Free North Carolina Rv Boondocking Buck Creek Road Boondock
AddressBuck Creek Road AKA Highway 80Marion, North CarolinaElevation: 3209
Management: Public Forest Service
The road in is Gravel and less than one miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 nights at Buck Creek Road Boondock.
Blue Valley Dispersed Campground
Located in Nantahala National Forest, Blue Valley Dispersed Campground truly offers something for everyone.
While it is completely free, this is a campground that accommodates rigs of any size.
There are also several amenities such as tables, grills, and toilets, and with approximately 22 sites, you will have plenty of options to choose from.
Enjoy swimming, fishing, or bird watching? Wilson lake is close by and is a perfect place for all three of these activities!
- Location: Blue Valley, NC
- Elevation: 2644
Badin Horse Camp/the Old Horse Camp
Looking for a popular, free campsite that can accommodate both RV campers and equestrians? If so, then come and camp at the first destination for free camping in central North Carolina, Badin Horse Camp/The Old Horse Camp! This is a primitive camping spot located in an open field, specifically intended for self-contained RVs and Horse Trailers .
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Hanging Rock State Park
Hanging Rock State Park was created in the 1930s as a Civilian Conservation Corps project and sits in the Sauratown Mountain Range, offering beautiful views, picnic areas, a swimming lake, 20 miles of trails and a simple, two loop campground with 73 RV campers and tent campsites that is open year round .
Hanging Rock State Park is also home to several vacation cabins that are available to rent year round, which can sleep up to six people and are equipped with private bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen with dining space and two bedrooms.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
The stony profile of Grandfather Mountain State Park hangs nearly one vertical mile above the North Carolina Piedmont, an enticing challenge for backcountry campers seeking peak-bagging vistas and alpine landscapes. More than 70 rare, threatened, and endangered species of flora and fauna make Grandfather a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve.
Any hike to the parks 13 backcountry sites starts with a climb from either the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Profile trailhead since hikers arent allowed to leave vehicles overnight inside the park. Several factors add to the challenge: lack of consistent water sources mean you need to pack water in, black bears frequent the environs, and changeable weather at high elevations requires extra vigilance and caution. Only one campsite is reservable, and backpackers must register at the trailhead kiosk before hiking in to claim a campsite.
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How Many Campgrounds Are Along The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway has eight campgrounds that are open seasonally for tent campers and RVers. The specific opening and closing dates are listed annually on the National Park Services website. All of the parkways campgrounds offer restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables and grills, but they do not have full hookups and only two of them have showers. Five of the parkways eight campgrounds are in North Carolina:
- Doughton Park Campground 239.2
- Mount Pisgah Campground 408.8
Where To Find Free Camping In North Carolina
During my travels, I used several different resources to find places to camp.
Ive found that having a variety of tools under your belt is essential, as some websites and apps may show locations that others do not.
Moreover, youll have a variety of reviews from fellow campers that can be extremely helpful when deciding where to stay.
I cant tell you how many times I found a spot on one app, and then switched to another app to find reviews.
It gives me much more confidence when deciding where to stay and most importantly avoid driving my rig all the way to a location just to realize it wont work out .
So, without further adieu, here are 5 resources to help you find that perfect campsite:
We planned almost our entire cross-country road trip with this app. I love Allstays because it shows EVERYTHING.
From free dispersed camping to RV parks from dump stations to truck stops.
Allstays even indicates clearance restrictions and road grade, which is especially important in mountainous areas like North Carolina.
It was actually in North Carolina where our brakes almost melted while driving down a mountain.
We were RV newbies and didnt pay attention to the level of elevation we reached.
Sure enough, we found ourselves parked on the side of a narrow road in our 35 foot Class A with cars whizzing by.
As you might guess, it was absolutely terrifying. So my advice to you is this: know your rig and pay attention to road grade. Learn from our mistakes!
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Free North Carolina Boondocking Locations
Although there is no such thing as a free lunch, there are free campgrounds. Setting up camp in an undeveloped region, whether you call it boondocking or dispersed camping, has a lot of attraction. Choose your own spot without making a reservation, stay for a week or two, and camp for free at one of these North Carolina boondocking spots.
Youre not merely going off the grid like you would when dry camping. Because there arent many amenities other than a parking spot, youll most likely need your own generators, batteries, solar panels, and fresh water supplies when boondocking say goodbye to Wi-Fi!
Boondocking is permitted in numerous specified places of the Croatan, Nantahala, Pisgah, and Uwharrie National Forests in North Carolina. You should be fine as long as you dont camp near trailheads and observe all fire safety requirements .
