Dispersed camping near Purlear, North Carolina typically experiences a humid subtropical climate with average summer temperatures reaching 84°F and winter lows around 25°F. Elevation ranges from 1,200 to over 4,000 feet across the region, creating significant temperature variations between valley floors and mountain ridges. Most forest roads remain open year-round, though seasonal closures can occur after heavy snowfall events from December through February.
What to do
Creek exploration: Swimming holes are abundant throughout the Pisgah National Forest camping areas. At Steele Creek, campers can access multiple swimming spots: "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."
Wildlife viewing: Wild ponies can be spotted near some camping areas, particularly on hikes from the dispersed sites. As one camper at Scales Trailhead Basecamp notes: "Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!"
Stargazing: Clear nights provide exceptional visibility from ridge-top camping spots. A visitor to Whitetop described the experience: "Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze."
What campers like
Above-the-clouds experiences: Higher elevation sites sometimes rise above morning fog. At Whitetop Mountain, one camper reported: "The next morning was still foggy. As we're getting ready to head out for the day, all of a sudden the sun came out and we were ABOVE THE CLOUDS. It was absolutely stunning."
Community connections: Some dispersed camping areas foster a sense of community. A visitor at Scales Trailhead Basecamp shared: "Some of the other campers introduced themselves and were extremely friendly and helpful. Some had been camping there for 40yrs."
Site seclusion: Campers value the low-traffic nature of certain areas. A Steele Creek visitor noted: "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly in quality and can worsen after rainfall. An Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest camper advised: "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."
Arrival timing: Prime camping spots with views fill quickly on weekends. A visitor to Old NC 105 Dispersed observed: "I came in past lake cameron, got there Friday around 5. The best spots were already take, I got the last 'scenic' spot but it was beautiful."
Trash management: Pack-out policies are poorly followed at some sites. One camper noted: "3 stars because of the proximity of the campsites to the road, as well as many of the campsites needing to be picked up after the last campers (we checked out at least 10 other spots before deciding where we wanted to stay)."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Families should consider access to water features. At Upper Creek, a camper shared: "Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep."
Traffic awareness: Some campsites sit directly along forest roads with variable traffic. One camper at Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping reported: "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."
Security considerations: Proximity to other campers can provide peace of mind. One visitor observed: "Right next to the road, so first time campers would feel safe. The creek's sound is pleasant. No network at all."
Tips for RVers
Site dimensions: Most dispersed areas have limited spots suitable for RVs. A camper at Steele Creek noted: "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."
Clearance requirements: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. One camper advised: "The road up is...rocky. High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick."
Pull-off options: Smaller campervans can utilize roadside pull-offs. As one visitor at Old NC 105 noted: "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."
