Best Dispersed Camping near Cleveland, SC
Want to go dispersed camping near Cleveland? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Cleveland, SC (29)
1. Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
Balsam Grove, North Carolina8 Reviews•37 Photos•371 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
Balsam Grove, North Carolina5 Reviews•52 Photos•203 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
3. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
Balsam Grove, North Carolina3 Reviews•2 Photos•146 SavesWithin the Pisgah Ranger District there are 65 disbursed roadside camping sites that are available on a first come - first serve basis. These campsites are located alongside gravel roads throughout the district and include a parking area, tent pad, and fire ring. Toilet facilities and drinking water are not available. Trash pick-up is not provided. Trash must be collected and disposed of properly. Failure to remove or properly dispose of trash is a crime and law enforcement officers will issue citations for littering if trash is strewn about or not properly disposed of. The following regulations must be adhered to and are strictly enforced by Law Enforcement Officers. • Roadside camping is allowed at designated campsites only. Signs designating a legal campsite show a camping_ symbol and a site number (for example "AC-3" for Avery Creek site 3). • The National Forests in North Carolina have a policy which allows for campers to occupy a roadside campsite for a maximum of 14 days out of a 30 day period. If a camper changes locations or moves to another campsite, it cannot be within 10 miles of previous site, the maximum stay limit of 14 days applies to all sites occupied. • All vehicles must be parked along road shoulders without blocking traffic. • Campfires are allowed only within the metal fire ring provided on the site, Building of additional fire rings is not allowed. AJJ camping equipment and tents must remain on the designated tent pad. • Collecting 'dead and downed' :firewood in the forest is permitted for camp fires. It is illegal to cut, chop, or saw live or standing trees or other live growth. Do not chop into or drive nails into live trees. • It is illegal to establish and set up a campsite for the purpose of reserving a camping place. The campsite must be occupied on the night it is set up by a minimum of one person. • It is illegal to leave a camp unattended for period of more than 24 hours. • It is illegal to fail to remove all camping equipment, personal property, trash, and refuse from a campsite when vacating or leaving that area or site. • It is mandatory that all human waste be buried at least 6 _inches deep and a minimum or 200 feet from a stream. trail, or campsite. • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Avery Creek Road (FSR 477) and Lickstone Road (FSR 97). Prohibition is 1000 feet to either side of the road, campsites, trails or roads leading off of either of the aforementioned. Warning: Unattended property and equipment in these areas can be an easy target for criminal activity. Protect your property by locking valuables out of site. Access to these campsites is easy by any vehicle. If you see anyone stealing anything from a roadside campsite or parking area near a public trailhead, picnic, or recreation area please call 911 to report it or call USPS Law Enforcement at the Pisgah District Ranger Station at 828-877-3265
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
4. 475b
Brevard, North Carolina2 Reviews•8 Photos•33 SavesWithin the Pisgah Ranger District there are 65 disbursed roadside camping sites that are available on a first come - first serve basis.
Toilet facilities and drinking water are not available. Trash pick-up is not provided. Trash must be collected and disposed of properly. Failure to remove or properly dispose of trash is a crime and law enforcement officers will issue citations for littering if trash is strewn about or not properly disposed of.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
5. Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
Mills River, North Carolina3 Reviews•3 Photos•269 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
Mills River, North Carolina2 Reviews•5 Photos•30 Saves- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
7. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
Highlands, North Carolina8 Reviews•16 Photos•158 SavesDispersed camping in the Blue Valley area. Approximately 22 dispersed sites are available, and most have fire rings and picnic tables. A pit toilet is available. Please pack in and pack out. Wilson Lake is a short distance away offering fishing, swimming, a short trail, and wildlife viewing and birding.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
8. Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed
Brevard, North Carolina1 Review•1 Photo•35 SavesWithin the Pisgah Ranger District there are 65 disbursed roadside camping sites that are available on a first come - first serve basis. These campsites are located alongside gravel roads throughout the district and include a parking area, tent pad, and fire ring. Toilet facilities and drinking water are not available. Trash pick-up is not provided. Trash must be collected and disposed of properly. Failure to remove or properly dispose of trash is a crime and law enforcement officers will issue citations for littering if trash is strewn about or not properly disposed of. The following regulations must be adhered to and are strictly enforced by Law Enforcement Officers. • Roadside camping is allowed at designated campsites only. Signs designating a legal campsite show a camping_ symbol and a site number (for example "AC-3" for Avery Creek site 3). • The National Forests in North Carolina have a policy which allows for campers to occupy a roadside campsite for a maximum of 14 days out of a 30 day period. If a camper changes locations or moves to another campsite, it cannot be within 10 miles of previous site, the maximum stay limit of 14 days applies to all sites occupied. • All vehicles must be parked along road