, toilets, showers, or any other amenities that you find at developed campgrounds, this one is for you ... maybe. I say maybe because when I stayed there, I heard and saw pickup trucks until the wee hours of the morning. Since the campsites are along a dirt road in a national forest, miles away from civilization, it can be intimidating if not scary at times. I camped by myself and felt isolated (which is a good thing), and the scenery is great. You will be beside a rushing creek, and the sound of the creek is relaxing. If you want a little more security, you can camp a tenth of a mile away at Sunburst Campground, which is a developed national forest campground. The pros of these campsites are that they are peaceful (most times), they are in the heart of the mountains, they are only a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, they are between Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness, and there are plenty of trails. The cons are that previous campers have left a lot of trash and since it is dispersed camping, it is not picked up on a regular basis. Other cons are the late night cars and/or trucks, the lack of amenities, and that you have to cross a spillway to get to it. Despite all the cons, I got through it okay and really did enjoy my time there.

• A

  Andrew S.

  Guide

  

  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.

• T

  Tavi C.

  Guide

  

  May. 5, 2023

  Mills River Dispersed

  Beautiful, mostly peaceful, inconvenient

  *this is just for the free campsites- there appears to be paid campsites and maybe RV hook ups very close by.

  Pros:

  1. Gorgeous lush forest
  2. ice-cold flowing stream (in May) immediately off most camp spots
  3. well maintained and leveled places to pitch a tent.
  4. except for occasional cars, very very peaceful and far from any urban life or freeway.

  Cons:

  1. No cell service (Verizon) without driving 10 minutes, and then patchy for another 10-15
  2. camp spots are mostly immediately off the road. It’s a very isolated place, so you have inconsistent privacy and peace and quiet.
  3. several cars drove by and woke me up after 11pm.
  4. the dirt road to get there as well as the pull off for the campsite are rough and a bit dangerous for low/regular cars. It’s doable but you should go very slow and watch out for giant holes and ridges. I bottomed out going into the parking space, and I lifted my Prius 1.5in

  TO NOTE: Google maps incorrectly told me to take a right once I was on the dirt road that doesn’t exist. Just ignore it and keep going forward.

  Explored up to campsite 4 the next day. Campsite 3 is a larger group site and a bit further off the road.

  It’s not true “dispersed” camping because they have designated site you are supposed to stay at. Im not sure how many there are, but I only got up to #4, driving about 5-10 min down the dirt road.

• 

  Corey M.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  kylie B.

  Guide

  

  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 !

• 

  Randice L.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 12, 2018

  Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

  Irresistible!

  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.

• T

  Timothy

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 22, 2021

  Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

  Multiple Dispersed Sites

  Several dispersed camping sites where you can easily park a vehicle. There are several along Roses Creek road and along New Ginger Cake road.

• R

  Robin B.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Jolie L.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 3, 2020

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Perfect Primitive Camping/Backpacking

  Great free primitive camping. If all you need is a fire and a tent, this is the spot for you. The Linville Loop is also an amazing 3-4 day backpacking trip for anyone up to the challenge.

• 

  Julie L.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 16, 2021

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Good Times at the Gorge!

  These 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.

• 

  Phillip C.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 16, 2022

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Wonderful Views!

  All sites are primitive camping but the views are incredible and the trip to get there is part of the fun!

• 

  Kenny L.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 3, 2024

  Steele Creek

  Love this place

  Great camping spot with access to the creek for swimming

• 

  Jeff F.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 18, 2020

  Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

  Greatest Place on Earth

  Just the drive up the mountain is enough to take your breath away. My absolute favorite place to go camping and there are plenty of camping spots to go around! The campsites are so spread out that the only noises you’ll hear are the numerous creeks that flow off the mountain or a car driving up or down the gravel road. The fishing there is absolutely beautiful and the trout are pretty plentiful up there. I highly suggest this spot, just please pick up your trash after yourselves and for the love of god don’t go throwing beer cans and bottles down the hills from your campsites. I pulled 30 pounds of trash off the hillside of my campground the last time I was there. It’s sad indeed but the saddest part was the soda can I found that had been tore open by an animal. The can was lined with some poor animals blood. If an animal cuts its mouth on something like a dirty can and the cut gets infected, that animal will stop eating and slowly starve to death. Please please please pick up after yourselves!!!!!! No trash left behind!!! P.S....the adventure doesn’t start until you’re lost....

• 

  Dylan S.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Myron C.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 5, 2020

  Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

  Dispersed Camping with Great Views Close

  Although you can camp just about anywhere in Pisgah National Forest, there are specific sites near the trailhead to Sam Knob. This area is known as Black Balsam. There are no RV sites, and you have to hike about a hundred yards or less to the sites, unless you camp on the bald. The sites had lots of roots, so it was difficult to find a level site without roots all over the area. With that said, it is a good place to camp, and it is just a short walk to the pit toilet, which is also at the trailhead. There are fire pits, but there are no lantern hangers or tent pads. Expect to hear lots of cars and people during the busy months about 200 feet away. Because of that, a better place to stay is at the top of Sam Knob, which you can do. That was a better choice for me since I try to stay away from crowds as much as I can. However, you cannot clear or make a new spot; you have to“find” a spot in which you do not disturb the area. You will need a freestanding tent since you will probably be pitching it on solid rock. 

  The biggest problem with staying on the knob is the weather. Unfortunately, it poured rain and was windy when I was there. I expected it to be windy, but mixed with the rain, it made it unpleasant. Sam Knob is a heather bald, so that gives you a little privacy. However, expect a hikers to end up there since it is a hiking destination and the views are great. 

  Overall, it is a good place to camp, but there will be people close by no matter where you pitch your tent, whether it is a hundred yards from the parking lot or up on top of Sam Knob.

