Best Dispersed Camping near Greenville, SC

Dispersed camping near Greenville, South Carolina concentrates primarily in the nearby Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina, with several primitive sites located within 1-2 hours of the city. The U.S. Forest Service manages multiple free camping areas including Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites, Black Balsam Knob, Upper Cove Creek, and Wash Creek dispersed sites. In South Carolina, Mountain Rest Mountain Top and Blackwell Bridge provide additional primitive camping options. These areas typically feature minimal development with no reservation systems or designated site boundaries.

Many access roads to these dispersed sites require careful navigation due to uneven terrain, potholes, and occasional mud. Several campers report high-clearance vehicles are beneficial, particularly at Mountain Rest Mountain Top and Blackwell Bridge. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash collection. "You will need to take in water or a water filter, any personal hygiene products, and your own little table if you want to cook off the ground," noted one camper at King Creek. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with most sites permitting campfires in established rings when conditions allow. Camping duration is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period on national forest land.

These primitive areas provide opportunities for solitude and nature immersion, though experiences vary by location and season. Sites near trailheads like Black Balsam Knob experience higher day-use traffic. "During the day, you get a lot of day use hikers since the largest campsite is right beside the trail," one visitor observed at Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites. Water features enhance many locations, with streams running adjacent to several sites. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most dispersed camping areas. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevation sites like Black Balsam Knob, where campers should prepare for cooler overnight temperatures even in summer months.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Greenville, South Carolina (23)

    1. Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    46 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"

    2. Black Balsam Knob - Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    46 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."

    3. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

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

    "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)."

    "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."

    4. 475b

    2 Reviews
    Brevard, NC
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

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

    "Road is a little rough but not terrible. 3-4 spots to park around this hairpin with 3 camping spots lotuses in the middle."

    5. Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    3 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    43 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."

    6. Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    3 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    44 miles

    "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"

    "I was looking for an easy and free site to post up for several days near Asheville and this was all I needed.

    Primitive site and right next to another."

    7. Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "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."

    8. Goat Island

    2 Reviews
    Ninety Six, SC
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 942-8560

    "Goat island can only be accessed by boat but with 5 separate spots it’s a pretty neat island to camp at. There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site, but no other accommodations."

    9. Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    1 Review
    Brevard, NC
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "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."

    10. Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1

    2 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265
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Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Greenville, SC

41 Reviews of 23 Greenville Campgrounds



Guide to Greenville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Greenville, South Carolina, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Greenville, South Carolina

  • Always check the accessibility of the roads leading to your chosen spot, as some areas like Blackwell Bridge have rough terrain that may require a vehicle with moderate clearance.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; sites such as Mills River Dispersed do not offer water, toilets, or trash services, so plan accordingly.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially in popular areas like Wash Creek Dispersed Site #2, where first-come, first-served rules apply.

Hiking and exploring while free camping near Greenville

Fishing and water activities for dispersed campers

  • Campers at King Creek can enjoy the soothing sounds of a nearby tributary of the Chatooga River, perfect for fishing and relaxing by the water.
  • The Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5 are located near a beautiful trout stream, making it an ideal spot for anglers looking to catch their dinner.
  • For a unique experience, consider camping at Goat Island, where you can kayak to your site and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while fishing or swimming in the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Greenville, 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 Greenville, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Greenville, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.