Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free and hike-in only, this dispersed site sits at the top of a small peak within Nantahala National Forest, reached via a clearly marked spur off the Whiterock Mountain Trail. The final climb is short but slippery. The site holds one or two tents and has several established fire rings. There is no water at the top, though a small creek slightly off the trail provides a filterable source before the ascent. The Whiterock Mountain Trail is part of the Bartram Trail, a long-distance route running from the Georgia border north through Franklin to Cheoah Bald, and detailed campsite and water maps are available through the NC Bartram Trail website. Campers interested in dispersed camping near Nantahala National Forest will find additional options along the Bartram corridor, including Whiterock Gap Backcountry Campsite roughly a mile to the east.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsWhiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite is located in North Carolina near Otto

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

35.0857405 N
83.305099 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • 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 Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews1 Camper Review - Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed May. 1, 2021

WOW! Amazing Views

This site is located at the top of a small peak a short way off of the main Whiterock Mountain Trail. The split is clearly marked and will take you up a short (slippery) climb to this incredible overlook. The campsite itself is large enough for 1 or 2 tents and has several nice established fire pits. Although there isn't a water source up top you will pass a small creek slightly off the trail that provides a good place to pump water before heading up to the peak. This section of trail is part of the Bartram trail which is a wonderful through hike starting at the border with Georgia and traveling all the way up through Franklin and ending at Cheoah Bald and Stecoah Gap.  You can find detailed maps of the entire route on the NC Bartram Trail website where they mark out all the campsites and water options. Definitely check out my other reviews though since some of the marked sites are better than others. Overall, this specific site is well worth the short off-route trek. Make sure to watch both of my video reviews since I got a little confused thinking I had found the site but then realized I was wrong....

  • Review photo of Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite by Asher K., May 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite by Asher K., May 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite by Asher K., May 1, 2021
  • (21) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite?

Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite is located at 4508 feet.

Are fires allowed at Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is good coverage for AT&T, good coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.