Primitive camping near Gray, Tennessee offers a mix of highlands and water-based sites throughout the Cherokee National Forest and adjacent areas. Sites range from 1,000 feet elevation near Watauga Lake to over 6,000 feet on mountain balds. Many locations don't require permits, though seasonal fire restrictions can apply from October to December depending on drought conditions.
What to do
Fishing in mountain streams: Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area provides direct water access to Watauga Lake. One camper noted, "Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring."
Hike to mountain viewpoints: At Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry, a short hike leads to panoramic 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," reports one camper who experienced the location firsthand.
Creek exploration: Multiple primitive sites along forest roads feature small creek crossings. At Victor Road Dispersed, campers can "enjoy the peace and quiet, other than the stream near by." The road crosses a creek before splitting, creating natural water features for exploration and filtering water.
What campers like
Solitude and night sky: Campers frequently mention the peaceful environment at higher elevation sites. At Unaka Mountain Overlook, visitors come specifically for "sunset views." One visitor mentioned the "sunset was amazing" despite some maintenance issues at the site.
Wildlife encounters: The forests around Gray contain diverse wildlife. A Victor Road camper reported, "Other than a deer that left its tracks nearby, nothing bothered us." The region's forests support turkey populations, with one camper noting, "I imagine during turkey season, you may hear gunshots."
Natural swimming holes: Pisgah National Forest Dispersed sites often feature access to clean mountain water. A camper described, "The water is clean and COLD," making it perfect for cooling off during summer months when temperatures can reach the high 80s.
What you should know
Site maintenance varies: Many dispersed sites suffer from previous camper neglect. At Hidden Valley WMA, "Camping is free, technically. (you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorisation to your account)." This small fee helps maintain the area.
Road conditions: Forest roads can deteriorate after rain. One camper at Victor Road reported, "The narrow road to go up/down is alittle sketchy but we made it." Most access roads are gravel or dirt with occasional washouts requiring careful driving.
Limited amenities: Most sites have no facilities. A Pisgah camper advised, "Usually have to clean up a little from the slobs before. The water is clean and COLD." Pack in all water or bring filtration systems for creek water.
Tips for camping with families
Choose lakeside options: Water access keeps children entertained. A Little Stony Creek camper advised, "This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon."
Bring extra trash bags: Many campers report cleaning up after previous visitors. One noted, "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."
Plan for variable weather: Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping visitors warn about sudden weather changes. One camper reported, "My mistake was not paying attention to where the runoff was. This morning I had a small stream running through my camp."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive sites accommodate small to medium vehicles only. At Victor Road, a camper reported their "2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee didn't take up much space. There was plenty of space for a wider vehicle or multiple."
Bring leveling blocks: Mountain sites rarely offer perfectly flat parking. One RVer noted, "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."
Plan for limited turnaround space: Forest roads often end without proper turnarounds. One RVer at Hidden Valley WMA mentioned, "The road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it."
