Top Free Dispersed Camping in North Carolina

Looking for the best North Carolina dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your North Carolina camping excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites in North Carolina (66)

    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Uwharrie National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Uwharrie National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Uwharrie National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Uwharrie National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Uwharrie National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Uwharrie National Forest

    2. Uwharrie National Forest

    15 Reviews
    51 Photos
    128 Saves
    Troy, North Carolina

    There are approximately 51,000 acres of National Forest System lands in Montgomery, Randolph and Davidson Counties. The Uwharrie National Forest includes the Uwharrie Ranger District Office, located at 789 NC Highway 24/27 East, Troy, NC 27371. At the district office you can obtain information about the area, get brouchures, camping information, trail passes, and permits. You can also obtain a Senior pass, Disabled Pass. We also have USGS Topo maps for sale. Primitive dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Forest, except in those areas that are posted "No Camping". These sites can be found along most of Forest Service roads and trails. Please remember when using these sites to be careful with camp fires and carry out your trash and debris. Please leave your campsite in good clean condition so that others who follow you may also enjoy the Forest. The Uwharrie National Forest is part of the 2 million acres of public lands managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for public hunting, trapping and fishing, and are designated as Game Lands. In addition to the appropriate basic annual hunting license, a Game Lands Privilege license must be obtained to hunt on the Uwharrie National Forest. Information concerning seasons, bag limits, and special Game Lands Restrictions are found in the annual N.C. Inlands Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest, available where licenses are sold. 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 Uwharrie National Forest can be found here. You may enjoy this story on a QR guided trail in the national forest. OHV Trail Vendors. Shooting Range Vendors. Recreation Maps Uwharrie National Forest map Trail Strategy Documents, Presentations and Maps Badin Lake Area map Morris Mountain Area map North Eastern Portion map South Eastern Portion map Wood Run Area map Documents... Presentations... 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. Badin Lake OHV Trails close December 18th at 8:00 am OHV Trails will reopen April 1st in the morning OHV annual passes will be available from the Uwharrie Ranger District office or the Eldorado Outpost

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    3. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    29 Photos
    504 Saves
    Barnardsville, North Carolina

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    6. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    51 Photos
    577 Saves
    Croatan National Forest, North Carolina

    Dispersed camping sites available

    Dispersed campsites are primitive camping areas that don't have bathrooms or many of the other amenities you will find at developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is only allowed at designated areas.

    For site-specific information, call the local ranger station.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore
    Camper-submitted photo from South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    8. South Core Banks -- Beach Camping — Cape Lookout National Seashore

    8 Reviews
    37 Photos
    19 Saves
    Marshallberg, North Carolina

    Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20 mile long barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean beach, there are no camp sites. This area is reached only by ferry. Both tent camping and vehicle camping is allowed. Vehicles -- 4x4 highly recommended -- must be able to drive on the soft sand of the beach and the sand trail behind the dunes known as the "back road". There are no hard surfaces on the island. Practice Leave No Trace principles.

    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Victor Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA

    10. Butner lake WMA

    8 Reviews
    10 Photos
    159 Saves
    Stem, North Carolina

    Free camping from September 1 - February 28, and March 31 - May 14. Designated as Hunter Camping, accessible to all.

    Access Map: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Hunting/Game-Land-Maps/Piedmont/Butner-Falls-of-Neuse.pdf

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 66 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In North Carolina

194 Reviews of 66 North Carolina Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    August 19, 2024

    Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    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".

  • Camper-submitted photo from Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
    August 15, 2024

    Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

    10/10

    I actually cannot stop thinking about my weekend camp here. So beautiful and lots of places to camp. Not a hard hike in either. A lot of day hikers through out the day. Lots of flies bc of dog poop but it’s worth it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Steele Creek
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    July 14, 2024

    Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    July 3, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Good location

    Another review recommended an off-road vehicle or a jeep to get here. In dry conditions, I got here just fine in an Outback Wilderness, and 5 minutes later a Prius drove up. There’s a bit of trash but I’ve seen worse. Definitely bring bug repellent. The creek is only a few feet away from the campsite.

