Dispersed camping near Scaly Mountain, North Carolina puts campers in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 feet. The area's terrain features steep slopes and valleys with numerous small creeks forming natural boundaries between campsites. Most primitive camping locations get significantly cooler at night than daytime temperatures, with overnight lows often dropping 20-30 degrees even during summer months.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 0.5-3 miles one-way. At Glen Falls Backcountry Campground, campers can access multiple waterfall views along the same trail. "This is a well-traveled and also well cared for route and we saw many other hikers while we were there. However, most people do not make it all the way down to this site so you will most likely find a significant amount of privacy if you plan on camping here."
Creek swimming: access within 10 minutes of most sites. The Whiterock Gap Backcountry Campsite offers swimming holes during summer months. "The water source nearby is only about a 10-15 min walk," making it convenient for both water collection and cooling off in warmer weather.
Panoramic photography: sunrise/sunset views. At Albert Mountain Firetower, hikers can photograph expansive mountain vistas. "The site from the bottom is breathtaking, and you can see, well, forever. Heading up the tower (the very top is closed to visitors and mothballed), you get an almost full 360º panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Blue Valley Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the spacing between designated areas. "Beautiful, large, private sites. You couldn't see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek."
Natural sound barriers: Many campers note the acoustic benefits of creek-side camping. "We have camped at 3 sites at this campground and have loved all of them. We were very secluded and there was very little traffic on the dirt road. Love hearing all the wonderful sounds of nature and nothing else."
Fire ring availability: Most primitive sites in the Scaly Mountain area include established fire rings. "8 very well kept campsites. Almost all near a creek of some sort. Hiking trails near by. No facilities. Room for larger groups ~40 people max for the biggest site ~6 for the smallest."
What you should know
Overnight temperature fluctuations: Even summer nights require warm sleeping gear. "I went in July and it was cool in day and cold at night nice, secluded."
Access road challenges: Many sites require careful driving on unpaved roads. At Soggy Boot Campground, "the road is very bumpy, there's a stream near some of the spots, we looked for a fire ring where we stopped in the morning and didn't see one."
Navigation difficulties: Lack of cell service makes finding some sites challenging. "We came looking for this campsite past dark and after a half hour of driving on a gravel road we gave up searching and just parked on the side of the road for the night."
Stream crossings required: Some sites demand water crossings to access. "To get to the site you drive or walk through the river and end up in a large group site right by a small waterfall. If you have the place to yourself it is incredibly secluded and a wonderful spot."
Tips for camping with families
Search for large clearing sites: Families need extra space for multiple tents and play areas. Mountain Rest Mountain Top offers "great spot with room to turn around. Shaded and at trailhead of a trail down to creek and near a second trail to a waterfall. Had a few people during the day but evenings were totally quiet."
Plan for zero facilities: No restrooms or trash service means extra preparation. "Sites were tree-filled and nice. Picnic tables and fire rings were at each site and sites were pretty well spread out. Very much so a dispersed site."
Pack multiple layers: Temperature changes require versatile clothing options. "We went in July and it was cool in day and cold at night nice, secluded."
Pre-map your route: Downloading offline maps prevents navigation problems. "The directions get you to the general area fine. The campsites are hard to find in the dark - we ended up just stopping at the first clearing from a fork on the gravel road we saw to set up a tent."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions matter: Most dispersed sites around Scaly Mountain accommodate only smaller RVs or truck campers. "Very much so a dispersed site, I would be a bit concerned with larger rigs on the small road but small RVs or tents are great."
Road surface assessment: Check recent conditions before attempting access. At Falls Creek, "moderate clearance vehicle required, (or hike it). River is about .6 mile hike away and the road is not bad getting in. Basically 2 track forest road."
Consider parking and hiking: For larger rigs, park at trailheads and backpack to sites. "There is room for two vehicles and multiple tent spots. Very secluded and fairly level. Overall a great spot."
Turn-around space limitations: Research whether sites have adequate space to maneuver. "Great spot with room to turn around. Shaded and at trailhead of a trail down to creek and near a second trail to a waterfall."
