EXPLORE · FREE CAMPING
Free Camping in North Carolina
North Carolina's two national forests — the Pisgah and the Nantahala — offer dispersed camping throughout the Blue Ridge and the southern Appalachians. The Nantahala has the broader dispersed camping zone: the Cheohah District, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest area, and the remote Slickrock Wilderness corridor all permit dispersed camping. The Pisgah district around Looking Glass Rock and the Shining Rock Wilderness has dispersed camping in the designated wilderness areas. The Uwharrie National Forest in the piedmont also permits dispersed camping. North Carolina requires a free permit for dispersed camping in the Shining Rock and Middle Prong wilderness areas — self-issue at trailheads.
No reservations needed for dispersed camping. Check fire restrictions at fs.usda.gov before your trip — restrictions change frequently in summer. Stay limit is typically 14 days at any one location. Find free camping on the Trek4Free map →
Before You Go
Gear up for dispersed camping — no hookups, no camp store, no running water
Free Camping Sites in North Carolina
Overview Large groups enjoy this cozy mountain campground in the Pisgah National Forest of western North Carolina. Ample opportunities for recreation exist in t…
Overview White Pine South Group Camp is one of two group campsites nestled along Avery Creek in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains. The facility prov…
This site is not maintained but can still be used. Campers must hike in to the developed areas, and all sites are primitive. No electric hook ups, no toilets, n…
Overview Frisco Campground is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Camping here will put you in a prime location to exp…
Overview Harmon Den Campground is nestled on a mountainside beneath a forest of mixed hardwoods in the Pisgah National Forest. The camp is in a secluded area of…
RV and tent camping, campground host on site. Flush toilets and shower are available. Picnic shelter on site.
Overview North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of…
Overview This is a relatively small facility with campsites organized into one row. The facility provides picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire r…
Overview Wash Creek Horse Camp is a small group area designed for equestrian use located two miles northeast of the North Mills River Recreation Area and Bent C…
A.T. ABINGTON GAP SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. BALD MOUNTAIN SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. CLYDE SMITH SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. CURLEY MAPLE GAP SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. DOUBLE SPRINGS SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. IRON MOUNTAIN SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. LAUREL FORK SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. MORELAND GAP SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. NO BUSINESS KNOB SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. ROAN HIGH KNOB SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. SPRING MOUNTAIN SHELTER (Camping Area)
A.T. VANDEVENTER SHELTER (Camping Area)
BROWN MOUNTAIN CUA ROADSIDE CAMPSITES (Campground)
FISHERS LANDING (Campground)
Houston Valley Recreation Area (elevation 1,800 feet) is centrally located to both Paint Creek and Weaver Bend. It is located directly off Tennessee (TN) Scenic…
PAINT CREEK DISPERSED CAMPSITES (Camping Area)
A.T. WALNUT MOUNTAIN SHELTER (Camping Area)
Overview Arrowhead Campground lies in the Badin Lake Recreation Area, a hub for outdoor activities in central North Carolina's Uwharrie National Forest. The var…
The off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail system in the Uwharrie offers a variety of topography and scenery. All trails are designated for all off-highway vehicles an…
Overview Badin Lake Campground borders the lakeshore and sits within a shaded forest, offering a year-round retreat for swimmers, boaters and anglers in central…
Overview Badin Lake Group Camp offers a fun, relaxing place for clubs, families and other groups to rest and play in the Uwharrie National Forest of central Nor…
Overview Black Mountain Campground sits in the shadow of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. and borders the South Toe River. Black Mountain is a…
Overview Canebrake Horse Camp lies in the Badin Lake Recreation Area, a hub for outdoor activities in central North Carolina's Uwharrie National Forest. The fac…
Overview Cape Point Campground sites have a shortened reservation window. Due to the ground saturation and potential for flooding we encourage you to check the …
Overview Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area sits in the scenic mountains of Pisgah National Forest. This is a great place for small to medium-sized groups to swi…
Overview Cedar Point Campground and Recreation Area is located in eastern North Carolina at the junction of the White Oak River and the Bogue Sound, immediately…
Overview Located in the Cheoah Point Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest, this cabin is part of a campground that includes tent and RV sites. The c…
Overview Cheoah Point Campground lies on a peninsula of the vast Lake Santeetlah in the hills of western North Carolina. The lake and surrounding landscape prov…
Overview Cliffside Lake Recreation Area is a large Day Use area outside of Highlands, NC in Nantahala National Forest. The site offers access to Cliffside Lake …
Overview Cove Creek Lower Group Camp is one of two group campsites nestled along Cove Creek in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains in western North Ca…
RV and tent camping, campground host on site.
