Best Dispersed Camping near Central, SC

Dispersed camping opportunities near Central, South Carolina include several primitive sites in the surrounding national forest lands. Mountain Rest Mountain Top offers free camping with established fire rings and access to hiking trails. According to reviews, this site provides "dead silent and relaxing" evenings with excellent stargazing opportunities, though the access road requires careful navigation. Blackwell Bridge and King Creek sites feature streamside camping with the soothing sounds of flowing water throughout the night.

These primitive sites require complete self-sufficiency. No drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities exist at any of the dispersed sites. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire rings are available at most sites, but visitors should check current fire restrictions before their trip. Several campers noted cell service is nonexistent in these areas, making offline maps essential. As one visitor reported, "Be prepared to completely disconnect from civilization since you can't even make calls here."

Vehicle access varies significantly between sites. Mountain Rest Mountain Top requires higher clearance vehicles, with reviewers recommending 4x4 capability though standard pickups can navigate carefully. Blackwell Bridge access is described as "rough" with "moderate clearance vehicles required." The roads to these sites frequently feature potholes, uneven surfaces, and occasional mud, especially after rainfall. During wet conditions, some sites become significantly less hospitable, with one camper noting the ground becomes "soggy" and building campfires becomes challenging. For the most reliable experience, plan visits during dry weather periods and arrive during daylight hours to properly assess site conditions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Central, South Carolina (35)

    1. Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    3 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-5353

    "We arrived pretty late, close to midnight after hitting a lot of traffic traveling from Fl."

    "Great spot with room to turn around. Shaded and at trailhead of a trail down to creek and near a second trail to a waterfall. Had a few people during the day but evenings were totally quiet."

    2. Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-9568

    "Access is rough, (moderate clearance vehicles required). Also, as courtesy - cruise the bridge and see if people are down there first, (both sides).

    Sweet backcountry spot!"

    3. Blackwell Bridge

    2 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-9568

    "Couple things to know you don't need 4wd to get to the campsite. I do want to say though that the road down to the spot is a little wonky so be prepare for bumpy road."

    4. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    32 miles
    Website

    "Location is actually about 1.5. Miles further than shown on map. Just keep going. Stayed for a week. About 7 campsites with fire rings. Great trails and people camping near were respectful."

    "Almost all near a creek of some sort. Hiking trails near by. No facilities. Room for larger groups ~40 people max for the biggest site ~6 for the smallest"

    5. Sandy Beach Campsite

    1 Review
    Tamassee, SC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 476-9700

    "Right next to the Chattooga river. You're on the beach."

    6. Falls Creek

    2 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-9568

    "Decent site(s) near chatooga river. Moderate clearance vehicle required, (or hike it)."

    7. King Creek

    1 Review
    Highlands, SC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 336-3248

    8. Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    42 miles
    Website

    "Right off the road, the short couple yards dirt road entrance to the campsite had a couple big pot holes that requires accurate driving around, but the campsite had at least three spots for seclusion for"

    "Good place for me to overnight, there are no facilities, the entrance is a bit hidden google maps will get you very close look for the small tent sign on your right when headed away from the parkway my"

    9. Glen Falls Backcountry Campground

    1 Review
    Highlands, NC
    33 miles
    Website

    "The backcountry site is located near the far trailhead at Glen Falls located at the end of a forestry road."

    10. Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "Perfect for tent camping right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Campsites are next to the road under the pine trees or you can camp on top of the mountain."

    "You MUST camp outside of 1000ft from road. You WILL get investigated by park Rangers, which stepped up enforcement of this stupid, pointless law around 2 years ago."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Central, SC

66 Reviews of 35 Central Campgrounds


  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Free Camping but Lots of Foot Traffic

    There are two great things about this campsite. It’s free, and it is close to great views of the mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located off of Highway 215, you do hear road noise, but that is not too much of a problem. During the day, you get a lot of day use hikers since the largest campsite is right beside the trail. There is a large flat area to set your tent if you are lucky enough to be the first one there, and there is a fire pit. Beyond that, there are no facilities. You can hear the sounds of water all night long from Flat Laurel Creek. The last time I was in that area, I tried to cross Flat Laurel Creek over slippery rocks against my better judgment, and the weather was in the upper 30s. I fell, got soaked, and nearly froze to death. This time, it was summer and I learned to cross in my bare feet despite the fact that the rocks were dry this time. The trail eventually takes you to Sam’s Knob, which offers beautiful views, and there is lots of scenery along the way. This campsite is fairly high in elevation, so it gets cool at night. Don’t make the mistake of taking a summer sleeping bag. You could, but you take a chance of being cold even during the peak of summer. This is not a good place for RVs or travel trailers. It is mainly for tent camping even though you do not have to hike in. Just make sure to take water or a water filter. Overall, I recommend this campsite if you are going to hike somewhere else during the day. However, you will not get solitude of any kind here because of all the day hikers.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2020

    Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed Camping with Great Views Close

    Although you can camp just about anywhere in Pisgah National Forest, there are specific sites near the trailhead to Sam Knob. This area is known as Black Balsam. There are no RV sites, and you have to hike about a hundred yards or less to the sites, unless you camp on the bald. The sites had lots of roots, so it was difficult to find a level site without roots all over the area. With that said, it is a good place to camp, and it is just a short walk to the pit toilet, which is also at the trailhead. There are fire pits, but there are no lantern hangers or tent pads. Expect to hear lots of cars and people during the busy months about 200 feet away. Because of that, a better place to stay is at the top of Sam Knob, which you can do. That was a better choice for me since I try to stay away from crowds as much as I can. However, you cannot clear or make a new spot; you have to“find” a spot in which you do not disturb the area. You will need a freestanding tent since you will probably be pitching it on solid rock. 

    The biggest problem with staying on the knob is the weather. Unfortunately, it poured rain and was windy when I was there. I expected it to be windy, but mixed with the rain, it made it unpleasant. Sam Knob is a heather bald, so that gives you a little privacy. However, expect a hikers to end up there since it is a hiking destination and the views are great. 

    Overall, it is a good place to camp, but there will be people close by no matter where you pitch your tent, whether it is a hundred yards from the parking lot or up on top of Sam Knob.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great camping spot

    First the sight is beautiful and most have a beautiful trout stream close by when navigating if using Apple Maps pay attention to where it is routing you mine wanted me to walk through the woods for an hour to get here it’s easier to find if you navigate to north mill’s campground first second there are signs about being a high crime area and they are not kidding while I was out picking up a few things at ingles someone came by and took my tent and sleeping bag that was inside I wouldn’t leave anything valuable to mark it as your sight and I have T mobile and I lost service about 10 mins from the campground and had no signal while staying there

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Glen Falls Backcountry Campground

    Ranger Review: Red Ledge Free Rein Jacket at Glen Falls Backcountry

    Campground Review:

    There are two ways to access this campsite and one definitely requires significantly more sweat (that’s the route we took). The backcountry site is located near the far trailhead at Glen Falls located at the end of a forestry road. We hiked in from the trailhead that most people use to access the falls and continued down the trail past the typical turnaround point until you reach the bottom of the valley. The site is on the nicer side for a backcountry campground as it is level and has multiple areas for tents along with a large fire pit surrounded by logs for sitting on. The main advantage of this site over others in the area is that it is located on the inside of a curve in the river so the creek surrounds almost the entire site giving easy access to water and a relaxing sound to help you sleep at night. The hike down from the upper trailhead is relatively steep and involves going down many (many) stairs but is well worth it for the views of Glen Falls. This is a well-traveled and also well cared for route and we saw many other hikers while we were there. However, most people do not make it all the way down to this site so you will most likely find a significant amount of privacy if you plan on camping here. Since it is National Forest you will have no issues with camping just make sure to follow leave no trace practice and keep your fire under control. I would also highly recommend a dip in the cool waters to help with the heat during the middle of the summer. Overall, this is a beautiful secluded campsite very close to Highlands that provides both tranquility and also some strenuous hiking.

    ...........................

    ****Product Review:** **

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products while out adventuring. At this campground, I stayed dry using the Red Ledge Free Rein Jacket. After multiple rainy hikes and wet campground days some of my favorite features are:

