Top Free Dispersed Camping near Pisgah National Forest

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Pisgah National Forest? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pisgah National Forest, NC (37)

Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Pisgah National Forest

100 Reviews of 37 Pisgah National Forest Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    August 19, 2024

    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".

  • Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
    August 15, 2024

    Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

    10/10

    I actually cannot stop thinking about my weekend camp here. So beautiful and lots of places to camp. Not a hard hike in either. A lot of day hikers through out the day. Lots of flies bc of dog poop but it’s worth it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    August 14, 2024

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Steele Creek
    July 29, 2024

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    July 14, 2024

    Pisgah 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot
    July 14, 2024

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    July 3, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Good location

    Another review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up. There’s a bit of trash but I’ve seen worse. Definitely bring bug repellent. The creek is only a few feet away from the campsite.

  • Camper-submitted photo from 475b
    June 2, 2024

    475b

    Isolated spot for car camping or tent camping

    Road is a little rough but not terrible. 3-4 spots to park around this hairpin with 3 camping spots lotuses in the middle. Little runoff creates a creek that is nice to listen to but only deep enough to get feet in.

  • Camper-submitted photo from 475b
    May 23, 2024

    475b

    Several walk up sites with easy access

    This is a great first-come-first-serve location with several sites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite
    May 19, 2024

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mills River Dispersed
    April 20, 2024

    Mills River Dispersed

    Theft

    They have a long term camper they refuse to run off and he will steal from you. Camp at your own risk, watch your stuff like a hawk. I'd really recommend Sunburst or Big Ivy instead of North Mills really.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
    April 18, 2024

    Upper 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Steele Creek
    April 18, 2024

    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 !

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    April 1, 2024

    Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

    Great overnight stay near Blue Ridge Parkway

    Although this is not an official camp site, I arrived later than intended and with no other campsites open, I stayed the night here. There’s a stream that runs along the clearing, making some great natural white noise for sleeping. 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    March 20, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Great dispersed site in the Pisgah NF

    Great Campsite along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by. Tent camping near the jeep or a high clearance overland teardrop should make it back here ok but not recommended for regular RV's.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2
    March 10, 2024

    Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2

    Roomy spot in middle of nowhere

    It is a roomy site immediately off the road, a surprisingly well maintained gravel road. My class C had no problems making its way along and fitting in the roomy semicircle next to the tent and fire pit pad. There is a babbling brook next to the site for great ambience. We were able to fit our 30ft motorhome and car into the site with no problem. But avoid blocking the emergency access road to the side. Also, be prepared to completely disconnect from civilization since you can't even make calls here. Beautiful site to relax!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Paint Creek Corridor
    March 4, 2024

    Paint Creek Corridor

    Paint Creek Dispersed Camping

    The national forest service website says there are dispersed camping site throughout the corridor; however, I was only able to locate one and luckily it was vacant. There are several spots along the road that may have been for dispersed camping as some point but are now clearly marked with no camping signs. I did enjoy my stay here but I’m a little disappointed in the website saying there were multiple sites … i has to drive almost 4 hours to get there and would have been super disappointed if I arrived to no spots. Also a lot of trash in the area of the site sadly.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
    February 28, 2024

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    October 22, 2023

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    July 27, 2023

    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



Guide to Pisgah National Forest

Camping near Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, or just relax by a lake, there’s something for everyone in this stunning area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina, visitors enjoy a lovely hike around the lake. One reviewer mentioned, "The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach."
  • Biking: Many campgrounds, like Asheville East KOA, offer bike-friendly trails. A camper noted, "There are so many trails to choose from," making it a great spot for biking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At North Mills River, the clear waters are perfect for fishing and swimming. One visitor shared, "The water is pretty clear and has an abundance of trout."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins highlighted, "The bathrooms are clean and there is a laundry."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. At Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground, a camper mentioned, "The staff are super friendly and helpful."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Mount Pisgah Campground said, "This campground is conveniently located along the Blue Ridge Parkway."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. For instance, at Asheville West KOA, one camper noted, "The interstate noise was insane."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. At Linville Falls Campground, a visitor pointed out, "There is water and some buggy bathrooms (if that bothers you) but no showers."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel packed, especially during peak seasons. A review for Asheville East KOA mentioned, "The main issue with this campground is how close the sites are."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. At Asheville East KOA, families can enjoy a pool, playground, and themed weekend activities. One parent said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing."
  • Safety Precautions: Be aware of wildlife. A camper at Lake Powhatan shared, "I did have a bear encounter on my way to the bathroom during the night."
  • Space for Activities: Choose campgrounds with enough space for kids to play. A review for Bear Den Family Campground mentioned, "Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify site dimensions before booking. A review for Asheville East KOA warned, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
  • Noise Considerations: Be prepared for potential noise from nearby highways or trains. A camper at Asheville West KOA noted, "I woke up constantly to semi trucks using their engine brakes."
  • Amenities for RVs: Look for campgrounds with good facilities for RVs. At Mount Pisgah Campground, one visitor appreciated the "clean and modern restrooms."

Camping near Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but knowing what to expect can make your trip even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pisgah National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pisgah National Forest 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 Pisgah National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Pisgah National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.