Best Dispersed Camping near Weaverville, NC

Pisgah National Forest provides several dispersed camping options near Weaverville, North Carolina. Most sites are primitive with no facilities—no toilets, drinking water, or trash service. Free camping areas include Victor Road Dispersed, Wash Creek Dispersed sites, and various roadside pull-offs throughout the forest. These sites typically feature established fire rings and accommodate both tent and some small RV camping.

Access to many sites requires navigating gravel forest roads that can be challenging after rainfall. High clearance vehicles are recommended for several areas, especially Henderson Reservoir and deeper forest locations. Campers should be prepared for complete self-sufficiency, as cell service is nonexistent at most sites. "No service while staying there," noted one camper about the Wash Creek area. Sites along streams are particularly popular, though visitors should note recent reviews mentioning theft concerns. One camper warned, "Camp at your own risk, watch your stuff like a hawk." Some areas have experienced closures due to flood damage, particularly following Hurricane Helene in 2024.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Weaverville, North Carolina (35)

    1. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Barnardsville, NC
    11 miles

    "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."

    "There is free camping all through out these woods & plenty of water access. Trails out the wazoo! Our doggies love the trails & there are quite a few family friendly paths."

    2. Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    5 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    19 miles

    "First the sight is beautiful and most have a beautiful trout stream close by when navigating if using Apple Maps pay attention to where it is routing you mine wanted me to walk through the woods for an"

    "Was a pretty nice camp site compared to a lot you just have to be aware of the people around you."

    3. Victor Road Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Little Switzerland, NC
    23 miles

    "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."

    4. Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "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."

    5. Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1

    2 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    6. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "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!"

    "Absolutely beautiful area and one of my new favorite wilderness areas on the east side of the country."

    7. Mills River Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "*this is just for the free campsites- there appears to be paid campsites and maybe RV hook ups very close by."

    8. Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2

    1 Review
    Mills River, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    9. Crabtree Creek on Victor Road

    1 Review
    Little Switzerland, NC
    22 miles

    10. Sam's Gap Overlook

    1 Review
    Flag Pond, TN
    19 miles
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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Weaverville, NC

116 Reviews of 35 Weaverville Campgrounds


  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Free Camping but Lots of Foot Traffic

    There are two great things about this campsite. It’s free, and it is close to great views of the mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located off of Highway 215, you do hear road noise, but that is not too much of a problem. During the day, you get a lot of day use hikers since the largest campsite is right beside the trail. There is a large flat area to set your tent if you are lucky enough to be the first one there, and there is a fire pit. Beyond that, there are no facilities. You can hear the sounds of water all night long from Flat Laurel Creek. The last time I was in that area, I tried to cross Flat Laurel Creek over slippery rocks against my better judgment, and the weather was in the upper 30s. I fell, got soaked, and nearly froze to death. This time, it was summer and I learned to cross in my bare feet despite the fact that the rocks were dry this time. The trail eventually takes you to Sam’s Knob, which offers beautiful views, and there is lots of scenery along the way. This campsite is fairly high in elevation, so it gets cool at night. Don’t make the mistake of taking a summer sleeping bag. You could, but you take a chance of being cold even during the peak of summer. This is not a good place for RVs or travel trailers. It is mainly for tent camping even though you do not have to hike in. Just make sure to take water or a water filter. Overall, I recommend this campsite if you are going to hike somewhere else during the day. However, you will not get solitude of any kind here because of all the day hikers.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 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.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2020

    Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Camping with Great Views Close

    Although you can camp just about anywhere in Pisgah National Forest, there are specific sites near the trailhead to Sam Knob. This area is known as Black Balsam. There are no RV sites, and you have to hike about a hundred yards or less to the sites, unless you camp on the bald. The sites had lots of roots, so it was difficult to find a level site without roots all over the area. With that said, it is a good place to camp, and it is just a short walk to the pit toilet, which is also at the trailhead. There are fire pits, but there are no lantern hangers or tent pads. Expect to hear lots of cars and people during the busy months about 200 feet away. Because of that, a better place to stay is at the top of Sam Knob, which you can do. That was a better choice for me since I try to stay away from crowds as much as I can. However, you cannot clear or make a new spot; you have to“find” a spot in which you do not disturb the area. You will need a freestanding tent since you will probably be pitching it on solid rock. 

    The biggest problem with staying on the knob is the weather. Unfortunately, it poured rain and was windy when I was there. I expected it to be windy, but mixed with the rain, it made it unpleasant. Sam Knob is a heather bald, so that gives you a little privacy. However, expect a hikers to end up there since it is a hiking destination and the views are great. 

    Overall, it is a good place to camp, but there will be people close by no matter where you pitch your tent, whether it is a hundred yards from the parking lot or up on top of Sam Knob.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great camping spot

    First the sight is beautiful and most have a beautiful trout stream close by when navigating if using Apple Maps pay attention to where it is routing you mine wanted me to walk through the woods for an hour to get here it’s easier to find if you navigate to north mill’s campground first second there are signs about being a high crime area and they are not kidding while I was out picking up a few things at ingles someone came by and took my tent and sleeping bag that was inside I wouldn’t leave anything valuable to mark it as your sight and I have T mobile and I lost service about 10 mins from the campground and had no signal while staying there

  • Alyssa E.
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, safe, peaceful, and fast cell service!

    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! The dirt road must've been regraded in the past year as it is easily drivable. I stayed in several sites further up the road and they're all good options! There is traffic, but not much. I have 5G service on both Verizon and Sprint/Tmobile (Verizon has a better signal). Lake James State Park has water at the picnic shelters. The water pump at the Catawba River entrance allows you to connect a hose to it while the Paddy Creek is better for using containers. I'm not confident it's potable water though there's no sign saying it's not. I was using jugs at Paddy Creek and noticed tiny things in the water. Went to Catawba and didn't find anything in the water, but filtered it to be safe.

