Dispersed Camping

Dispersed campsites are primitive camping areas that don't have bathrooms or many of the other amenities you will find at developed campgrounds. Dispersed camping is only allowed at designated areas.

For site-specific information, call the local ranger station.

Dispersed Camping Areas

Croatan National Forest
Welcome to the Croatan National Forest, one of four National Forests in North Carolina and the only true coastal forest in the East. The Croatan National Forest's 160,000 acres have pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs and raised swamps called pocosins. Bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound, the forest is defined by water.

All this water provides a variety of recreation and diversity of wildlife- from deer, black bears and turkeys to wading birds, ospreys and alligators. Canoeing and fishing are popular on blackwater creeks and saltwater marshes. The Croatan is also home to the carnivorous Venus fly-trap, sunder and pitcherplant.

The Croatan National Forest has one Ranger District, the Croatan Ranger District. Please contact the District for more information.

Camping and Day-use Information

Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Croatan National Forest can be found here.

Recreation Maps

Croatan National Forest Maps

Be Safe

The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.
Catfish Area
Catfish Lake Boat Launch and Waterfowl Impoundment
Catfish Lake Boat Launch
Catfish Waterfowl Impoundment
Great Lake Boat Launch
Long Point Boat Launch
Neusiok Area
Neusiok Trails and Pine Cliff Picnic Area
Neusiok Trail
Oyster Point Campground
Nantahala National Forest
Welcome to the Nantahala National Forest! The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. The Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in Franklin, NC. All district names come from the Cherokee language. "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noon day sun," a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday.The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under authority of the 1911 Weeks Act. This act provided authority to acquire lands for national forests to protect watersheds, to provide timber, and to regulate the flow of navigable streams. In the Nantahala National Forest, visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities from whitewater rafting to camping. With over 600 miles of trails, opportunities exist for hikers, mountain bikers, horse-back riders and off-highway vehicle riders.

Camping and Day-use Information

Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Nantahala National Forest can be found here.

Recreation Maps

Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps

Be Safe

The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

Waterfall Safety for the Summer.
Cheoah Ranger District
The Cheoah Ranger District has 120,500 acres in Graham and Swain Counties. These lands surround four large mountain reservoirs and contain numerous streams. Fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, hunting, hiking, and viewing fall colors are some popular activities. From the Cherohala Skyway, you can enjoy mountain vistas. The Appalachian Trail and other trails make up a network of some 320 miles that cross the district. The district offers trails for horseback riders, mountain bikers, short-distance hikers, and backpackers. Several lakeside, streamside, and scenic developed campgrounds, and picnic areas provide a variety of outdoor experiences.
Joyce Kilmer Road NCSR #1134
Long Hungry FDR #2586
Panther Creek FDR #2604B
Pine Ridge Road NCSR #1147
Santeetlah Creek FDR #81
Santeetlah Lake
Snowbird Backcountry Area
A bit larger than 8,000 acres, the Snowbird Area is protected as a Wilderness Study Area. Frequently used by fishermen, and less so by backpackers, this roadless area encompasses the entire upper watershed of the creek, including the major tributaries Sassafras Branch and Meadow Branch. The Snowbird Creek watershed is well-known for its trout fishing. The Bemis Hardwood Lumber Company logged the valley in the early 1930’s. Because of its low value at the time, most of the hemlock was left, and magnificent specimens, though dying, are scattered throughout the watershed. Some large American chestnut trees remain at the upper end of the valley. Above High Falls, the creek supports a reproducing population of native brook trout. Hooper Bald, one of the largest balds in the Southeast, lies adjacent to the upper boundary of the area. Also near the top of the area is McGuires, site of an old hunting lodge. The pens still stand from which Russian wild boars escaped into the neighboring mountains. The area has several beautiful waterfalls. Camping is allowed anywhere except at the trailheads, but Leave-No-Trace Principles should be followed to protect the pristine creeks.
Snowbird Creek
Wolf Laurel Hunters Camp FDR#81F
Nantahala Ranger District
The Nantahala Ranger District stretches 250,000 acres across Macon, Jackson and Swain counties offering a variety of recreational opportunities from camping to off-highway vehicle riding. This District is a diverse, rugged, and mountainous area with raging rivers, granite walls, and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the remoteness of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness, a scenic drive along the Mountain Waters Byway or a view Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. The Nantahala is also home to four long distance trails, the Appalachian, Bartram, Foothills, and Mountains-to-Sea Trails. Come experience the outdoors and explore the Nantahala! Nantahala Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734, (828) 524-6441
Ammons Branch Campground
Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
Chattooga Wild and Scenic River
Ellicott Rock Wilderness
Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Campground
Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area
Wine Spring Horse Camp
Tusquitee Ranger District
This 158,900-acre district lies in the far southwestern tip of North Carolina in Cherokee and Clay Counties. The Tusquitee District has three large lakes that offer a variety of recreation. Two major rivers, the Hiwassee and Valley, provide canoeing. Three reservoirs in beautiful mountain settings provide a playground for recreation enthusiasts. Hiwassee Lake, Chatuge Lake, and Appalachia Lake offer boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming, as well as a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature’s wonders. Chatuge Lake is excellent for sailing. The Hiwassee and Appalachia Lakes are located west of Murphy, along the Hiwassee River. Chatuge Lake spans the Georgia-North Carolina State line, south of Hayesville. For camping and picnicking, four areas are available.
Fires Creek Recreation Area
This remote area offers excellent trout fishing, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The 25-mile Rim Trail in the Fires Creek Backcountry Area, is a hiking trail, however, some trail sections are open to horses. As the name implies, the Rim Trail climbs the ridge around Fires Creek and makes a large loop. The trail offers vistas as it crosses several highelevation balds. Located on Fires Creek, Bristol Campground has nine sites, a vault toilet, and accomodates horse campers. Huskins Branch Hunters Camp offers primitive camping. From the Leatherwood Falls Picnic Area, a 0.7-mile loop goes to Leatherwood Falls.
Fires Creek Hunters Camp
Pisgah National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains.

