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.

Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

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. 

Nice Big Site

This is such an amazing area!! We were able to hike into Catawba Falls!

Amazing Area!

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

Irresistible!

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.

Primative 

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

Multiple Dispersed Sites

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". 