Dispersed camping areas near Pineola, North Carolina primarily cluster around the Pisgah National Forest, sitting at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 feet. Most primitive sites follow forest service roads that require navigating switchbacks and occasional rough terrain. Free camping options typically allow 14-day stays with varying levels of seclusion depending on proximity to popular hiking trails and water features.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Steele Creek offers accessible water recreation with multiple swimming spots. "Great camping spot with access to the creek for swimming," notes one visitor to Steele Creek. Another camper mentions 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."
Hiking to waterfalls: Upper Creek provides access to waterfall trails within walking distance of campsites. A camper at Upper Creek mentions "numerous waterfalls to hike to, one of which is a short hike from the end of the road." The creek-side camping enhances the experience with "the sound of the creek was nice" though one camper warns to "be on the lookout" for ticks.
Mountain ridge exploration: Dispersed sites along Old NC 105 serve as excellent basecamps for ridge hiking with panoramic views. "Overlooking Linville Gorge with spectacular view of Shortoff Mtn," reports a camper who stayed at one of the higher elevation sites along the road. For backpackers, Grassy Ridge Bald offers unique camping at 6,000 feet with "several spots on the bald to pitch your tent."
What campers like
Secluded creek-side sites: Camping along Upper Creek provides peaceful water sounds and privacy during weekdays. "I went during the week and had the entire area to myself," reports one Upper Creek visitor. Another camper appreciates how "all I heard was the water and some faint crickets hanging on in November. Best part, No highway sound!"
Panoramic mountain views: Several pull-off sites along Kistler Memorial Highway and Old NC 105 feature impressive vistas. A visitor to Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping describes finding "a big spot but it was right next to the road, 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."
Campfire-ready sites: Most dispersed areas feature established fire rings and abundant deadwood. "Ground wood for campfires is very abundant and many of the sites are appropriate for groups," notes one Upper Creek camper. Another mentions the unique feature at Victor Road where "there was an old house that was on the plot of land but is gone now and only the chimney still stands. Enjoyable to build fires in and very scenic."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest service roads require careful navigation with varying difficulty levels. "The road was a bit rough in spots but 4x4 isn't necessary," states a camper who stayed in the Linville Gorge Wilderness. Another visitor specifically warns: "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."
Site availability: Weekends often see full occupancy, especially at sites with views. "We drove in mid day and couldn't find a spot, unfortunately. All dispersed spots were taken," reports one visitor attempting to camp at Victor Road. Another camper arrived at Steele Creek "late, around 5 pm on Saturday, so I had difficulty finding a spot. There was lots of sites but they were all filled up."
Weather considerations: Mountain weather patterns affect campsite conditions significantly. "Rain was an issue and bugs were pretty bad. Lots of sites along the road with fire pits. Very difficult to get a fire started due to how damp everything was," shares a Linville Gorge camper from a July visit. At Grassy Ridge Bald, visitors note it's "super windy so dress appropriately!"
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Some areas offer more family-friendly spots than others with varying space for activities. At Victor Road Dispersed, one family found "an old house that one was on the plot of land but is gone now and only the chimney still stands. Enjoyable to build fires in and very scenic. Creek also visible from this site." Another notes that one site had "enough room for three tents pitched along side a beach tent and still had plenty of open space in the middle around a stone fire pit."
Water access considerations: Creek-side sites provide both recreational opportunities and practical water sources. "We stayed at site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep," shares a family who camped at Upper Creek. Another notes the "great time! Would love to come back in the summer and take advantage of being on the creek."
Space requirements: Vehicle size affects site selection with limited options for larger vehicles. A visitor to Steele Creek notes "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." For families needing more space, Old NC 105 offers "plenty of spots to choose from...wide open views...lots of areas for bigger groups if that's what you need."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle access constraints: Most dispersed sites accommodate small to medium RVs but present challenges for larger rigs. An RV camper at National Forest Road/Steele Creek notes "the terrain is definitely rough but cars, trucks and vans can get down there just not RVs." For truck campers, Victor Road worked well as one visitor reports: "we had no problem getting there with our Arctic Fox truck camper and pulling a Jeep."
Leveling challenges: Finding flat spots presents difficulties at many sites. "Hard to find level ground," mentions a camper at Old NC 105, while another notes at Steele Creek that for car camping "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."
Solar power options: Several sites offer good sun exposure for solar setups. A camper with a pop-up trailer at Victor Road notes "No water, no bathrooms, no hookups. (I have solar panels)," suggesting viable solar charging. Another RVer at National Forest Road/Steele Creek reports "My Starlink worked great!" indicating potential for connectivity solutions in these remote free camping areas near Pineola.
