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Best Dispersed Camping near Mill Spring, NC

111 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas can be found in Pisgah National Forest near Mill Spring, North Carolina. Most sites are primitive with no facilities, offering free camping along forest roads like Wash Creek Road and Yellow Gap Road. The sites feature varying access conditions, with most requiring drive-in access and accommodating both tents and small RVs.

Victor Road Dispersed and Old NC 105 offer free camping with established fire pits but no amenities. Wash Creek contains multiple dispersed sites including numbered pull-offs that provide stream access for natural white noise and cooling. Roads to these sites can be challenging, with many campers reporting rough, narrow gravel roads that may require higher clearance vehicles. A recent visitor noted, "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." Cell service is virtually non-existent at most locations. While most sites have a 14-day camping limit, this is seldom enforced except during peak seasons. Several sites have reported closures following Hurricane Helene damage in 2024, with ongoing reconstruction limiting access to some popular areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mill Spring, North Carolina (27)

    1. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "There are so many sites tucked along this dirt road and some incredible views! I spent almost 14 days here and almost didn't want to leave!"

    "Absolutely beautiful area and one of my new favorite wilderness areas on the east side of the country."

    2. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Barnardsville, NC
    34 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    5 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    29 miles

    "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"

    "Was a pretty nice camp site compared to a lot you just have to be aware of the people around you."

    4. Victor Road Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Little Switzerland, NC
    35 miles

    "My husband and I took a road trip and needed to find a spot to car camp last minute in the area. The narrow road to go up/down is alittle sketchy but we made it."

    "Nearly right at mile marker 342 Long gravel road, couple/few camping spots along the way, mostly on the left."

    5. Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

    3 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "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."

    "Perfect spot near water, lots of spots to pull right off the road. Only down side is the road is somewhat busy (we camped on Halloween). Heard some screams(?)"

    6. Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1

    2 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    7. Mills River Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

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

    8. Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2

    1 Review
    Mills River, NC
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

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

    13 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    47 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property."

    10. Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    42 miles
    Website

    "Right off the road, the short couple yards dirt road entrance to the campsite had a couple big pot holes that requires accurate driving around, but the campsite had at least three spots for seclusion for"

    "Good place for me to overnight, there are no facilities, the entrance is a bit hidden google maps will get you very close look for the small tent sign on your right when headed away from the parkway my"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mill Spring, NC

89 Photos of 27 Mill Spring Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mill Spring, NC

111 Reviews of 27 Mill Spring Campgrounds

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Alyssa E.
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, safe, peaceful, and fast cell service!

    There are so many sites tucked along this dirt road and some incredible views! I spent almost 14 days here and almost didn't want to leave! The dirt road must've been regraded in the past year as it is easily drivable. I stayed in several sites further up the road and they're all good options! There is traffic, but not much. I have 5G service on both Verizon and Sprint/Tmobile (Verizon has a better signal). Lake James State Park has water at the picnic shelters. The water pump at the Catawba River entrance allows you to connect a hose to it while the Paddy Creek is better for using containers. I'm not confident it's potable water though there's no sign saying it's not. I was using jugs at Paddy Creek and noticed tiny things in the water. Went to Catawba and didn't find anything in the water, but filtered it to be safe.

  • Julie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • K
    May. 15, 2021

    Victor Road Dispersed

    On the fly

    My husband and I took a road trip and needed to find a spot to car camp last minute in the area. The narrow road to go up/down is alittle sketchy but we made it. The first two spots were taken so we drove to the end where it seperated to private drives. There was a fire pit and a trail that we didn't explore. Our 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee didn't take up much space. There was plenty of space for a wider vehicle or multiple. There's literally no amenities which was no issue for us since we had what we needed, no cell service(Verizon) but no issues for us. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, other than the stream near by. Other than a deer that left its tracks nearby, nothing bothered us. --Visited May 9th-10th--

  • Tony F.
    Aug. 7, 2020

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Very nice, great location

    Really isn't much to this campsite. Right off the road, the short couple yards dirt road entrance to the campsite had a couple big pot holes that requires accurate driving around, but the campsite had at least three spots for seclusion for both tent camping and car camping, which I did. Also, there's a little trail to a waterfall after you go down the old logging road and follow the path across the creek. Very short, very easy about 0.5 mile or less from the creek. Also, very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it a great spot.

  • Justin L.
    Dec. 27, 2020

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

    Nice spot off a dirt road

    Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property. Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It’s a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester. I camped here in December 2020 and didn’t see anyone else. Plenty of wood, but not much of a view from my camp anyway. Lots of camps.

  • Kevin S.
    Jun. 4, 2021

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Great overnighter

    Good place for me to overnight, there are no facilities, the entrance is a bit hidden google maps will get you very close look for the small tent sign on your right when headed away from the parkway my nv200 did not have a problem navigating but watch the potholes

Guide to Mill Spring

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mill Spring, North Carolina, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for tent and RV camping, allowing you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Mill Spring

  • Enjoy fishing in the nearby streams, especially at Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5, where you can find beautiful trout streams that enhance your camping experience.
  • Take advantage of the hiking trails in the Pisgah National Forest, with spots like Mills River Dispersed offering access to lush forests and scenic views.
  • Experience the tranquility of star gazing at Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off, where low light pollution allows for stunning night skies.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Wash Creek

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Mill Spring, North Carolina

  • Always be cautious of your belongings, especially at locations like Mills River Dispersed, where some campers have reported theft issues.
  • Prepare for limited amenities; sites like Victor Road Dispersed do not offer drinking water or restrooms, so bring everything you need for a comfortable stay.
  • Check your navigation carefully, as some routes may lead you astray; for example, Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping has had reports of misleading directions that can lead to private property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mill Spring dispersed camping located?

Mill Spring dispersed camping is located in western North Carolina, in the Pisgah National Forest area. Several dispersed camping areas can be found nearby, including Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5, which are situated close to a trout stream. For navigation, it's easier to first locate North Mills campground as a reference point. The Mill Spring area offers access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding mountains, making it a strategic base for exploring the region's natural beauty.

What amenities are available at Mill Spring dispersed camping?

Mill Spring dispersed camping areas are primitive with very minimal amenities. At Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites, you'll find basic sites with some established fire rings but no facilities like restrooms, potable water, or trash service. Similarly, Victor Road Dispersed offers primitive sites with fire pits along a gravel road. Pack in all necessary supplies and be prepared to pack out all trash. These sites are true dispersed camping experiences that require self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

Is a permit required for dispersed camping at Mill Spring?

No permit is typically required for dispersed camping at Mill Spring and surrounding areas within Pisgah National Forest. Sites like Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping and Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping offer free camping without formal permits. However, always check for current regulations with the U.S. Forest Service before your trip, as rules can change seasonally, especially during fire restriction periods or in high-use areas.

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