shoulders without blocking traffic. • Campfires are allowed only within the metal fire ring provided on the site, Building of additional fire rings is not allowed. AJJ camping equipment and tents must remain on the designated tent pad. • Collecting 'dead and downed' :firewood in the forest is permitted for camp fires. It is illegal to cut, chop, or saw live or standing trees or other live growth. Do not chop into or drive nails into live trees. • It is illegal to establish and set up a campsite for the purpose of reserving a camping place. The campsite must be occupied on the night it is set up by a minimum of one person. • It is illegal to leave a camp unattended for period of more than 24 hours. • It is illegal to fail to remove all camping equipment, personal property, trash, and refuse from a campsite when vacating or leaving that area or site. • It is mandatory that all human waste be buried at least 6 _inches deep and a minimum or 200 feet from a stream. trail, or campsite. • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Avery Creek Road (FSR 477) and Lickstone Road (FSR 97). Prohibition is 1000 feet to either side of the road, campsites, trails or roads leading off of either of the aforementioned. Warning: Unattended property and equipment in these areas can be an easy target for criminal activity. Protect your property by locking valuables out of site. Access to these campsites is easy by any vehicle. If you see anyone stealing anything from a roadside campsite or parking area near a public trailhead, picnic, or recreation area please call 911 to report it or call USPS Law Enforcement at the Pisgah District Ranger Station at 828-877-3265
- Fires
- RVs
- Dispersed
9. Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1
Mills River, North Carolina1 Review•2 Photos•17 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
10. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
Barnardsville, North Carolina12 Reviews•29 Photos•516 SavesThe 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
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Cleveland
62 Reviews of 29 Cleveland Campgrounds
tyrone T.
Traveler
Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed
Place to hole up
Right off 276 on the right as you are going down the mountain. Hard gravel road. As soon as you turn in there is a spot on the left and a little further up there is a bigger spot right on the little creek just before the gate. Not 100% sure it is a spot as it is not marked but signs may have been damaged and it does show a tent symbol on the forest service map. There is a lot of back and forth traffic in the morning but it dies down around 9 pm. There is a fall a few miles up the road and connects to other service roads hence the traffic . We made it down the road in a 30' class A motorhome and made a 180 and was able to level the rig no problem and it's well off the road Did not see any fire rings in this spot or the first one ( pictured in the first image). No cell service, starlink worked enough to stream tv and post this.
Linda F.Traveler
Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
Blue valley
I went in July and it was cool in day and cold at night nice , secluded
- mmike R.Traveler
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".
- CCeline T.Traveler
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.
- CClaudia H.Traveler
Mountain Rest Mountain Top
Hilltop camping with hiking trails
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. A bit of extra vehicle clearance is helpful...slow and steady gets you to a great spot. No services here but good dispersed spot.
- Betsy W.
Guide
Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1
Clean
Clean and large. Creek below
Adam B.TravelerPisgah 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.
- JJoel S.
Scout
Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
Wash Creek, NC
Beautiful, quiet campsites
Dylan S.Traveler
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.
Forrest S.Scout475b
Several walk up sites with easy access
This is a great first-come-first-serve location with several sites.
Alex R.Guide
Sandy Beach Campsite
Nice campsite right next to the river
Right next to the Chattooga river. You're on the beach.
- Adam B.Traveler
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.
Jake C.
LegendWash 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.
- HHeather C.Traveler
Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2
Roomy spot in middle of nowhere
It is a roomy site immediately off the road, a surprisingly well maintained gravel road. My class C had no problems making its way along and fitting in the roomy semicircle next to the tent and fire pit pad. There is a babbling brook next to the site for great ambience. We were able to fit our 30ft motorhome and car into the site with no problem. But avoid blocking the emergency access road to the side. Also, be prepared to completely disconnect from civilization since you can't even make calls here. Beautiful site to relax!
- BBrianGuide
Falls Creek
Nice secluded spot
There is room for two vehicles and multiple tent spots. Very secluded and fairly level. Overall a great spot. If it had an epic view I would have it at 5 stars. River is about .6 mile hike away and the road is not bad getting in. Basically 2 track forest road.
- IIsabel B.Scout
Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
Beautiful but impossible to find
We drove for what felt like forever at the Big Ivy Trailhead and only ever found one labeled campsite. We gave up and camped in an unofficial spot.
It was gorgeous! But there’s not much there and the drive is long.
- DDavid P.Traveler
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
- NNolan S.Scout
Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
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.
Dai C.ScoutUpper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
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
- aangela M.Scout
Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed
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.