    1. Dryness (obviously): Although it is the main purpose of a raincoat I still want to mention that this design is highly effective at keeping you dry. Not only is the material incredibly water-resistant and all seams are well sealed but it also has a dual closure system in the front to keep every last drop of water away from your body. I also know that this effectiveness will last since my wife has been using a Red Ledge raincoat for many years and only recently did it need a fresh waterproofing treatment. The small touches like a multi-cinching hood and velcro wrist straps make this an incredibly effective raincoat.
    2. Breathability: Where I am hiking in the south breathability is just as important as waterproofing since the heat will often cause you to become wetter from sweat than anything the rain can do. I found that this raincoat although still being hot was significantly more breathable than others I have used with the same rain protection. It has huge armpit zipper openings and several large mesh pockets that can be opened to increase airflow. The only negative I found was that the sizes for men run slightly smaller than usual so the tightness decreased airflow. However, this can be easily solved by getting a size larger than your usual. 
    3. Color Options: One of the things that often frustrates me about men's hiking clothing and gear is that the colors are typically boring and flat. They stick to dull greens and blues or grays and blacks. But not these raincoats! They come in bright reds and greens and many other color options to fit your individual personality. This was a big plus for me and is important if you want to be seen while hiking in areas that allow hunting or don't want to get lost from your hiking partner in a torrential downpour. 

    Overall, for the very reasonable price of these raincoats, they are incredibly effective and comfortable and I would highly recommend seriously considering them for your next raincoat purchase.

  • Tony F.
    Aug. 7, 2020

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Very nice, great location

    Really isn't much to this campsite. Right off the road, the short couple yards dirt road entrance to the campsite had a couple big pot holes that requires accurate driving around, but the campsite had at least three spots for seclusion for both tent camping and car camping, which I did. Also, there's a little trail to a waterfall after you go down the old logging road and follow the path across the creek. Very short, very easy about 0.5 mile or less from the creek. Also, very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it a great spot.

  • Kevin S.
    Jun. 4, 2021

    Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    Great overnighter

    Good place for me to overnight, there are no facilities, the entrance is a bit hidden google maps will get you very close look for the small tent sign on your right when headed away from the parkway my nv200 did not have a problem navigating but watch the potholes

  • Sara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great but lower your expectations

    We arrived pretty late, close to midnight after hitting a lot of traffic traveling from Fl. The coordinates took us directly here, and upon first arriving we did see a campsite to the left which was being used. Continuing on for about another twenty minutes down a one-way gravel road we did not see anymore sites until the end of the road which has a beautiful sunrise view. There are hundreds of downed trees, I am assuming from Hurricane Helene. Which were chopped up, perfect for a firering.

    We went almost to the end of the road before turning around and just pulling over onto a little 'shoulder' to set up the tent for the night.

    Pros- Dead silent and relaxing Great view of the stars during early spring/late winter

    Cons- Not car accessible (road is narrow and very bumpy. 4x4 recommended but I made it down in a 2x4 fullsize pickup) Have not seen nor heard any creek despite one being in the photos.

    Definitely would come back

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2019

    Sunburst Dispersed Camping

    Primitive, Dispersed Camping in a National Forest with No Modern Amenities

    When you want to camp away from the crowds and do not mind being without running water, electricity, toilets, showers, or any other amenities that you find at developed campgrounds, this one is for you ... maybe. I say maybe because when I stayed there, I heard and saw pickup trucks until the wee hours of the morning. Since the campsites are along a dirt road in a national forest, miles away from civilization, it can be intimidating if not scary at times. I camped by myself and felt isolated (which is a good thing), and the scenery is great. You will be beside a rushing creek, and the sound of the creek is relaxing. If you want a little more security, you can camp a tenth of a mile away at Sunburst Campground, which is a developed national forest campground. The pros of these campsites are that they are peaceful (most times), they are in the heart of the mountains, they are only a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, they are between Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness, and there are plenty of trails. The cons are that previous campers have left a lot of trash and since it is dispersed camping, it is not picked up on a regular basis. Other cons are the late night cars and/or trucks, the lack of amenities, and that you have to cross a spillway to get to it. Despite all the cons, I got through it okay and really did enjoy my time there.

  • William S.
    Sep. 25, 2021

    Albert Mountain Firetower Dispersed Campsite

    This one's for the hikers

    You can access this campsite by various means, but do your research and save yourself as many steps, because make no mistake, this is a serious hiking trail (a mile to a mile and a half, depending on route) up to the Fire Tower. 

    Part of the Appalachian Train, once you park your car or hike in, you'll make your way uphill over crude-cut rocks, tree roots, and muddy, narrow paths. Hiking poles are strongly recommended. The path down is just as treacherous as the path up, as moisture from the mountain drips down over craggy footholds. 

    While the path is popular with hikers, anyone camping should consider using a very small pack, especially since some of the trails have nothing but a chasm on one side. 

    Once you make it to the Fire Tower, however, all is forgiven. The site from the bottom is breathtaking, and you can see, well, forever. Heading up the tower (the very top is closed to visitors and mothballed), you get an almost full 360º panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains. 

