Best Dispersed Camping near Montreat, NC
Looking for the best Montreat dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Montreat, NC (37)
1. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
Barnardsville, North Carolina12 Reviews•29 Photos•516 SavesThe 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
2. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Linville, North Carolina20 Reviews•54 Photos•569 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Victor Road Dispersed
Little Switzerland, North Carolina8 Reviews•22 Photos•422 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
4. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
Linville Falls, North Carolina12 Reviews•34 Photos•569 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Market
5. Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
Mills River, North Carolina3 Reviews•3 Photos•269 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
Mills River, North Carolina2 Reviews•5 Photos•30 Saves- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
7. Old NC 105 Dispersed
Linville Falls, North Carolina3 Reviews•7 Photos•291 SavesDispersed campsites are primitive camping areas that don't have bathrooms or many of the other amenities you will find at developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is only allowed at designated areas.
For site-specific information, call the local ranger station.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Steele Creek
Jonas Ridge, North Carolina3 Reviews•37 Photos•77 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
9. Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry
Roan Mountain, Tennessee3 Reviews•21 Photos•93 SavesFor additional details: https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/tennessee/carvers-gap-grassy-ridge-bald
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
10. Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot
Linville, North Carolina2 Reviews•5 Photos•20 SavesDispersed campsites are primitive camping areas that don't have bathrooms or many of the other amenities you will find at developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is only allowed at designated areas.
For site-specific information, call the local ranger station.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Montreat
101 Reviews of 37 Montreat Campgrounds
tyrone T.
Traveler
Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed
Place to hole up
Right off 276 on the right as you are going down the mountain. Hard gravel road. As soon as you turn in there is a spot on the left and a little further up there is a bigger spot right on the little creek just before the gate. Not 100% sure it is a spot as it is not marked but signs may have been damaged and it does show a tent symbol on the forest service map. There is a lot of back and forth traffic in the morning but it dies down around 9 pm. There is a fall a few miles up the road and connects to other service roads hence the traffic . We made it down the road in a 30' class A motorhome and made a 180 and was able to level the rig no problem and it's well off the road Did not see any fire rings in this spot or the first one ( pictured in the first image). No cell service, starlink worked enough to stream tv and post this.
- mmike R.Traveler
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".
- CCeline T.Traveler
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.
Joseph F.Traveler
Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Beautiful Car Camping spot
Great place for beginners and experienced campers alike. You're gonna need 4x4 or AWD on the dirt road to the campsites especially if the weather is no good but we did just fine and nothing was too intense. There are 13.8mi worth of campsites so plenty of privacy and peace and quiet. Had a lotta fun seeing the stars and sitting by the fire. Wiseman's View is stunning and yes we did see the brown mountain lights well worth the trip.
Drew P.
Scout
Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot
Very Shaded
Great place with lots of shade
- Betsy W.
Guide
Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1
Clean
Clean and large. Creek below
- MMichael W.Scout
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.TravelerPisgah 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.Traveler
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.
- JJoel S.Scout
Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
Wash Creek, NC
Beautiful, quiet campsites
- JJohn B.Traveler
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.
Dylan S.Traveler
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.Scout475b
Several walk up sites with easy access
This is a great first-come-first-serve location with several sites.
- BBrianna W.Traveler
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.
Joe P.Scout
Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
peaceful
very nice and beautiful camped right next to the upper creek. the state road was in good shape but steep narrow and lots of switch backs but well worth it
- Adam B.Traveler
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.GuideUpper 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.Guide
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 !
Kenny L.ScoutSteele Creek
Love this place
Great camping spot with access to the creek for swimming
Jake C.
LegendWash 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.
Samuel S.ScoutOld NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Camping
It was a lot of fun and beautiful scenery
Jim M.GuideFS 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.
- BBrianGuide
Old NC 105 Dispersed
2024 check in
The past reviews are dead on for all aspects and road conditions.
- HHeather C.Traveler
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!
- AAndrew S.Guide
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.
- RRobin B.Guide
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.
- IIsabel B.Scout
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.
Guide to Montreat
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Montreat, North Carolina, where nature lovers can find solitude and stunning landscapes. With a variety of sites to choose from, this area offers a perfect escape for both novice and experienced campers.
Dispersed campers should check out Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
- This location features a long dirt road with numerous pull-in spots, providing campers with great views of the valley and gorge. Check it out here.
- Campers can enjoy the freedom of building fires and bringing pets along, making it a welcoming spot for families and friends alike.
- The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, perfect for stargazing and enjoying the sounds of nature.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Montreat, North Carolina
- When visiting Pisgah National Forest Dispersed, be prepared for a long drive on a dirt road, but the journey rewards you with breathtaking waterfalls and hiking trails.
- It's advisable to bring plenty of water, as many dispersed sites lack direct access to water sources, especially at Victor Road Dispersed.
- Keep in mind that some sites may be popular, so arriving early can help secure a good spot, particularly at Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5.
Scenic views for dispersed campers at Linville Gorge Wilderness
- The Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping offers stunning mountain views and a serene environment, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
- Be cautious of steep drop-offs near some campsites, and ensure your vehicle has adequate clearance for the rugged roads.
- This area is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, as there are several trails nearby that lead to beautiful vistas and natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Montreat, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Montreat, 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 Montreat, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Montreat, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.