Best Dispersed Camping near Pineola, NC
Several dispersed camping options exist in the Pisgah National Forest around Pineola, North Carolina, with sites concentrated along Linville Gorge, Old NC 105, and Steele Creek areas. Most locations offer free primitive camping with established fire rings but minimal to no amenities. Roads to these sites typically require careful driving, with several reviewers noting rough, steep, and narrow conditions on dirt forest roads.
The Linville Gorge Wilderness area provides multiple pull-off sites along Kistler Memorial Highway (NC 128), offering some with scenic mountain views. According to one visitor, "These are pretty decent sites. You just pull off the road, set up and enjoy the camping experience." Steele Creek sites feature creek-side camping with good swimming opportunities, while Upper Creek offers secluded forest settings. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "This is my favorite spot in the pisgah national forest... by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest site yet!" Most vehicles can access these areas, though high clearance is helpful for certain sections, particularly after rain.