Can You Camp Anywhere In Pisgah National Forest
While the national forest has plenty of options open to both backcountry and frontcountry camping, dispersed camping is only allowed at designated sites in the following areas in the Pisgah National Forest:
- Pisgah Ranger District along the following corridors: Cathys Creek, Courthouse Creek, Wash Creek, Headwaters, Yellow Gap and Avery Creek
- Appalachian Ranger District in corridors along Big Ivy Road, Cold Springs Creek and River Road/ French Broad River
- Grandfather Ranger District along the Curtis Creek corridor.
There are several areas closed to dispersed camping including Bent Creek Experimental Forest the Cradle of Forestry in America the Wilson Creek corridor Silvermine Creek developed day-use sites and campgrounds and many wildlife openings. If youre looking for camping site specific information, you should call the ranger districts directly.
There are several established campgrounds throughout the forest that are perfect for car camping and a few even take advance reservations including Davidson River Campground, Lake Powhatan Campground, Harmon Den Campground, and North Mills River Recreation Area. The Pisgah National Forest has a comprehensive camping guide which includes fees and opening and closing dates available on their website.
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Wrapping Up Free Camping In North Carolina
We hope you found this guide helpful, and that now youre feeling excited, prepared, and looking forward to visiting some of the best spots for free camping in North Carolina! Let us know which spot youre most looking forward to experiencing on your camping adventures in the comments below!
Looking for more North Carolina camping? Check out our recommendations here:
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore preserves 55 miles of beaches and coastline from Ocracoke Inlet in the northeast to Beaufort Inlet in the southeast .
The seashore is made up of three barrier islands and includes two historic villages, wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Because the barrier islands are undeveloped, they can only be reached by boat or ferry and offer few amenities.
Camping is allowed within Cape Lookout National Seashore but all camping is primitive beach camping which means there are no designated campgrounds. You can set your campsite up almost anywhere on the beach but campsites are not allowed 100 feet from wells, shade shelters, bulletin boards, docks or other structures and must be at least 100 yards from the lighthouse and from any cabin or house. Camping is not permitted on Harkers Island, in Portsmouth Village, in the Cape Lookout Light Station complex, in the Cape Village, in long term parking areas, or on property held under private lease. Campsites also cannot be set up on top of dunes.
Because Cape Lookout National Seashore is undeveloped, there are no camp stores or other amenities on the barrier islands. Youll need to make sure you pack everything you need to bring with you, including clothes, comfortable shoes, towels, and all the fresh water and food youll need for your entire visit. There are also no trash cans on the islands and campers must take all trash with them when they leave.
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Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parkscharlotte North Carolina
Found a few miles east of the Catawba River and southeast of Lake Norman, Charlotte is an urban paradise with a beautiful skyline and culture to match. Charlotte is the most densely populated city in North Carolina, and its filled with cultural, historical, and natural attractions, making it an amazing place to stop on an RV trip through this state.
There are major sports teams, like the Carolina Panthers and Carolina Nuggets, as well as many minor league teams to watch there. Charlotte has a humid, sub-tropical climate, so it works out well that there are tons of places to go swimming in and around the city. The ocean is only a few hours drive away from Charlotte, too. If it is RV camping that you are looking for, then youll love all the Charlotte, North Carolina, campground options that are available. There are campgrounds and RV parks to suit every need, and so before you rent an RV and drive to the Charlotte area for your vacation, check out some of the best spots to camp on this list.
- Discounts: Military/Good Sam/AAA/Passholder
Hammocks Beach State Park
Anglers might want to set up camp on Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Park near Swansboro. Open dunes awash with sea oats wait campers here, as well as waters chock full of fish. Puppy drum, flounder, trout and blue fish bite now as they did in centuries past, when the park was a hunting and fishing haven for Native American tribes.
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Mount Mitchell State Park
The campground at Mt. Mitchell State Park is one of our favoritesit offers incredible views and easy access to the Deep Gap Trail which starts at Mount Mitchells summit.
Sleep under the stars at North Carolinas first state park and on the highest peak east of the Mississippi at one of Mount Mitchells nine tent camping sites. The family campground is open seasonally May 1 through October 31 and each site has a grill and a picnic table, and does have restrooms but no hot water. If you prefer roughing it , Mount Mitchell State Park is also open to backpackersbackpacking campers can leave their cars in the park overnight to camp in the Pisgah National Forest.
Best Places To Go Free Camping In North Carolina
Looking for a no-cost camping option in the gorgeous, scenic state of North Carolina? Youre in luck! There are many wonderful, free camping spots scattered across the states four national forests and beautiful backcountryso many, in fact, it can be hard to pick one that suits all your camping needs! Luckily, our free camping guide is here to help. Weve rounded up some of the top-reviewed, best spots for free camping in North Carolinaread on to find the area thats best for you and your family!
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Free Camping In Central North Carolina
Home to the famous Uwharrie National Forest, central North Carolina offers a bevy of great options for free camping in the beauty that thrives at the heart of this state! One of North Carolinas four great national forests, Uwharrie lies on 52,000 acres that include designated game lands for public hunting, trapping, and fishingand for camping! There are so many beautiful, free, dispersed campsites where you can pitch a tent, park an RV or trailer, and enjoy the splendor that is central North Carolina from any one of its best spots for free camping!
