Best Dispersed Camping near Pinehurst, NC
Want to go dispersed camping near Pinehurst? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Pinehurst, NC (17)
1. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Linville, North Carolina20 Reviews•54 Photos•569 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
Linville Falls, North Carolina12 Reviews•34 Photos•570 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Market
3. Steele Creek
Jonas Ridge, North Carolina3 Reviews•37 Photos•77 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
4. Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
Jonas Ridge, North Carolina3 Reviews•36 Photos•103 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. 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
6. Victor Road Dispersed
Little Switzerland, North Carolina8 Reviews•22 Photos•421 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
7. National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite
Jonas Ridge, North Carolina1 Review•8 Photos•25 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
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Pinehurst
69 Reviews of 17 Pinehurst Campgrounds
- m
mike 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".
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
- 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.
- 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
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
Samuel S.ScoutOld NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Camping
It was a lot of fun and beautiful scenery
- BBrianGuide
Old NC 105 Dispersed
2024 check in
The past reviews are dead on for all aspects and road conditions.
- 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.
- DDavid P.Traveler
Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Beautiful views
If you take your time and they are available there are a few spots on both sides of the road with wonderful views the begging of the road from either side is easy enough to get down but in the middle it gets really rough would not recommend driving all the way through with out an SUV or better clearance and 4 wheel drive the road got worse while I was there from the rain biggest con for me is I use a pump filter to fill up water no camp sight that I could find had access to the river that runs along this road so make sure to bring plenty of bottled water and the road has a lot of traffic at-least one person a day has stopped to ask me questions while I was laying in my hammock
- Sara S.Traveler
Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
Breath Taking views
The road up to the campsites is pretty steep and bumpy. Wouldn't recommend a car but saw several go through. There are a handful of sites on either side of the road. Some have steep drop offs off the side of the mountain so be careful. A few group sized sites with misc trails to wonder. Very quiet and serene but only 30 minutes from town.
- Katie A.Traveler
Old NC 105 Dispersed
Easy drive, great views
Coordinates are accurate to get you to this gravel road along a ridge top. Easy pull-in spots for cars and vans next to the road, several with great views of the valley and gorge. Most have primitive fire rings. Great cell service. Only downsides are good view sites right on the road, and hard to find level ground. Popular spot for vans.
Arthur D.ScoutLinville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
Good rest
Very primitive but a great and free place to get some dark pea e and quiet
- JJohn R.Guide
Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
Easy
It was very easy to get a spot but there weren’t great views and there is not much to do
Andy K.
LegendOld 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.
- Andy K.Legend
Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Fantastic views well worth the drive
Found a great spot a few miles up the rutted road, with superb views over the gorge. Camped right at the side of the road.
Filip M.ScoutOld NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Great Dispersed Camping
Relatively easy gravel road with sites along either side. Some sites are better than others and offer good views of the surrounding mountains down to lake James. Don’t expect much in the way of accommodations so come prepared, and be aware that most spots are not level, so bring leveling blocks if you are planning on sleeping in your vehicle.
Phillip C.GuideOld 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!
Alex E.ScoutOld 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
Corey M.GuideOld 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.
- IIan B.Guide
Victor Road Dispersed
Several spots leading to creek
Great spot off of blue ridge parkway. There are several spots (at least 5 or so), but expect many to be occupied. The best spot appears to be at a creek crossing before the road splits. Not sure what is up there. Road is smooth, at least until the creek crossing. Several hunting cabins provide shelter as well.
Guide to Pinehurst
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pinehurst, North Carolina, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of scenic spots, campers can enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of traditional campgrounds.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Pinehurst
- Stargazing is a must at Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping, where the clear skies provide a perfect backdrop for a night under the stars.
- Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails around Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128, offering breathtaking views and a chance to explore the rugged terrain.
- For those who enjoy water activities, Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC features nearby waterfalls that are perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Pinehurst, North Carolina
- When visiting Steele Creek, be prepared for a primitive experience; there are no amenities, so bring everything you need for a comfortable stay.
- If you're driving in, consider a vehicle with good clearance, especially when accessing Victor Road Dispersed, as some areas can be rough and require careful navigation.
- Always pack out what you pack in, especially at National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite, to help keep these beautiful spots clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Upper Creek
- The serene environment at Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC makes it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Campers can enjoy the sound of flowing water while relaxing by the creek, making it a perfect location for unwinding after a day of adventure.
- With ample space for tents and a variety of sites to choose from, Old NC 105 Dispersed offers privacy and a chance to connect with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pinehurst, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pinehurst, NC is Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pinehurst, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Pinehurst, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.