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Dispersed Camping

Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

Pisgah National Forest Dispersed is a fantastic spot for those who crave a true wilderness experience. This area is perfect for tent camping, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without the distractions of modern amenities.

Visitors rave about the stunning scenery, with numerous trails and beautiful creeks that make for a picturesque backdrop. One camper shared, “Just the drive up the mountain is enough to take your breath away.” The area is known for its clean, cold water, making it a refreshing stop after a day of hiking or fishing.

While there are no designated sites, you’ll find several dispersed camping spots along the roads, giving you the freedom to choose your own slice of paradise. Many campers appreciate the solitude, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sounds of nature. As one reviewer put it, “The campsites are so spread out that the only noises you’ll hear are the numerous creeks that flow off the mountain.”

Located near Asheville, North Carolina, this area offers easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Pisgah National Forest. Just remember to pack out what you pack in—keeping this beautiful area clean is essential for everyone to enjoy.

Description

USDA Forest Service

The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here Recreation Maps Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps Directions to Frequently Requested Places NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area Blue Ridge Parkway South Blue Ridge Parkway North Pisgah Ranger District Cradle of Forestry Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route) The Biltmore House Mt. Mitchell Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility. Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

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Location

Pisgah National Forest Dispersed is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.76618904 N
82.36545018 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Pisgah National Forest Dispersed needs a permit.


Reviews

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4.5

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12 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 19, 2024

Stunning

It's beautiful up there although there's not many campsites. 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. The road is long but you'll see a bunch of cool waterfalls and at the end of the road there is a great hiking trail with a beautiful waterfall. The dirt road goes on for a long time but it's in good condition so keep driving and you'll find a spot. There's really only 4 viable spots on that road but man is it gorgeous. Go to ranger road and keep going up. Do not follow google maps it will take you to a private driveway where there's a sign saying "no camping, your app is wrong, turn around now".

Site2nd one
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by mike R., August 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by mike R., August 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by mike R., August 19, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2024

Love Big Ivy

Easy access to water. Not a lot of theft. People with aggressive dogs do come here and think it's okay to have them off a leash. But that's everywhere anymore. The area is beautiful and one of the better places I've stayed.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2023

Beautiful but impossible to find

We drove for what felt like forever at the Big Ivy Trailhead and only ever found one labeled campsite. We gave up and camped in an unofficial spot.

It was gorgeous! But there’s not much there and the drive is long.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2021

Beautiful

First solo overnight backpacking trip at CAT Gap Loop. Awesome

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Apr. 22, 2021

Multiple Dispersed Sites

Several dispersed camping sites where you can easily park a vehicle. There are several along Roses Creek road and along New Ginger Cake road.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Timothy , April 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Timothy , April 22, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2020

Nice Big Site

Weather was far from good so I quickly decided this site would work. It was pretty level, 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. This site had plenty of room however.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Frank  M., November 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Frank  M., November 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Frank  M., November 12, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2020

Greatest Place on Earth

Just the drive up the mountain is enough to take your breath away. My absolute favorite place to go camping and there are plenty of camping spots to go around! The campsites are so spread out that the only noises you’ll hear are the numerous creeks that flow off the mountain or a car driving up or down the gravel road. The fishing there is absolutely beautiful and the trout are pretty plentiful up there. I highly suggest this spot, just please pick up your trash after yourselves and for the love of god don’t go throwing beer cans and bottles down the hills from your campsites. I pulled 30 pounds of trash off the hillside of my campground the last time I was there. It’s sad indeed but the saddest part was the soda can I found that had been tore open by an animal. The can was lined with some poor animals blood. If an animal cuts its mouth on something like a dirty can and the cut gets infected, that animal will stop eating and slowly starve to death. Please please please pick up after yourselves!!!!!! No trash left behind!!! P.S....the adventure doesn’t start until you’re lost....

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2019

Primative

This area is beautiful. I am from the area, but I love to go up the hill and get away from everything.  If you get there early in the week, you should have the place to yourself.

Usually have to clean up a little from the slobs before. The water is clean and COLD.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Anita L., June 13, 2019
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Anita L., June 13, 2019
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Anita L., June 13, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2019

Pisgah is Big and Beautiful

So many trails at different levels of difficulty. Incredible sights and access points to all kinds of campsites. You can care camp or hike for a couple of days.

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2018

Irresistible!

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.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Randice L., July 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Randice L., July 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Pisgah National Forest Dispersed by Randice L., July 12, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2018

Free!

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Pisgah National Forest Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Pisgah National Forest Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Pisgah National Forest Dispersed have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Pisgah National Forest Dispersed does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Pisgah National Forest Dispersed?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.