Overview Curtis Creek Campground is nestled in the mountains at the base of the Blue Ridge just minutes from the quaint town of Old Fort and less than an hour f…
Overview Davidson River Recreation Area offers camping and outdoor activities for the whole family. The campground boasts several loops of shaded campsites, as …
Overview Nestled in a landscape of mountains, open meadows and pioneer cabins, Doughton Park Campground is surrounded by 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails offer…
Overview Located in the Neuse River Recreation Area in eastern North Carolina, Flanners Beach Campground is situated on a bluff overlooking the scenic Neuse Riv…
Cherokee National Forest USFS near Elizabethton, TN off of Panhandle Rd, flat parking spot in a pushoff just off of Panhandle Rd. Privacy behind parking spot, …
Cooper/Hightower/Camping spot. North Georgia Mountains near AT, Springer Mtn, Three Forks. Huge camping area, loop rd pulloff.
AT hiking nerby, Cooper/Hightower/Knob Pulloff, 4wd rd beyond to private knob camping spot
AT hiking nearby, Cooper/Hightower rds, pulloff near a rock that drips during wet weather.
AT crosses right near this free campspot near Cooper/Hightower and Horse Gap. There is a pulloff w/fire ring.
Chatahoochee National Forest, off of FS 80, camp spot w tent pad. Near Camp Wasegah and Camp Merril I think. Inbetween and North of a line between Dahlonegah a…
Wildcat Forest Service road USFS 26, outside Moccasin Creek State Park in Georgia. Not accessible to RVs or large trailers.
Trailhead parking area at end of dirt road used mostly by climbers. Rangers won't bother you for any reason. Large area south end for tents. Water is available …
Access road to the Fontana Lake Dam (Dirt road right next to small waterfall). Drive a mile up on the road (stop right before the road gate). Awesome place for …
Birkhead Mountains Wilderness in Uwharrie National Forest (USFS) has multiple trail heads, and this one off of Lassiter Mill Road is far less used than the "nic…
Near Emerald Isle NC on the White Oak River. Long Point Landing. Enter from Highway 58 at brown sign FR120 between Maysville and Swansboro N 34.822 W 77.15. T…
Overview Great Island Cabin Camp sits on South Core Banks within Cape Lookout National Seashore, just off the North Carolina coast. This historic, remote camp h…
Overview Jackrabbit Mountain Campground offers scenic lakeside camping in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest of southwestern North Carolina. Campers can br…
Overview Located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the lush green expanses of North Carolina, Julian Price Campground is a top destination for boating, hik…
Overview Glamping sites are now available at Lake Powhatan! Experience nature and outdoor recreation without sacrificing the comforts and luxuries of home. Choo…
Overview Located in a dense pine canopy, within hiking distance of Linville Gorge, and along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls Campground is an idea…
Overview Escape to North Core Cabin Camp — a one-of-a-kind coastal getaway on North Core Banks within the stunning Cape Lookout National Seashore. Just off the …
Overview One of the most popular of the Parkway's campgrounds, Mount Pisgah Campground is perched in the rolling mountains of western North Carolina on the sout…
Dispersed camping along the ocean beach of this 20- barrier island -- this is backcountry-style camping -- all camping is done directly on the ocean beach, ther…
Overview Located in the famous Outer Banks area of the stunning North Carolina coast, this campground is perfect for a beach getaway trip. Recreation The seasho…
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (423) 638-4109.
Overview Oregon Inlet Campground is the northernmost campground on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. When camping here, you are within a short distance of the fu…
Overview Otter Creek Campground is located at the Blue Ridge Parkway's lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. Picturesque Otter Creek winds through th…
Overview Oyster Point Campground is located on the banks of the Newport River, near the town of Newport, NC. The campground is just a short drive to the beaches…
Overview The Peaks of Otter Campground is nestled between the bases of two dominating mountains in the rolling hills of Virginia. Campers enjoy a rare serenity …
Rattler Ford has four units that accommodate 25 people per unit. Showers, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court are available. A trout stream and hiking trails…
Overview Rattler Ford Group Campground sits near the swift-moving Santeetlah Creek in the Nantahala National Forest. Groups of up to 25 guests can enjoy the cre…
Overview Rocky Bluff Campground offers solitude in a wooded setting located just 3 miles south of the quaint town of Hot Springs and the majestic French Broad R…
Overview Located on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway in the hills of rural Virginia, Rocky Knob Campground is nestled amid rolling meadowlands with impressive disp…
Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…
Overview Please be advised: due to health and safety concerns, occupancy within Swan Cabin will no longer be permitted. However, group camping outside the cabin…
Overview Van Hook Glade is a scenic, secluded campground in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. Convenient for families and anglers, the campground is i…
Overview Wolf Ford Horse Camp is a reservation only campground located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, near the town of Brevard. The ca…