  • Camper-submitted photo from 475b
    June 2, 2024

    475b

    Isolated spot for car camping or tent camping

    Road is a little rough but not terrible. 3-4 spots to park around this hairpin with 3 camping spots lotuses in the middle. Little runoff creates a creek that is nice to listen to but only deep enough to get feet in.

  • Camper-submitted photo from 475b
    May 23, 2024

    475b

    Several walk up sites with easy access

    This is a great first-come-first-serve location with several sites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite
    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
    May 17, 2024

    Panther Top Dispersed Site

    Amazing spot with GREAT views

    I had 3 bars of AT&T which worked well. The view from the shore was amazing and in my opinion comparable to some spots in Hawaii. It was nice and quiet, chilly at night, and not too far from murphy. We also hiked up to a nearby fire tower and it was a fun little hike. 10/10 will be returning.

    (I just got a new drone and I made a fun little video of the campsite and the hike we did.)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mills River Dispersed
    April 20, 2024

    Mills River Dispersed

    Theft

    They have a long term camper they refuse to run off and he will steal from you. Camp at your own risk, watch your stuff like a hawk. I'd really recommend Sunburst or Big Ivy instead of North Mills really.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
    April 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Steele Creek
    April 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 !

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
    April 1, 2024

    Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

    Great overnight stay near Blue Ridge Parkway

    Although this is not an official camp site, I arrived later than intended and with no other campsites open, I stayed the night here. There’s a stream that runs along the clearing, making some great natural white noise for sleeping. The forest road is very bumpy and narrow, but high clearance is not needed. Very low light pollution and the bare trees allowed for some great star gazing.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    April 1, 2024

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great site!

    This was such a nice quiet campground. We arrived around 8am and got the first campsite we saw. This is the most established dispersed campsite that I’ve stayed at as it has a fire circle, a grill and a picnic table. It’s very quiet and very few cars passed. There’s a walking/hiking trail across the lake where we saw some hikers and some people on horseback. The site was very clean minus a few pieces of trash that we later picked up. The dogs loved it because our site was right on the lake. We drove down the gravel road to check out the other campsites and they all seem great if you’re tent camping! We car camped and our campsite was perfect because it had a parking space right in front of it whereas the other sites had parking spaces across the road. Overall a great place. I can’t wait to go back!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    April 1, 2024

    Butner lake WMA

    terrific spot to pull up for a night

    first time doing any type of dispersed camping but it was really easy to find, just off the road in the woods, just follow the coordinates and its a lil past, look for the signs, with lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods, though you can still see the headlights coming from the road.

    I'm not a hunter but no one else was there and I pulled up at 10pm and left 6am on the first day of open season.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FS 289 Pull Off
    March 20, 2024

    FS 289 Pull Off

    Great dispersed site in the Pisgah NF

    Great Campsite along the Smoky Mountain 1000 Overland route. You need a good off road capable vehicle to access this site but it is very peaceful with a nice stream running by. Tent camping near the jeep or a high clearance overland teardrop should make it back here ok but not recommended for regular RV's.



Guide to North Carolina

Camping in North Carolina offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, diverse campgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

What campers like

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One reviewer at Hagan-Stone Park mentioned, “Very nice playgrounds. Does cost and long waiting line at pool, but one of the best to just get away and relax.”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Holly Point noted, “We were a short walk to the lake to fish and hang out near the water.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A family camping at Morrow Mountain State Park found it convenient, saying, “The sites are not too close together. Lots of hiking nearby.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Crosswinds Campground mentioned, “Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station.”
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Plan your trips to the dump station to avoid long waits. A visitor at Moccasin Branch said, “The RV campground is well spaced and has full hookup.”
  • Stay Connected: Some areas may have limited cell service. A reviewer at Rolling View noted, “Cell/Internet coverage is non-existent, unless you can get to a high Vista lookout.”

Camping in North Carolina has its quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic time exploring the great outdoors!