K
Kristen M.
Scout
ScoutWhitetop
Great camping spot! Road isn’t horrible going up but there are some rougher areas toward the end of the road. Gorgeous sunset and sunrise spot! Fire rings seemed fairly abundant at the pull offs.
Dispersed Camping near Seven Devils, NC
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Dispersed camping sites cluster along national forest roads near Seven Devils, North Carolina, primarily within Pisgah National Forest. The area offers several free primitive camping opportunities, including Linville Gorge Wilderness, Upper Creek, and Steele Creek areas. These sites require no reservations and typically feature established fire rings with rustic, undeveloped surroundings. Most locations permit camping year-round on public land, though seasonal weather conditions may limit accessibility during winter months.
Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly in the Linville Gorge area where Kistler Memorial Highway (NC-128) features steep grades and rough terrain. While standard vehicles can reach many campsites, high-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially after rain. Several campers report washouts and rocky sections requiring slow travel. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out all waste.
Free dispersed campsites near Seven Devils vary considerably by location, with Steele Creek offering creek-side camping with swimming opportunities. Linville Gorge provides more secluded options with potential mountain views, while some sites along Old NC-105 provide easier access. Many sites feature proximity to hiking trails and natural features. One camper noted that Steele Creek is "by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest site" with "plenty of sites to pick from all along the creek." Another visitor described Upper Creek as having "numerous waterfalls to hike to, one of which is a short hike from the end of the road." Most sites fill quickly on weekends, particularly in summer and fall, with weekday visits offering better availability.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Seven Devils (22)
1. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
"We hiked down to the gorge and also enjoyed the dispersed camping available right along the riverside, which was pretty cool but... that hike back up is a DOOZY especially with a pack on."
"Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property."
2. Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
"Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road."
"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."
3. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
"There are so many sites tucked along this dirt road and some incredible views! I spent almost 14 days here and almost didn't want to leave!"
"It was a private site with the shade and some sunshine. There are a lot of sites with shade, some small some large. There are some sunny sites. A lot of the sites are very close to the road."
4. Steele Creek
"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."
"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 !"
5. Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry
"Beautiful 6000’ bald off the AT and along the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee, plenty of places to pitch a tent. Firewood is scarce so bring a lantern and cook stove."
"The Appalachian Trail is frequently referred to as The Green Tunnel because of the amazing wormhole effect of trees, rhododendron and other vegetation that shroud your views. But not here!"
6. Old NC 105 Dispersed
"Old NC 105 is a dirt road which goes on for miles with views both sides. Camping spots are available all along the road some with better views than others."
"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."
7. National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite
"Know that there is no signal when you are out there."
"This was a great stay at a large site, near a creek with fire pit. My Starlink worked great! Road coming in is winding and you have to cross a submerged bridge."
8. Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area
"Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains"
9. Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot
"Totally need 4WD with high clearance."
"I made it up safely. Yes there were sketchy spots, but if you have a high clearance off road camper with independent suspension and enough truck.. you’re good to go."
10. Victor Road Dispersed
"My husband and I took a road trip and needed to find a spot to car camp last minute in the area. The narrow road to go up/down is alittle sketchy but we made it."
"Nearly right at mile marker 342 Long gravel road, couple/few camping spots along the way, mostly on the left."
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 17 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 35 min from Asheville, NC
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Seven Devils, NC
87 Photos of 22 Seven Devils Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NCR
Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry
Steele Creek
National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed CampsiteB
Old NC 105 DispersedJ
Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area
Clifford Island
Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Unaka Mountain OverlookT
Beauty Spot Gap on Unaka Mountain
Victor Road DispersedC
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Seven Devils, NC
116 Reviews of 22 Seven Devils Campgrounds
Jacob A.
TravelerWhitetop
The road was very bumpy but I got up on my 2WD Honda Odyssey. A couple people came during the day to take photos, but the night was peaceful. A couple campsites on the drive up, less secluded though. View was gorgeous and the sunset was amazing. Amazing spot for stargazing.
Juliana J.
