Top Free Dispersed Camping near Unicoi, TN

Looking for the best Unicoi dispersed camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Unicoi. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Unicoi, TN (22)

Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Unicoi

77 Reviews of 22 Unicoi Campgrounds


  • Harley G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetop
    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.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Aug. 19, 2024

    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".

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Creek
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Steele Creek

    Great for tent camping

    Maybe I missed this in the reviews, but all but 1 site were best for tents. I drove in to camp in my car and there was only 1 spot, which is by the creek crossing, and it was already taken. There’s a nice big spot at the end of the trail where you could rooftop tent/car camp, but the actual site is about 100’ away. Road wasn’t too bad, only a spot or 2 on the switchback that were probably best for a 4 wheel drive vehicle, but I’m sure most cars would be fine.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Pisgah 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.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Old North Carolina 105 Road - Dispersed Spot

    Horrible

    The camp site appears okay. Water sources are non-existent. Traffic was insane. Got attacked by someone's unrestrained dog, this is getting to be an issue everywhere it seems. Constant dust in the air from traffic. And my camp got raided by a thief. I just can't recommend the Gorge anymore, used to be one of my favorite places but it has taken a serious dive. Probably won't go back.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite
    May. 19, 2024

    National Forest Road/Steele Creek/Nates Place Dispersed Campsite

    Best camping spot

    We been going to this spot for years! Our friends introduced us to this area. We are naming after our late friend Nate. This place is spectacular, a lovely creek/river with swimming pools. Campfire rock rings. There’s probably about 10 spots. There’s a spot that outweighs the rest. Anywho, the terrain is definitely rough but cars, trucks and vans can get down there just not RVs. Know that there is no signal when you are out there.

  • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Party spot

    The camp sites were good size but had trash and glass . Our site was fairly close to the road . Traffic wasn’t bad through the week but weekend it was busy . The next site up had over 25 cars and they were partying pretty loud . Fortunately they did quiet down at a decent time . The road in was a bit bumpy but nothing too serious . My car made it in fine

  • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Steele Creek
    Apr. 18, 2024

    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 !

  • Glennie V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
    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!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paint Creek Corridor
    Mar. 4, 2024

    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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
    Feb. 28, 2024

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Free in the woods on a creek

    This is one of many forest roads in this area with free camping. I went during the week and had the entire area to myself. The ground wood for campfires is very abundant and many of the sites are appropriate for groups. There are numerous waterfalls to hike to, one of which is a short hike from the end of the end of the road.

  • I
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Oct. 22, 2023

    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.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views

    If you take your time and they are available there are a few spots on both sides of the road with wonderful views the begging of the road from either side is easy enough to get down but in the middle it gets really rough would not recommend driving all the way through with out an SUV or better clearance and 4 wheel drive the road got worse while I was there from the rain biggest con for me is I use a pump filter to fill up water no camp sight that I could find had access to the river that runs along this road so make sure to bring plenty of bottled water and the road has a lot of traffic at-least one person a day has stopped to ask me questions while I was laying in my hammock

  • Sara S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he
    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.

  • Katie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 Dispersed
    Apr. 12, 2023

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Easy drive, great views

    Coordinates are accurate to get you to this gravel road along a ridge top. Easy pull-in spots for cars and vans next to the road, several with great views of the valley and gorge. Most have primitive fire rings. Great cell service. Only downsides are good view sites right on the road, and hard to find level ground. Popular spot for vans.

  • Andy K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 Dispersed
    Jan. 8, 2023

    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.

  • Filip M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
    Nov. 30, 2022

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great Dispersed Camping

    Relatively easy gravel road with sites along either side. Some sites are better than others and offer good views of the surrounding mountains down to lake James. Don’t expect much in the way of accommodations so come prepared, and be aware that most spots are not level, so bring leveling blocks if you are planning on sleeping in your vehicle.



Guide to Unicoi

Camping near Unicoi, Tennessee, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peacefulness of Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park. A reviewer said, "Sites were a little close, but peaceful and the trails made up for the close sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers at Lake Powhatan often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms. One camper remarked, "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the amenities at Asheville East KOA. A parent shared, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing."

What you should know:

  • Limited Privacy: Campers at Cataloochee Campground often mention that sites are close together. One camper noted, "I felt like I had no privacy here- it was too open for my liking."
  • No Cell Service: Be prepared for a digital detox. A visitor at Hickory Ridge Campground mentioned, "There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in for the evening."
  • Wildlife Encounters: At Roan Mountain State Park Campground, expect to see wildlife. One camper shared, "The sound of the water helps drown out the sound of your neighbors and kids playing."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Asheville East KOA is great for kids. A parent said, "There are lots of activities, a lake with boats and kayaks, and other summer fun things."
  • Plan for Activities: At Lake Powhatan, families can enjoy hiking and biking. One reviewer mentioned, "There were so many trails to choose from."
  • Pack for Comfort: Make sure to bring games and outdoor toys. A camper at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins noted, "Kids loved the playground and there were a lot of other kids to make friends with."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers at Mount Pisgah Campground recommend checking site sizes. One RV owner said, "The only thing I didn't care for was how close the campsites are, virtually no privacy."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: At Asheville East KOA, a camper mentioned, "It was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping, especially with our 43' big rig."
  • Watch for Noise: Campers at Mount Pisgah noted that road noise can be an issue. One reviewer shared, "You do get some road noise and can hear people walking the road."

Camping near Unicoi, Tennessee, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Unicoi, TN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Unicoi, 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 Unicoi, TN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Unicoi, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.