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Dispersed Camping

Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed is located in Pisgah National Forest, NC, featuring forested terrain with creeks and trails. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass Falls.

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Location

Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.303408 N
82.8223413 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • 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 Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed needs a permit.

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General Info


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Reviews

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4.5

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3 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2023

Very Dispersed

It was a great site, although there are only a few campsites on the road to it. We ended up driving to the top and someone already claimed it, so we had to go back down to a less convenient spot. The campsites are very secluded and quiet.

Siteunmarked
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed by Nolan S., July 20, 2023
  • Review photo of Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed by Nolan S., July 20, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2023

Gorgeous group camping area

Beautiful free group camping area with large parkinglot. All dirt roads back here. Beautiful waterfall (whaleback falls I think?) just a quick 15 minute walk across the river and up the trail (follow Daniel ridge trail loop from parking lot). Not much free fall action for nature bathers, though there is enough water flow to lean in and get all that grease out of your hair! Big boulders to climb on at the base of the falls.. be careful as wet rocks are slippery. Serene and gorgeous forest all around you.

Zero phone connection whatsoever (T Mobile 5g / LTE). Greater earth love connection a thousandfold. Highly recommend.

<3

SiteFree camping Cove Creek
Month of VisitJune
  • True Serenity
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Reviewed Jul. 1, 2023

Roadish side/semi primitive

I love Pigah. It doesn't seem to matter what season! With that said:

  • remote- you have to want to get up here but it's really easy to do once you drive it a few times.

*clearly marked spots. I am actually located at ucc-2. ** The Dead End spot.

*Creek is located very close nearby. But not on the clear spots for tents.

*Not for big rigs, RVs, etc. It's a tent or as I use the tree tent.

SiteUCC2
Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed near Asheville and Upper Cove Creek?

Upper Cove Creek (UCC1) Dispersed is located in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville. It offers free dispersed camping with clearly marked spots. There are several designated areas along the road, including UCC-2 (the Dead End spot). The area features dirt roads that are remote but accessible once you've driven them a few times. Sites are secluded and quiet, providing a true forest experience away from crowds. If the top sites are taken, alternative spots can be found along the road leading up to the area.

When is the best time to visit Upper Cove Creek for camping?

Upper Cove Creek in Pisgah National Forest offers enjoyable camping experiences across multiple seasons. The area maintains its appeal year-round, though specific seasonal considerations may affect your experience. Summer provides full forest foliage and creek access, while fall offers spectacular color changes. Sites are limited in number and can fill quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. For the best experience, arrive early to secure the more desirable spots, particularly the top site which tends to be claimed first.

What amenities are available at Upper Cove Creek Campground?

Upper Cove Creek is a basic dispersed camping area with minimal amenities. There's a large parking lot for group camping, and the sites are clearly marked along dirt roads. A creek is located nearby, though not directly at all campsites. The area provides access to hiking trails, including a 15-minute walk to a waterfall (likely Whaleback Falls) via the Daniel Ridge Trail loop. Don't expect facilities like bathrooms, running water, or electrical hookups - come prepared for primitive camping.