Best Dispersed Camping near National Forests in North Carolina
The national forests across North Carolina contain numerous dispersed camping spots where you can set up far from crowded campgrounds. Many campers head to Sunburst Campground area for basic sites that lack any facilities - you won't find water sources or bathrooms nearby. You'll need to pack everything in and out while camping here, and always follow Leave No Trace practices. The forest service rules require camping at least 100 feet from any water or roads. You can stay up to 14 days before needing to move on. Some of the better spots require driving rough forest roads, so vehicles with decent clearance do best. Many areas have seasonal fire rules that change throughout the year, so check before bringing firewood. Both the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountain sections have good wildlife viewing, but this means you should hang food properly at night. Spring and fall camping works well with comfortable temperatures and fewer bugs. Winters can get snow and ice at higher elevations, while summer days often get hot and humid. The drive to town for supplies can take 30-45 minutes from most dispersed sites in these forests.