    The camp site itself is very rustic, no amenities other than a rock fire ring, and does not face the vistas. There's a weak LTE signal at the top, but be prepared to lose your signal along the way.

    Side note: I came through the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory, which has numerous signs posted that you cannot camp there. However, it's part of the larger National Forest and it's not exactly clear where camping begins to be allowed, as there were several rustic sites along the trail at the upper end.

    If you do come driving through the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory path, be prepared for narrow, steep gravel lanes. And keep in mind that if you do park your car on one of the (few) spaces available, you're going to be very far from it, and the site didn't appear to be patrolled in any way.


Guide to Central

Rustic camping near Central, South Carolina encompasses several undeveloped campsites throughout Sumter National Forest. Sites require navigation of forest roads with varying conditions depending on recent rainfall and seasonal factors. Winter temperatures in the region can drop below freezing, making proper cold-weather gear essential during November through February.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: 0.5 miles from Glen Falls campsite requires moderate effort but rewards with scenic views. "There is a trail to a waterfall after you go down the old logging road and follow the path across the creek. Very short, very easy about 0.5 mile or less from the creek," notes a visitor to Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites.

Trout fishing: Year-round opportunities available at riverside camping locations. One camper at Blackwell Bridge noted, "On the plus side, there's a sign posted that the river is open trout fishing all year, with no lure or size restrictions."

Beach camping: Direct river access allows for unique sleeping arrangements. A camper at Sandy Beach Campsite shared the straightforward appeal: "Right next to the Chattooga river. You're on the beach."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: The natural forest setting provides separation. At Blue Valley Dispersed Camping, campers appreciated that "sites were tree-filled and nice. Picnic tables and fire rings were at each site and sites were pretty well spread out."

Riverside relaxation: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience. One visitor to Blue Valley noted, "Beautiful, large, private sites. You couldn't see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek."

Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies allow excellent astronomical viewing. A Mountain Rest Mountain Top visitor reported "Great view of the stars during early spring/late winter" as one of the notable pros of the location.

What you should know

Weather impacts: Rain significantly affects ground conditions and comfort. A camper at Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping experienced challenges: "I didn't get a chance to explore this camping area much because it was wet. I mean really wet! It is beside the Chauga River, and if you camp there after a storm like I did, expect a lot of wet puddles and soggy ground."

Road conditions vary: Forest service roads require careful navigation. At Falls Creek, a visitor noted "River is about .6 mile hike away and the road is not bad getting in. Basically 2 track forest road."

Seasonal temperature fluctuations: Higher elevation sites experience cold nights even in summer. A Blue Valley camper advised, "I went in July and it was cool in day and cold at night."

Trail navigation: Offline maps essential as marked trails may be difficult to locate. Several campers reported GPS coordinates were more reliable than road signs or names.

Tips for camping with families

Exploration opportunities: Kids enjoy natural play areas around campsites. At Falls Creek, families find "room for two vehicles and multiple tent spots. Very secluded and fairly level. Overall a great spot."

Creek access: Shallow water play areas provide natural entertainment. Blue Valley visitors noted their children enjoyed the "wonderful creek/river by every campsite."

Multi-site camping: Larger groups can utilize connected sites. One Blue Valley camper mentioned there are "8 very well kept campsites. Almost all near a creek of some sort. Hiking trails near by... Room for larger groups ~40 people max for the biggest site ~6 for the smallest."

Wildlife education: Track identification and birdwatching opportunities abound, though carry proper food storage containers to prevent unwanted visitors.

Tips from RVers

Road clearance requirements: Many primitive camping roads require high-clearance vehicles. A Mountain Rest Mountain Top visitor warned the site is "Not car accessible (road is narrow and very bumpy. 4x4 recommended but I made it down in a 2x4 fullsize pickup)."

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller vehicles only. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping would be challenging for larger rigs as one camper described the access as "a very primitive gravel road. Pretty rough in some places and very narrow, let's just say I wouldn't want to end up encountering another car."

Turnaround space: Some forest roads lack adequate turning areas for longer vehicles. At Blue Valley, "Once arrive in the campground (information kiosk) turn left for the majority of the sites. Turn right at the kiosk there are only a few sites but the road ends after about half a mile."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Central, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Central, SC is Mountain Rest Mountain Top with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Central, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 35 dispersed camping locations near Central, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.