The Ultimate Pisgah National Forest Camping Guide
Pisgah National Forest offers more than half a million acres of wilderness to explore, stretching from near the southernmost reaches of Western North Carolina to the northern border.
The National Forest is split into three ranger districts. The Pisgah District encompasses areas south of Asheville, the Grandfather District includes areas near Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Linville Gorge Wilderness, while the Appalachian District stretches along the Tennessee border.
There are dozens of Pisgah National Forest campgrounds and day-use areas for visitors to enjoy. Most of them are in fabulously picturesque locations, nestled deep in the forests and often near mountain streams or lakes.
There are also ample opportunities for Pisgah National Forest RV camping.
While there are no U.S. Forest Service cabins in Pisgah National Forest, privately-owned Pisgah National Forest cabin rentals are widely available.
In addition, there are a number of private campgrounds near Pisgah National Forest that offer cabins, treehouses, and other creature comforts.
Thanks to the moderate Pisgah National Forest weather, spring is often an inviting time for nature lovers to visit, with the verdant green forest dotted with beautiful North Carolina birds and wildflowers.
Free Camping With Cell Service In Colorado
We have traveled Colorado extensively, and while in our van, never once had an issue finding not only free camping in the states national forests, but almost always immaculate camping. Some of the best are the big views of Twin Lakes, near Leadville and Last Dollar Road, near Telluride.
Arapaho National Forest is home to amazing experiences like Beaver Reservoir and free camping near the eclectic town of Nederland, CO at West Magnolia.
You almost cant go wrong in Gunnison National Forest, where spots surrounding the hoity-toity but ultimately spectacular Crested Butteespecially Washington Gulch and Slate Riverjust blow the pants off of most expectations.
Pike National Forest puts you in proximity to Denver, should that be on your list.
The Rio Grande National Forest has a few free spots to camp, though sometimes harder to find than usual, and the town of Pagosa Springs is a highway town full of breweries and river trips.
Roosevelt National Park is home to wildlife galore, and places like Winter Park and Grand Lake are well worth a visit. It also serves as a crescent shaped bridge between the western entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder, Colorado.
National Forests In North Carolina
One of the biggest draws for free camping in North Carolina is the abundance of national forest land. Dispersed camping is available within designated sites. These areas are primitive in nature without bathrooms, showers, electricity, or the amenities you will find at developed campgrounds.
There are four National Forests in North Carolina, with hundreds of thousands of acres to explore and enjoy. Each has designated areas where campers can take advantage of dispersed camping.
- Pisgah National Forest. This beautiful forest is filled with high peaks, waterfalls, and over 500,000 acres to explore. Choose from locations within the Appalachian Ranger District, Grandfather Ranger District, and the Pisgah Ranger District to enjoy free camping in North Carolina.
- Croatan National Forest. This national forest is a popular location for visitors as it is the only true coastal forest on the east coast. Its bordered on three sides by water and the area includes both bogs and saltwater estuaries for campers to explore.
- Nantahala National Forest. With over 530,000 acres of forest land, this is the largest forest in NC. There are plenty of spots for free camping here within the Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala Ranger District, and the Tusquitee Ranger District.
- Uwharrie National Forest. Primitive camping is available within this national forest. Be sure to pay attention to posted signs that indicate if camping is not allowed in the area.
Read Also: Where To Go Camping In October
Recommended Reading: 11 Mile State Park Camping
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
How To Get There:
35.22, -82.7783335°13â12â³N, 82°46â42â³WFrom Asheville, take State Highway 280 south to Brevard. At the junction of U.S. Highway 276/64/280, follow Highway 64 west through Brevard to Cathyâs Creek Road/Forest Road 471. Take a right and go 1.25 miles to campground entrance.
Vehicles must cross a creek to enter both Cove Creek and Kuykendall camping areas.you cross the creek at your own risk.
Also Check: Tent Camping Near Jacksonville Fl
Best Texas State Parks
Texas is not known for free anything, and that includes camping. When the state became part of the US, most of the land was already owned by Americans who immigrated to Mexico, only to then request that their new homes be annexed by the USanyway, its a long story and not necessarily a favorable one when it comes to freedom, but a few gems do exist, mostly in the Rita Blanca National Grasslands, as the other true national forests allow very little RV or van friendly camping.