Fires Creek Recreation Area
Located about five miles from the city of Hayesville, the Fires Creek Recreation Area provides more than just a great, free camping experience! Campers at the remote Fires Creek location will also have access to some of the best trout fishing in the area, as well as great picnicking, hiking, and horseback riding opportunities along the 25-mile expanse of the Rim Trail in the backcountry area.
Inside Fires Creek, campers have their pick of two free camping options: Bristol Campground, which offers nine sites and a vault toilet and can accommodate equestrian campers and Huskins Branch Hunters Camp, which boasts a more primitive camping experience. Drinking water is provided on site, and no reservations are needed at either of these campgrounds!
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A Guide To Camping For Free In The Land Of The Free
Renting a motorhome in the USA is like picking up the keys to freedom. There are more than 4.1 million miles of roads in America, and with a campervan, you can go anywhere, at any time, and see this incredible country on your own terms. This flexibility is at the heart of what makes an RV road trip through the USA so incomparable! All you need to consider on this adventure of a lifetime is where you will park each night, and were here to help you do this as conveniently and affordably as possible.
Freedom camping, free camping, wild camping, boondocking, dispersed camping: whatever you want to call it, finding free places to camp in the United States is possible, although there are a number of things to note before you hit the road with your campervan.
Namely, the laws tend to differ from state to state, so as you celebrate crossing each state line, you may also need to run a quick check on the local rules and regulations.
Read on to learn more about freedom camping in the USA.
Free Camping In North Carolina
14. Long point Boat Launch Located in the Croatan National Forest this is a great spot for anyone who loves fishing. You can camp right where you plan to launch your boat, so, of course, that means it’s right on the water!
15. Wine Spring Horse Camp You do need reservations here, but it is a fenced-in camp area with lots of great trails perfect for any hiker!
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South Mountains State Park
Way before you get to the Blue Ridge Mountains, you come to the rocky ridges of South Mountains State Park. Separated from their larger neighbors by the Catawba River Valley, these undeveloped peaks rise to 3,000 feet, with more than 40 miles of trails leading to 20 backcountry campsites. Hike along the densely forested banks of the Jacobs Fork River to climb anywhere from one to 5.5 miles to backcountry campsites clustered along the parks creeks.
Can You Camp For Free At Pisgah National Forest
Dispersed camping, also known as backcountry camping or backpacking, is free in the Pisgah National Forest, so while you can camp at no cost, you have to make sure that you are only camping in designated areas to limit your environmental impact. Two of our favorite areas for backpacking in the Pisgah National Forest are the Linville Gorge Wilderness and Shining Rock Wilderness.
Fees vary to camp at one of the eleven established campgrounds in Pisgah National Forest, and you can learn more details about campground costs and other amenities in the National Forests camping guide which is linked below.
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Lake James State Park
Lake James State Park sits at the confluence of the Linville River, Catawba River, and Paddys Creek. Covering more than 6,000 acres, the lake surrounds 30 boat-in backcountry campsites on Long Arm Peninsula, with no hiking trails or vehicle access to bring in the crowds.
The sites are small but well-equipped, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough room for a six-person tent. There are bathroom facilities nearby, but you should bring in potable water or a water filter because theres no running water available. In summer, canoes and kayaks can be rented from park concessions.
Free North Carolina Boondocking Locations Harmon Den Dispersed Camping
AddressCold Springs Road Hot Springs, North CarolinaElevation: 2795
Management: Public Forest Service
The road in is Gravel. You may stay 14 nights at Harmon Den Dispersed Camping. Roadside camping is generally allowed beside most gravel roads. However, along Cold Springs Road in Harmon Den, roadside camping is permitted only at sites with a camping symbol.
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Free North Carolina Boondocking Rv Parking & Camping Spots
North Carolina is a wonderful place to visit, and Free North Carolina boondocking lets you to do so on the cheap. North Carolina, dubbed Tar Heel State. One of the biggest draws for Free North Carolina boondocking is the abundance of national forest land. RV parking and free camping is available within designated sites. These areas are undeveloped and lack amenities such as restrooms, showers, electricity, and other amenities found in developed campgrounds. Free North Carolina Camping Spots and Free North Carolina Boondocking Spots are what we concentrated on when searching for the best Free North Carolina Boondocking Locations.
Jump directly to the 25 SW Area North Carolina Boondocking
What Is Freedom Camping
Freedom camping is the experience of parking your campervan somewhere outside of designated parking spots, or in places that are free of charge. The trick is to know when and where it is actually legal to avoid upsetting local authorities and stick to an enjoyable and stress-free motorhome road trip.
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