RangerWashington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
Epic Spot Near Iron Mountain and Rush Trails
I wandered a bit and took a left up a gravel road near where the sites indicated were located and just drove for a few miles. Found an awesome spot with a fire pit and lush surroundings. The road was unpaved (but as are all to the best spots) and there were definitely some large rocks and potholes to navigate. Would suggest higher raised vehicle. Saw nobody else and felt like I had my own slice of paradise.
Zakiah H.TravelerWhitetop
Breathtaking VIEWS!!
This spot is amazing! You can not beat these views. Drive in was a little ruff in some spots but any car or rig can make it up here. You feel on top of the world. The kinda place you could stay for a few days!
- MMatt P.
GuideOld North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot
Made it up with 22ft offroad travel trailer
After much research I could not find anything about brining a travel trailer up Old NC 105. Everything told me not to. I detached my truck at the bottom and drove to the top. And found it was doable…. If you have the right setup.
I have an ember overland 190msl and a Ram 2500 diesel. I made it up safely. Yes there were sketchy spots, but if you have a high clearance off road camper with independent suspension and enough truck.. you’re good to go. I did have to air down quite a bit (25psi) on the camper (30psi) on truck due to steep inclines with large rock step ups.
But it is doable with the right setup.
Cliff M.TravelerOld NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Beautiful
Pulled up with 20 ft camper behind a xterra. No problems, beautiful view.
Anna M.ScoutOld NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
great spot
got lucky and found a great spot right across the road from beautiful viewpoint. road was busier during the day but calmed down at night. enjoyed our visit
- SSherry S.Traveler
Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
Very nice!
I camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.
Justin A.ScoutOld NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
Amazing View
This place has an amazing view there's one more campsite earlier up on the road it has an even better view but this is still an 8 out of 10, it's perfect for a hammock setup it might be a little bit harder if you're trying to put a tent up in here. Clean site.
Guide to Seven Devils
Primitive camping near Seven Devils, North Carolina offers undeveloped backcountry sites across several forest service roads within Pisgah National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 2,500-5,000 feet, creating variable weather conditions throughout the year. Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings and can accommodate small groups, with seasonal closures possible during winter storms.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: Upper Creek area provides access to multiple cascades within hiking distance from campsites. "There are numerous waterfalls to hike to, one of which is a short hike from the end of the road" according to visitors at Upper Creek.
Creek swimming: Several campgrounds offer natural swimming holes during warmer months. At Steele Creek, one camper noted "the creek is a great spot to swim" with "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."
Mountain views: Primitive sites along Old NC 105 provide panoramic vistas. A camper at Old NC 105 Dispersed described "superb views of the gorge and distant Lake James" with campsites available "all along the road some with better views than others."
What campers like
Secluded creek locations: The forest roads along waterways provide peaceful spots away from crowds. One camper described Steele Creek as "by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest site" with sites "all of which appear to be well maintained, each with a fire ring."
Wide selection of sites: Multiple pull-offs along forest roads mean options for different camping styles. A visitor to Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping noted: "There are campsites located all along the road. Once you find one that you like, pull over and set up camp for the night. Campsites are marked by a firepit."
Accessibility: Despite being remote, many sites can be reached with standard vehicles. As one camper at Linville Gorge Wilderness noted, "It's a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester. I camped here in December 2020 and didn't see anyone else."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads require careful driving, especially after rain. A camper at National Forest Road/Steele Creek stated "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."
Seasonal crowding: Weekends from late spring through fall fill quickly. One visitor to Old NC 105 observed: "We drove up on a Saturday and it wasn't too crowded, definitely people around but plenty of open campsites."
Campsite cleanliness: Some visitors report trash issues at popular sites. A camper mentioned that they "checked out at least 10 other spots before deciding where we wanted to stay" due to previous campers not cleaning up.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes: Natural water features provide entertainment for children. One visitor to Steele Creek described how the area has "a couple small waterfalls to add to the ambience" near swimming areas.
Vehicle-accessible sites: Choose locations where you can park close to your tent for easier gear management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Seven Devils, NC?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Seven Devils, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Seven Devils, NC is Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Seven Devils, NC?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Seven Devils, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Seven Devils, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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