If youre desperate for a good, free experience in Texas, skip the national forests and head to Big Bend National Park. If you dont mind dropping a Jackson or less, check out the Lone Star States state park system, one of our favorite.
The Us Forest Service And Dispersed Camping
The U.S. Forest Service manages 154 national forests and 20 grasslands in 44 states across the United States, and in almost all of these, visitors are welcome to set up their camp outside of designated areasprovided camping is not expressly prohibited.
According to the Forest Service, “All National Forest lands are open to camping unless otherwise posted,” which provide certain advantages over the designated campgrounds set up in many national forests including “peace, solitude, and adventure.” However, the Forest Service also advises that there are a few drawbacks to wilderness camping including fire permit requirements, the need to bring or purify water, the possibility of floods, and having to properly dispose of human waste while in the forest.
Regulations and Recommendations
Forest Service federal regulations are meant to control actions that cause damage to natural resources and facilities, as well as actions that cause unreasonable disturbances or unsafe conditions for visitors. Fortunately, the rules are fairly straightforward and easy to follow, which means you don’t have to do much to enjoy free camping in the national parks:
While this list of regulations is not comprehensive, it covers the basics of camping outside of designated areas. For a complete list of rules and advice from the National Park Service, you can access more information online or at a U.S.F.S. office.
Recommended Reading: Camping Near Camp Verde Az
Free North Carolina Rv Boondocking Wash Creek Roadside Campsites In Pisgah National Forest
AddressWash Creek Road FR 5000Asheville, North CarolinaElevation: 2645
Management: Public Forest Service
The road in is Gravel and less than 0.5 and up to 3 miles from a paved road. Wash Creek Roadside Campsites in Pisgah National Forest is open Year Round but Blue Ridge Parkway Closes in Winter. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 17ft. You may stay 14 Days at Wash Creek Roadside Campsites in Pisgah National Forest. Winding gravel road that crosses Blue Ridge Parkway with lots of pull-off campsites.
Free North Carolina Boondocking Spots Wilson Creek Area
AddressElevation: 1623
Management: Public Forest Service
The road in is Gravel. You may stay 14 nights at Wilson Creek Area. Primitive dispersed car camping in pullouts along a Pisgah National Forest Road. Nothing but land is provided. Bring anything that youll need and take it all with you when you leave.
Recommended Reading: Best Camping In Grand Teton National Park
South Section Of Pisgah National Forest Free Camping
There are many options for free camping here. The North Mills River area has some great spots for tenters, vans, teardrops but not larger RVs or large pull campers. There is a horse camp located on FS 5000, so trailers do drive down it, but it can be tight in some areas. Most of the spots are marked and have established fire rings, and some have tent pads. There is also a small fee campground North Mills River Campground, open year-round to accommodate larger RVs and have vault toilets but no hot showers. To get to the free spots, take FS 5000, also called Wash Creek rd. This road connects the North Mills River area to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a gravel road to get rough and bumpy in sections. I would always scout out this area before pulling anything down a forest service road. Remember that the Blue Ridge Parkway often closes in the winter so that you may get to the end, and it is gated off. The sites along FS 5000 are marked, so you will quickly see them. Go early in the day as they do fill up.
Free North Carolina Boondocking Spots Cahooque Creek Recreation Site
AddressGPS: 34.917326, -76.852227
Management: Public Forest Service
The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. Cahooque Creek Recreation Site is open Year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. Since we did not find the listed free campsite we were looking for the first night, we found this nice and clean boat ramp. With dry toilets and trash cabs. RV only. Stayed in the first parking lot for single vehicles.
Recommended Reading: Everglades National Park Camping Cabins
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 .
Dispersed Camping: What It Is And How To Do It Right
Are you familiar with the term dispersed camping? Perhaps not, but you probably already know what it is and not even know it.
Dispersed camping, like primitive camping, is camping on public lands away from designated campgrounds. It allows you to avoid larger crowds but does not include the luxury of facilities, such as bathrooms and showers.
In other words, if you have ever had an overnight hiking trip, you likely participated in dispersed camping simply by pitching your tent in a clear spot along the trail. In some of the more popular dispersed camping sites, you might find a lean-to shelter and even a privy, but it will still be considered dispersed when not in a campground.
