Best Dispersed Camping near Gray, TN
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gray, Tennessee (18)
1. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
12 Reviews•34 Photos•573 SavesLinville Falls, North Carolina- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Market
2. Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry
3 Reviews•21 Photos•93 SavesRoan Mountain, TennesseeFor additional details: https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/tennessee/carvers-gap-grassy-ridge-bald
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
3. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
12 Reviews•29 Photos•521 SavesBarnardsville, North CarolinaThe 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
4. Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area
2 Reviews•9 Photos•62 SavesButler, Tennessee- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Victor Road Dispersed
8 Reviews•22 Photos•426 SavesLittle Switzerland, North Carolina- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
7. Hidden Valley WMA
2 Reviews•9 Photos•6 SavesWillis, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
5 Reviews•15 Photos•230 SavesDamascus, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Gray, Tennessee
50 Reviews of 18 Gray Campgrounds
Shari G.
Legend
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.
- AAndrew S.
Guide
Paint Creek Corridor
Paint Creek Dispersed Camping
The national forest service website says there are dispersed camping site throughout the corridor; however, I was only able to locate one and luckily it was vacant. There are several spots along the road that may have been for dispersed camping as some point but are now clearly marked with no camping signs. I did enjoy my stay here but I’m a little disappointed in the website saying there were multiple sites … i has to drive almost 4 hours to get there and would have been super disappointed if I arrived to no spots. Also a lot of trash in the area of the site sadly.
- Shari G.Legend
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
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.
kylie B.Guide
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 !
- Randice L.
Traveler
Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
Irresistible!
There is free camping all through out these woods & plenty of water access. Trails out the wazoo! Our doggies love the trails & there are quite a few family friendly paths.
- TTimothyTraveler
Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
Multiple Dispersed Sites
Several dispersed camping sites where you can easily park a vehicle. There are several along Roses Creek road and along New Ginger Cake road.
Jolie L.
Ranger
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.
ScoutWashington & 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.RangerLinville 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.
Kenny L.ScoutSteele Creek
Love this place
Great camping spot with access to the creek for swimming
- Jeff F.Guide
Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
Greatest Place on Earth
Just the drive up the mountain is enough to take your breath away. My absolute favorite place to go camping and there are plenty of camping spots to go around! The campsites are so spread out that the only noises you’ll hear are the numerous creeks that flow off the mountain or a car driving up or down the gravel road. The fishing there is absolutely beautiful and the trout are pretty plentiful up there. I highly suggest this spot, just please pick up your trash after yourselves and for the love of god don’t go throwing beer cans and bottles down the hills from your campsites. I pulled 30 pounds of trash off the hillside of my campground the last time I was there. It’s sad indeed but the saddest part was the soda can I found that had been tore open by an animal. The can was lined with some poor animals blood. If an animal cuts its mouth on something like a dirty can and the cut gets infected, that animal will stop eating and slowly starve to death. Please please please pick up after yourselves!!!!!! No trash left behind!!! P.S....the adventure doesn’t start until you’re lost....
Andy K.Legend
Old NC 105 Dispersed
Free camping with great views
Old NC 105 is a dirt road which goes on for miles with views both sides. Camping spots are available all along the road some with better views than others. Some spots are very shaded deep into the trees while others afford superb views of the gorge and distant Lake James.
- CCassidy A.Scout
Victor Road Dispersed
Quiet & Secluded
Nearly right at mile marker 342 Long gravel road, couple/few camping spots along the way, mostly on the left. Drive through a little creek, and stay to the right, a little ways down you’ll find another spot just before Laurel Retreat. A little larger clearing than the others, my pop-up fight nicely , plus Toyota Sequoia. Big fire pit. No water, no bathrooms, no hookups. (I have solar panels) A couple shelter/observation buildings with handicap parking scattered along the way.
- KKevin G.Guide
Victor Road Dispersed
Victor Road Dispersed Camping
There are three campsites located in Victor Road. Victor Road is approx. 2 miles north of highway 80 (highway 80 is is approx 16 miles north of Mount Mitchell) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road is initially pavement but quickly turns to packed gravel. The road is a little rough in spots, but I had zero issues in my Honda Accord. Sites are free and do not appear to be managed by any official municipal, state or federal authority...but they are in great shape.
Three sites are available from what I could see. The marker on this map is at the site of what I am calling #3. Sites 1 & 2 are located about 1/2 mile down Victor Road on the left and are adjacent to one another, but appear to be large and have foliage separating them. One of the sites had three tents pitched along side a beach tent and still had plenty of open space in the middle around a stone fire pit. I stayed at site number three. This has enough room for two cars and a four person tent at most. I have a three person tent and it covered most of the flat pad area. The site has a fire pit and is located just before a large(ish) stream that crosses the road. Beyond this campsite, the road turns private. The site is on the left hand side as you approach the stream. There is room on the right hands side of the road for perhaps another tent if one wanted to do so.
This is fairly remote, despite being close enough to the BRP to hear cars occasionally. There are no amenities aside from the fire pit, but it's handy to have a creek for water for filtering or boiling. You should note that there are hunting blinds at the top of the hill between sites 1/2 and 3. These are facing a field that points away from the campsites. I imagine during turkey season (I saw a lot of turkey), you may hear gunshots.
There aren't any trails down this road, but you are within a few minutes of the BRP where they are plentiful and Mt. Mitchell and associated trail systems are less than 20 minutes. The BRP would have to be open for you to access these sites, so plan accordingly (my suggestion is the real time map on nps.org).
Alexandra T.GuideVictor Road Dispersed
Dispersed Camping
We drove in mid day and couldn’t find a spot, unfortunately. All dispersed spots were taken. However, there are parking spaces that you can park in overnight in front of hunting shelters. Just be mindful of how you park and don’t take up handicapped parking.
Raquella 🥸.TravelerLinville 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.GuideLinville 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
Katie B.TravelerPisgah National Forest Dispersed
Pisgah is Big and Beautiful
So many trails at different levels of difficulty. Incredible sights and access points to all kinds of campsites. You can care camp or hike for a couple of days.
Sophia L.ScoutLittle 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.
- 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.
- 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".
Arthur D.ScoutLinville 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
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.
- Mike M.Guide
Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
Free!
Free sites, first come first serve. Definitely some disrespectful neighbors but sites aren't closely packed. Get there early as possible as people can post up for a week there. Great launch pad for hiking and mountain biking.
Kelly G.Legend
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.
- AAndrewScout
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.
Guide to Gray
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gray, Tennessee, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Gray, Tennessee
- Many dispersed camping spots, like Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, provide free access, making them perfect for budget-conscious campers.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry offers no drinking water or toilets, so bring everything you need.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially in areas like Paint Creek Corridor, where trash can accumulate and impact the natural beauty.
Top activities while free camping near Gray
- Fishing and kayaking are popular at Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, where many sites offer water access.
- Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails around Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry, which provide stunning views and a chance to explore the Appalachian Trail.
- For those seeking solitude, Hidden Valley WMA offers a peaceful environment with opportunities for wildlife observation and fishing.
Dispersed campers should check out Clifford Island
- Accessible only by boat, Clifford Island provides a unique camping experience away from the hustle and bustle, perfect for those looking to escape.
- This spot is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure, making it a great choice for families.
- With no amenities available, campers should come fully prepared, ensuring they have everything needed for a comfortable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gray, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gray, TN is Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Gray, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Gray, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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