• 

  Andy K.

  Legend

  

  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.

• 

  Alex E.

  Scout

  

  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

• C

  Cassidy A.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 18, 2021

  Victor Road Dispersed

  Quiet & Secluded

  Nearly right at mile marker 342 Long gravel road, couple/few camping spots along the way, mostly on the left. Drive through a little creek, and stay to the right, a little ways down you’ll find another spot just before Laurel Retreat. A little larger clearing than the others, my pop-up fight nicely , plus Toyota Sequoia. Big fire pit. No water, no bathrooms, no hookups. (I have solar panels) A couple shelter/observation buildings with handicap parking scattered along the way.

• 

  Mic F.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 16, 2022

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Gorgeous views, rough road

  The view from on top of the mountain is easily 10/10. But if you're a big rig like us (we're about 35ft long) the gravel road to get up to the camping spots is virtually not safe. We made it just before the other sites I believe, couldn't get much further without our stuff inside going everywhere even more. They're mainly pull offs where you park and if you want to you can tent camp into the forest more. Still though being able to see the sun rise and set over the mountains and the view of the lake was gorgeous.

• N

  Nolan S.

  Scout

  

  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.

• A

  Andrew

  Scout

  

  Sep. 27, 2021

  Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

  Mountain Views

  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.

• 

  Myron C.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 1, 2021

  Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

  Free Camping but Lots of Foot Traffic

  There are two great things about this campsite. It’s free, and it is close to great views of the mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located off of Highway 215, you do hear road noise, but that is not too much of a problem. During the day, you get a lot of day use hikers since the largest campsite is right beside the trail. There is a large flat area to set your tent if you are lucky enough to be the first one there, and there is a fire pit. Beyond that, there are no facilities. You can hear the sounds of water all night long from Flat Laurel Creek. The last time I was in that area, I tried to cross Flat Laurel Creek over slippery rocks against my better judgment, and the weather was in the upper 30s. I fell, got soaked, and nearly froze to death. This time, it was summer and I learned to cross in my bare feet despite the fact that the rocks were dry this time. The trail eventually takes you to Sam’s Knob, which offers beautiful views, and there is lots of scenery along the way. This campsite is fairly high in elevation, so it gets cool at night. Don’t make the mistake of taking a summer sleeping bag. You could, but you take a chance of being cold even during the peak of summer. This is not a good place for RVs or travel trailers. It is mainly for tent camping even though you do not have to hike in. Just make sure to take water or a water filter. Overall, I recommend this campsite if you are going to hike somewhere else during the day. However, you will not get solitude of any kind here because of all the day hikers.

• K

  Kevin G.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 29, 2020

  Victor Road Dispersed

  Victor Road Dispersed Camping

  There are three campsites located in Victor Road. Victor Road is approx. 2 miles north of highway 80 (highway 80 is is approx 16 miles north of Mount Mitchell) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road is initially pavement but quickly turns to packed gravel. The road is a little rough in spots, but I had zero issues in my Honda Accord. Sites are free and do not appear to be managed by any official municipal, state or federal authority...but they are in great shape.

  Three sites are available from what I could see. The marker on this map is at the site of what I am calling #3. Sites 1 & 2 are located about 1/2 mile down Victor Road on the left and are adjacent to one another, but appear to be large and have foliage separating them. One of the sites had three tents pitched along side a beach tent and still had plenty of open space in the middle around a stone fire pit. I stayed at site number three. This has enough room for two cars and a four person tent at most. I have a three person tent and it covered most of the flat pad area. The site has a fire pit and is located just before a large(ish) stream that crosses the road. Beyond this campsite, the road turns private. The site is on the left hand side as you approach the stream. There is room on the right hands side of the road for perhaps another tent if one wanted to do so.

  This is fairly remote, despite being close enough to the BRP to hear cars occasionally. There are no amenities aside from the fire pit, but it's handy to have a creek for water for filtering or boiling. You should note that there are hunting blinds at the top of the hill between sites 1/2 and 3. These are facing a field that points away from the campsites. I imagine during turkey season (I saw a lot of turkey), you may hear gunshots. 

  There aren't any trails down this road, but you are within a few minutes of the BRP where they are plentiful and Mt. Mitchell and associated trail systems are less than 20 minutes. The BRP would have to be open for you to access these sites, so plan accordingly (my suggestion is the real time map on nps.org).

• 

  Alexandra T.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 18, 2021

  Victor Road Dispersed

  Dispersed Camping

  We drove in mid day and couldn’t find a spot, unfortunately. All dispersed spots were taken. However, there are parking spaces that you can park in overnight in front of hunting shelters. Just be mindful of how you park and don’t take up handicapped parking.

• 

  Ethan B.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 20, 2023

  Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

  Snowy wonderland

  I saw the campsite it's a beautiful campsite but someone was already there I decide to camp at the top. The cords where I camped at the time they had roads closed off due to weather. If you take the parkway rd up to the Beech Gap you can park to the side of the road just be aware it's not a designated campsite so be respectful of the area. Woke up to beautiful views.

• 

  Raquella 🥸.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 2, 2022

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Off of NC-105

  We drove up on a Saturday and it wasn’t too crowded, definitely people around but plenty of open campsites. There were a couple of good washouts in the road, so 4WD or AWD would be recommended but maybe not required. Several good spots to pull in with a vehicle. We found a big spot but it was right next to the road (most of the campsites were), but it was still quiet enough - only one car that drove by at night.

  We had a view of Table Rock and plenty of space for the two of us and our dog.

  3 stars because of the proximity of the campsites to the road, as well as many of the campsites needing to be picked up after the last campers (we checked out at least 10 other spots before deciding where we wanted to stay).

  Overall, a nice visit!