So, why the confusing terminology?
Dispersed camping is used by the National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to distinguish campgrounds from more primitive camping that is permitted on public lands. Aside from that, dispersed camping is primitive camping it is just more official.
Looking to try dispersed camping for the first time? Let us go over a few things.
You May Like: Circuit Of The Americas Camping
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.
Playing In The Pisgah: How To Spend A Weekend In Western Carolina
Itâs no secret that the mountains of Western North Carolina have a wide array of wonderful places to live and play. With vibrant mountain towns like Boone, Brevard, and Asheville, as well as well-preserved national forests and serpentine scenic highways, itâs easy to see why so many people choose to visit this area . If youâre going on vacation this holiday season, make sure the Pisgah is on the top of your list. And while youâre there, use this weekend guide for a night of camping and a day of hiking and trail running.
Also Check: Free Camping Near Nashville Tennessee
Don’t Miss: Dispersed Camping Near Camp Verde Az
Salty Kisses On A Sailboat
Mississippi is home to an abundant number of national forests, however most are relatively small as forests go, and there is very little free camping accessible to vans or RVs. Airey Lake is one of the few exceptions, where just about any size of a rig can find a spot, if theyre available, and facilities like flush toilets, trash and water accompany your more recreational pursuits.
The remainder of the national forestland in Ol Mississip will run you around $7 / night with no hookups, though more expensive options exist where amenities are available.
Camping Near You Find A Free Campsite
Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we’ve got you covered. You can simply use your smart phone’s GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.
Our community provides the best free camping information available. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Freecampsites.net makes it easy. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Community reviews and ratings provide you with up to date information and help you select the best camp site for your next camping trip.
This is a platform for sharing campgrounds and camp sites you have discovered. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. By sharing camping information freely, we can all spend less time researching campgrounds, spend less money, and more time camping. If everyone contributes a few campsites, we’ll all have more places to go camping.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
We are not actively seeking Wal-Marts, truckstops or other parking lots and will not be adding very many of these. There are enough Wal-Mart and truck stop directories out there already. However, if a member of the community finds one of these locations to be useful for overnight RV parking and creates an entry, we may approve the listing.
Please come back and let us know what you find!
You May Like: Camping World Myrtle Beach Sc
Free North Carolina Rv Parking Roseboro Rd Dispersed Camping
Address
Elevation: 1896
Management: Public Forest Service
The road in is Gravel and .5 miles from a paved road. Panther Creek is open All. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 at Panther Creek. Two sites. One is walk in only, the other is large but would be difficult to get a big camper in. Flat camp area with tent pads, fire rings, and picnic table. Right on a trout stream.
Pisgah Ranger District Roadside Camping
The massive Pisgah National Forest is divided into three districts. The Pisgah Ranger District includes the Brevard area with places such as Looking Glass Rock, Sliding Rock and many waterfalls.
Within the Pisgah Ranger District there are disbursed roadside camping sites that are available on a first come – first serve basis. These campsites are located alongside gravel roads throughout the district and include a parking area, tent pad, and fire ring. Toilet facilities and drinking water are not available.
Trash pick-up is not provided. Trash must be collected and disposed of properly. Failure to remove or properly dispose of trash is a crime and law enforcement officers will issue citations for littering if trash is strewn about or not properly disposed of.
The following regulations must be adhered to and are strictly enforced by Law Enforcement Officers.
Warning: Unattended property and equipment in these areas can be an easy target for criminal activity. Protect your property by locking valuables out of site. Access to these campsites is easy by any vehicle. If you see anyone stealing anything from a roadside campsite or parking area near a public trailhead, picnic, or recreation area please call 911 to report it or call USPS Law Enforcement at the Pisgah District Ranger Station at 828-877-3265.
Recommended Reading: Best Pellet Grill For Camping
Nevadas Extraterrestrial Highway: The Weirdest Road In America
While parts of national forests that primarily exist in California do extend into Nevada, there is simply too little acreage for it to be of note in this article. That said, Nevadas Loneliest Highway, aka US Route 50, is a joyride across the state, particularly when taken from Utah toward Lake Tahoe.
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!
You May Like: Camping World California Rv Sales