- Sara S.Traveler
Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
Couldn't find it
Spent 20 minutes trying to find this campground from where the GPS took us. Never found it
- TTavi C.Guide
Mills River Dispersed
Beautiful, mostly peaceful, inconvenient
*this is just for the free campsites- there appears to be paid campsites and maybe RV hook ups very close by.
Pros:
- Gorgeous lush forest
- ice-cold flowing stream (in May) immediately off most camp spots
- well maintained and leveled places to pitch a tent.
- except for occasional cars, very very peaceful and far from any urban life or freeway.
Cons:
- No cell service (Verizon) without driving 10 minutes, and then patchy for another 10-15
- camp spots are mostly immediately off the road. It’s a very isolated place, so you have inconsistent privacy and peace and quiet.
- several cars drove by and woke me up after 11pm.
- the dirt road to get there as well as the pull off for the campsite are rough and a bit dangerous for low/regular cars. It’s doable but you should go very slow and watch out for giant holes and ridges. I bottomed out going into the parking space, and I lifted my Prius 1.5in
TO NOTE: Google maps incorrectly told me to take a right once I was on the dirt road that doesn’t exist. Just ignore it and keep going forward.
Explored up to campsite 4 the next day. Campsite 3 is a larger group site and a bit further off the road.
It’s not true “dispersed” camping because they have designated site you are supposed to stay at. Im not sure how many there are, but I only got up to #4, driving about 5-10 min down the dirt road.
- JJohn R.Guide
Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping
The wind is no joke
The sunset was breathtaking and the hike was very fun but if you are camping overnight, expect wind gusts that are capable of snapping tent poles. There is very little wind coverage at the top of the mountain.
Ethan B.Guide
Blackwell Bridge
Peaceful ish
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. I will like to say there is a road literally 300 feet next to the campsite doesnt seem that busy but you might get a car once every 45 mins. Other wise the campsite is nice there was a good bit of trash thrown around. I tried cleaning up the best I can but be aware pls clean up after yourself. There are two campsite on opposite side of the road if the main one is taken. One of the nice things is if you have a tent you can get right next to the water definitely say beautiful area. Will go back.
- Ethan B.Guide
Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites
Snowy wonderland
I saw the campsite it's a beautiful campsite but someone was already there I decide to camp at the top. The cords where I camped at the time they had roads closed off due to weather. If you take the parkway rd up to the Beech Gap you can park to the side of the road just be aware it's not a designated campsite so be respectful of the area. Woke up to beautiful views.
Claire K.GuideBlue Ridge Roadside Campsites
Love the stream and not bad sites
I stayed two nights during Labor day weekend so might of been a bit more busy that weekend. Seems to be about 5 sites. 3 on the water and two more towards the road. you have to cross the river to access the other two and the terrain is a bit bumpy so many more hammock camping there. At night it’s a bit more peaceful than during the day since there isn’t any people parking to hike then. Even if people are camping near you the stream creates a nice sound barrier so you don’t really hear them. Very nice to fall asleep to the sound of the stream. I stayed for 2 nights and my stuff wasn’t messed with when i was gone hiking even though there’s a lot of foot traffic during the day. I will be returning to camp here again. Absolutely no cell service though. Some pictures included are photos from a nearby hiking spot at waterrock knob
Noah R.ScoutWash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
Dispersed Camped for 1 night
Just fine. Nothing great and nothing bad for what you pay.
Guide to Cleveland
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cleveland, South Carolina, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be sure to find the perfect place to set up camp.
Enjoy Scenic Waterfalls while Free Camping Near Cleveland
- The Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed site is just a short hike from a stunning waterfall, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
- At the Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2, you can enjoy the soothing sounds of a nearby creek, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
- For those seeking adventure, the Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping area offers breathtaking views and easy access to hiking trails leading to beautiful waterfalls.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Features
- The Mills River Dispersed area is known for its lush forest and ice-cold flowing streams, making it a refreshing spot for nature enthusiasts.
- If you're looking for a quiet retreat, the Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off provides a peaceful atmosphere with minimal light pollution, ideal for stargazing.
- The Bennet Gap on Avery Creek Road offers a remote experience with no permit required, allowing for a more spontaneous camping adventure.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Cleveland, South Carolina
- When visiting the 475b site, be prepared for a rough road; a vehicle with good clearance is recommended for a smoother journey.
- At the Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5, it's wise to keep valuables secure, as the area has been noted for occasional theft.
- For a more secluded experience, consider the Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1, where you can enjoy a clean and spacious area next to a babbling creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cleveland, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cleveland, SC is Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites with a 3.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cleveland, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Cleveland, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.