Best Dispersed Camping near Blountville, TN

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Blountville, Tennessee

31 Reviews of 15 Blountville Campgrounds

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 30, 2020

  Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

  Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

  Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

  There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

  The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 30, 2020

  Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

  Creekside Camping

  At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant.  The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

  Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! 

  Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety. 

  The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

• 

  Betsy W.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 2, 2024

  Hidden Valley WMA

  Great peaceful place

  Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.

• 

  Jolie L.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 3, 2020

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Perfect Primitive Camping/Backpacking

  Great free primitive camping. If all you need is a fire and a tent, this is the spot for you. The Linville Loop is also an amazing 3-4 day backpacking trip for anyone up to the challenge.

• 

  Glennie V.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 1, 2024

  Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

  Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

  First time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!

• 

  Julie L.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 16, 2021

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Good Times at the Gorge!

  These are pretty decent sites. You just pull off the road, set up and enjoy the camping experience. 
  We hiked down to the gorge and also enjoyed the dispersed camping available right along the riverside, which was pretty cool but... that hike back up is a DOOZY especially with a pack on. I would recommend it. The payoff of the views is highly worth any trail difficulties. 
  This was a really clean, well respected area. I liked to see that most other campers were clearly doing their part to Leave no Trace.

• 

  Raquella 🥸.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 2, 2022

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Off of NC-105

  We drove up on a Saturday and it wasn’t too crowded, definitely people around but plenty of open campsites. There were a couple of good washouts in the road, so 4WD or AWD would be recommended but maybe not required. Several good spots to pull in with a vehicle. We found a big spot but it was right next to the road (most of the campsites were), but it was still quiet enough - only one car that drove by at night.

  We had a view of Table Rock and plenty of space for the two of us and our dog.

  3 stars because of the proximity of the campsites to the road, as well as many of the campsites needing to be picked up after the last campers (we checked out at least 10 other spots before deciding where we wanted to stay).

  Overall, a nice visit!

• 

  Peter H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 8, 2021

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Isolated and gorgeous

  Primitive campsites for tent/ENO camping. Which is personally my favorite kind of camping. It’s simple and has breathtaking views

• 

  Sophia L.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 30, 2021

  Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

  Get what you pay for

  Pros: Free, many sites with water access for kayaking/fishing, fire rings, parking lot close to sites. Cons: Lots of road noise-- you're sitting in a valley bordered by highway on 3 sides, and the echo is serious. Trash everywhere making some sites unusable. Lots of poison ivy.

  So, if it's worth it to you for a free spot go ahead. You'll basically be camping in someone else's backyard, there are several residents.

• 

  Arthur D.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 21, 2023

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Good rest

  Very primitive but a great and free place to get some dark pea e and quiet

• 

  Sara S.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 21, 2023

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Breath Taking views

  The road up to the campsites is pretty steep and bumpy. Wouldn't recommend a car but saw several go through. There are a handful of sites on either side of the road. Some have steep drop offs off the side of the mountain so be careful. A few group sized sites with misc trails to wonder. Very quiet and serene but only 30 minutes from town.

• 

  Kelly G.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 12, 2021

  Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

  Life 360 - a break in the Green Tunnel!

  This was truly one of my most memorable campsites I’ve ever stayed at. After a glorious hike up Roan Mountain and back down I crossed the road and hiked out along the three balds and found a few lonely trees to hang a hammock between. The Appalachian Trail is frequently referred to as The Green Tunnel because of the amazing wormhole effect of trees, rhododendron and other vegetation that shroud your views. But not here! There was an evening thunderstorm over an adjacent mountain, a beautiful sunset, a full moon to howl at, and a sunrise that can’t be beat. The hike back was in and out of the clouds. Pure bliss!

  Pro Tip : Please do not skin or scar trees. Bring your own firewood.

• A

  Andrew

  Scout

  

  Sep. 27, 2021

  Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

  Mountain Views

  Beautiful 6000’ bald off the AT and along the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee, plenty of places to pitch a tent. Firewood is scarce so bring a lantern and cook stove.

• 

  Mateo M.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 5, 2024

  Scales Trailhead Basecamp

  Fun, adventure, friendship

  My partner and I took our dog on a quick impromptu weekend trip, we drove about 2 hours. Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite. The campground was well kept, well placed, not to mention the next morning part of the crew that maintains the area helped us fix our flat. Some of the other campers introduced themselves and were extremely friendly and helpful. Some had been camping there for 40yrs. The fire pits are well built and there is plenty of kindling and tinder to find right off the trails. If you’re comping at night time and want a fire bring a starter log. This time of year the wood was a little damp as we arrived late. Other than that bring plenty of water there are creeks and running water around but no running water at the sites, if you’re a must have shower person bring a shower bag. The sights were magical and the salt lick for the ponies wasn’t far so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway with great sites, a little adventure and a whole lot of beauty this campground is for you. This will definitely become a frequent for my partner and I

• 

  Carissa D.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 27, 2021

  Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

  Spectacular Views!

  It’s a short hike up from Carver Gap. There are several spots on the bald to pitch your tent. There are not too many spots to gather firewood. A few sites already have rock pits made for you. Super windy so dress appropriately!

• 

  Sagar B.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 19, 2023

  Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

  Good safe spot

  Right next to the road, so first time campers would feel safe. The creek’s sound is pleasant. No network at all.

• 

  Alexandra T.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 17, 2021

  Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

  Beautiful, Quiet, Off-Grid

  Loved this spot - we got lucky and parked right next to a swimming hole, had a gorgeous swim and enjoyed our time. No service, off-grid, really lovely.

• 

  Erik C.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 18, 2022

  Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

  Great little spot near the creek

  Overall this was a great little spot right off the road. The sound of the creek was lovely all night. Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night. There second spot close by and set a little further back that would get lit up by headlights as cars passed. Really lovely morning hike around the nearby lake more than made up for it though.

• 

  Clayton S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 28, 2021

  Whitetop

  Whitetop Mountain

  Nice spot to pitch a tent or for car camping. Whitetop mountain has some of the best views in VA and is very popular for watching sunsets.

• 

  Matthew C.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 16, 2021

  Whitetop

  Dispersed Camping

  Fantastic views. The wind is killer. Very little Verizon and AT&T signal. Gorgeous sunsets.

• 

  Harley G.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 16, 2024

  Whitetop

  Absolutely stunning!

  Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.

• J

  John R.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 20, 2023

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Easy

  It was very easy to get a spot but there weren’t great views and there is not much to do

• 

  Justin L.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 27, 2020

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Nice spot off a dirt road

  Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property. Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It’s a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester. I camped here in December 2020 and didn’t see anyone else. Plenty of wood, but not much of a view from my camp anyway. Lots of camps.

• 

  Noah S.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 9, 2021

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Quick Stop for the night

  It was very packed lots of people. Seemed very beautiful except the only spot we found was on a hill and it was very rocky but it was good enough for the night.

• S

  Scotty H.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 6, 2022

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  So very useful

  I love how they get me where I'm going

• 

  Charles G.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 15, 2020

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Great camping

  First come first serve

• 

  Monte W.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 28, 2020

  Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

  Ok

  Stayed here a for a few nights in July of 2020. Rain was an issue and bugs were pretty bad. Lots of sites along the road with fire pits. Very difficult to get a fire started due to how damp everything was. The road was a bit rough in spots but 4x4 isn’t necessary. I hiked down to the river where the waterfall is and that was pretty cool. Moderate difficulty on that trail.