  • Julie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Good Times at the Gorge!

    These are pretty decent sites. You just pull off the road, set up and enjoy the camping experience. 
    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. I would recommend it. The payoff of the views is highly worth any trail difficulties. 
    This was a really clean, well respected area. I liked to see that most other campers were clearly doing their part to Leave no Trace.

  • K
    May. 15, 2021

    Victor Road Dispersed

    On the fly

    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. The first two spots were taken so we drove to the end where it seperated to private drives. There was a fire pit and a trail that we didn't explore. Our 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee didn't take up much space. There was plenty of space for a wider vehicle or multiple. There's literally no amenities which was no issue for us since we had what we needed, no cell service(Verizon) but no issues for us. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, other than the stream near by. Other than a deer that left its tracks nearby, nothing bothered us. --Visited May 9th-10th--

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 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.

  • Tony F.
    Aug. 7, 2020

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Very nice, great location

    Really isn't much to this campsite. Right off the road, the short couple yards dirt road entrance to the campsite had a couple big pot holes that requires accurate driving around, but the campsite had at least three spots for seclusion for both tent camping and car camping, which I did. Also, there's a little trail to a waterfall after you go down the old logging road and follow the path across the creek. Very short, very easy about 0.5 mile or less from the creek. Also, very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it a great spot.


Guide to Weaverville

Dispersed camping options near Weaverville, North Carolina extend throughout the Pisgah National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 feet. The forest encompasses over 500,000 acres with numerous unmarked pull-offs along forest service roads. Weather conditions vary significantly with season, with summer temperatures averaging 10-15°F cooler than surrounding lowland areas and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September.

What to do

Creek fishing opportunities: At Victor Road Dispersed, campers can access several small streams ideal for trout fishing. "There was a fire pit and a trail that we didn't explore. There's literally no amenities which was no issue for us since we had what we needed, no cell service(Verizon) but no issues for us. We enjoyed the peace and quiet, other than the stream near by," reports one visitor.

Waterfall hikes: Within 5-10 miles of most Weaverville area dispersed sites, several waterfall trails offer moderate day hikes. "We were able to hike into Catawba Falls!" noted one reviewer about their stay at Pisgah National Forest. Many waterfall trails involve creek crossings and can be slippery after rainfall.

Mountain biking trails: The Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off provides direct access to mountain biking routes. A camper mentioned, "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." Morning riders frequently pass through the area, making early starts possible.

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Despite being free camping areas near Weaverville, North Carolina, many sites offer separation from neighbors. "The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance," notes one camper at Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping. "Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods."

Stream sounds: Nearly all dispersed sites feature proximity to flowing water, which creates natural sound barriers. "We enjoyed the night/day with our kids! Sites are kind of small but absolutely beautiful surroundings. Zero signal, but can drive to the top of the road and you should get a bar to make a call," shared a camper at Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5.

Accessibility without crowds: Many sites remain available even during peak seasons. "Free sites, first come first serve. Definitely some disrespectful neighbors but sites aren't closely packed. Get there early as possible as people can post up for a week there. Great launch pad for hiking and mountain biking," explains a Pisgah National Forest camper.

What you should know

Wildlife considerations: Bears are active throughout the forest. "Depending upon what time of year there is a lot of rain, lots of bears (I had my tent ripped open by a bear at least once/ possibly twice or vandals) and there is absolutely no service," cautions a camper at Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1.

Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate considerably after rainfall. "The dirt road to get there as well as the pull off for the campsite are rough and a bit dangerous for low/regular cars. It's doable but you should go very slow and watch out for giant holes and ridges. I bottomed out going into the parking space, and I lifted my Prius 1.5in," warns a Mills River Dispersed camper.

Navigational challenges: GPS directions often lead to incorrect locations. "Google maps incorrectly told me to take a right once I was on the dirt road that doesn't exist. Just ignore it and keep going forward," advises a Mills River camper. Many sites lack cell service, requiring advance route planning.

Tips for camping with families

Stream play areas: Children enjoy shallow creek access at many sites. "There is free camping all through out these woods & plenty of water access. Trails out the wazoo! Our doggies love the trails & there are quite a few family friendly paths," mentions a reviewer of Pisgah National Forest.

Fire safety: Established fire rings exist at most sites, but surrounding forest conditions can create hazards. "The site had a nice fire pit. It was very foggy all day with off and on rain. My mistake was not paying attention to where the runoff was. This morning I had a small stream running through my camp," cautions a Pisgah camper.

Noise considerations: Road noise varies significantly by location. "At night it's a bit more peaceful than during the day since there isn't any people parking to hike then. Even if people are camping near you the stream creates a nice sound barrier so you don't really hear them," notes a Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites visitor.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most sites accommodate vehicles under 24 feet. "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. We were able to fit our 30ft motorhome and car into the site with no problem," shares a visitor at Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2.

Turning radius challenges: Limited turnaround space exists at most sites. "Great place by Blue Ridge Pkwy. Not very far off Pkwy, we had no problem getting there with our Artic Fox truck camper and pulling a Jeep. Stayed next to a creek at the end," reports a Victor Road Dispersed camper.

Leveling requirements: Most sites require leveling blocks. "Nice find within a mile of the BRP. A narrow trail means privacy, be careful heading down to avoid the rocks in the way," advises a Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Weaverville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Weaverville, NC is Pisgah National Forest Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Weaverville, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 35 dispersed camping locations near Weaverville, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.