Best Dispersed Camping near Wilkesboro, NC

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Wilkesboro

69 Reviews of 14 Wilkesboro Campgrounds

• 

  Mateo M.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 5, 2024

  Scales Trailhead Basecamp

  Fun, adventure, friendship

  My partner and I took our dog on a quick impromptu weekend trip, we drove about 2 hours. Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite. The campground was well kept, well placed, not to mention the next morning part of the crew that maintains the area helped us fix our flat. Some of the other campers introduced themselves and were extremely friendly and helpful. Some had been camping there for 40yrs. The fire pits are well built and there is plenty of kindling and tinder to find right off the trails. If you’re comping at night time and want a fire bring a starter log. This time of year the wood was a little damp as we arrived late. Other than that bring plenty of water there are creeks and running water around but no running water at the sites, if you’re a must have shower person bring a shower bag. The sights were magical and the salt lick for the ponies wasn’t far so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway with great sites, a little adventure and a whole lot of beauty this campground is for you. This will definitely become a frequent for my partner and I

• 

  Harley G.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 16, 2024

  Whitetop

  Absolutely stunning!

  Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.

• 

  Jay N.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 28, 2024

  Scales Trailhead Basecamp

  Isolated & wonderful!

  We've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.

  The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!

  Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.

• 

  Joseph F.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 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.

• 

  Drew P.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 5, 2024

  Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot

  Very Shaded

  Great place with lots of shade

• M

  Michael W.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 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.

• 

  Adam B.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 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.

• 

  Jon M.

  Scout

  

  May. 31, 2024

  Scales Trailhead Basecamp

  Serious off road capability needed

  The road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.

• B

  Brianna W.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Joe P.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 25, 2024

  Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

  peaceful

  very nice and beautiful camped right next to the upper creek. the state road was in good shape but steep narrow and lots of switch backs but well worth it

• 

  kylie B.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 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

• 

  kylie B.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 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 !

• 

  Kenny L.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 3, 2024

  Steele Creek

  Love this place

  Great camping spot with access to the creek for swimming

• 

  Glennie V.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 1, 2024

  Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

  Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

  First time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!

• 

  Samuel S.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 22, 2024

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Camping

  It was a lot of fun and beautiful scenery

• B

  Brian

  Guide

  

  Mar. 14, 2024

  Old NC 105 Dispersed

  2024 check in

  The past reviews are dead on for all aspects and road conditions.

• R

  Robin B.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 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.

• J

  Jordan B.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 28, 2023

  Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

  Incorrect listing, don’t come here!

  This listing is for the main office for the forest. There are no camping sites near here. The sites are all located in the area listed as Washington and Jefferson camps sites down to the south west on HWY58, about a 45 minute drive toward Damascus VA.

• D

  David P.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 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

• 

  Sara S.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 21, 2023

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

  Breath Taking views

  The road up to the campsites is pretty steep and bumpy. Wouldn't recommend a car but saw several go through. There are a handful of sites on either side of the road. Some have steep drop offs off the side of the mountain so be careful. A few group sized sites with misc trails to wonder. Very quiet and serene but only 30 minutes from town.

• 

  Sagar B.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 19, 2023

  Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

  Good safe spot

  Right next to the road, so first time campers would feel safe. The creek’s sound is pleasant. No network at all.

• 

  Michael W.

  Legend

  

  May. 23, 2023

  Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

  Not as depicted on DYRT

  Went to site Dyrt said on pro trip selection. Read reviews looked good. See photos I give. It is the headquarters bldg. Free sites are from Damascus up mtn to bear creek campground

• 

  Katie A.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 12, 2023

  Old NC 105 Dispersed

  Easy drive, great views

  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. Great cell service. Only downsides are good view sites right on the road, and hard to find level ground. Popular spot for vans.

• 

  Arthur D.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 21, 2023

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

  Good rest

  Very primitive but a great and free place to get some dark pea e and quiet

• J

  John R.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 20, 2023

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

  Easy

  It was very easy to get a spot but there weren’t great views and there is not much to do

• 

  Andy K.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 8, 2023

  Old NC 105 Dispersed

  Free camping with great views

  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. Some spots are very shaded deep into the trees while others afford superb views of the gorge and distant Lake James.

• 

  Andy K.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 2, 2023

  Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

  Fantastic views well worth the drive

  Found a great spot a few miles up the rutted road, with superb views over the gorge. Camped right at the side of the road.