Camping and Day-use Information

Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here

Recreation Maps

Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps

Directions to Frequently Requested Places

NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area

Blue Ridge Parkway South

Blue Ridge Parkway North

Pisgah Ranger District

Cradle of Forestry

Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route)

The Biltmore House

Mt. Mitchell

Be Safe

The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

Waterfall Safety for the Summer.
Appalachian Ranger District
This page was last updated 09/19/2023

Current Notes of Interest:
- 9/18/2023- Forest Product Permits (Galax, Firewood, etc...) will be unavailable the following dates due to end of year fiscal processing:
  - October 2-3
  - November 1-3
- 09/05/2023- Roan Mountain Day Use Area, and the gate, will CLOSE for the 2023 season on September 29, 2023.
- 6/15/2023 -MAX PATCH- FOREST CLOSURE ORDER NO. 08-11-04-23-160, effective until June 30, 2026.
  - Max Patch USFS Page
  - Max Patch Closure Order Map
- 5/11/2023 : AT Shelter and Camping Temporary Closure
  - Due to recent aggressive bear behavior, a temporary closure is in place for overnight camping from Tanyard Gap to Deep Gap on the Appalachian Trail.
  - While backpackers are still permitted to hike through the area, all campsites and shelters are off limits, to include the area surrounding Rich Mountain Fire Tower.
- 4/14/2023- FOREST CLOSURE ORDER 08-00-00-23-02R, signed 4/14/2023, regulating food and refuse on USFS property.
  - The purpose of this closure order is to reduce adverse interactions between humans and animals. It is prohibited to possess or store any food or refuse unless it is possessed properly or stored properly.
    - Possessing or storing any food or refuse, as specified in the order. Click here to see the complete closure order.
  - This includes any area located within 1,000 ft of the Appalachian Trail and its facilities. This closure is effective for a period of 2 years.
Big Ivy Area, Coleman Boundary
The Big Ivy, Coleman Boundary area is located on the Appalachian Ranger District near Barnardsville, NC. "Ivy" is the local name for the mountain laurel shrub.This area is beautiful, remote, mountain land with more than 30 miles of trails that you can hike, bike and ride horses.
Black Mountain / South Toe River Area
The South Toe River area is on the Appalachian Ranger District near Burnsville, NC. This area includes the Black Mountains, the Blue Ridge, and the headwaters of the South Toe River. The Black Mountains, capped with a forest of red spruce and Fraser fir, are named for the resulting dark color. Along the South Toe River, you can camp, picnic, fish, swim, tube, bike, and horseback ride.

Page last updated 6/14/2023
Harmon Den Area
Harmon Den is on the Appalachian Ranger District in the vicinity of exit 7 off of I-40. The area is a haven for hikers and horseback riders. It offers 54.5 miles of trails with 14.2 miles of trails designated for horseback riding and 40.3 miles for hiking.

This page was last updated 6/30/2023

Temporary Closure Cold Springs Horse Trail #302 in Hot Springs is temporarily closed due to timber harvesting. Hazardous machinery and falling trees present.

NC Department of Transportation state road closure in Haywood County:
Starting as soon as Nov. 9, all traffic in both directions will be funneled into a one-lane pattern
prior to the bridge [at Harmon Den, exit 7 on I-40] and will use the ramps as a detour around the bridge.
Traffic will remain in this pattern into May while crews remove and replace the deteriorating structure.
Drivers desiring to go from Asheville to Dandridge, Tenn., may choose to take I-26 West to Kingsport
and then I-81 South to Dandridge. This route adds about 45 minutes to driving time
compared to a typical trip through the gorge.
Please see the North Carolina Dept. of Transportation News Release (with map)
at this link: News Release

This does not include USFS Road 148/Cold Springs Creek Road to Harmon Den area. This road remains open until seasonal closure in January,
but will require you to take the detour and reroute back south through the detour to access the turn into the road.
www.ncdrive.gov is a great resource for planning your trip during this time.

Harmon Den HorseCamp Information:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48600
Hot Springs Area
The French Broad River and Appalachian Trail travel right through Hot Springs making the town a haven for hikers, rafters and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Hot Springs area features 44 miles of trails with 13.4 miles designated for mountain biking.
Betty Place Trail 298
Grandfather Ranger District
The lands that make up the Grandfather Ranger District are those public lands that run from the McDowell/Buncombe county line on Black Mountain just east of Asheville over to US 321 between Lenoir and Blowing Rock. The Blue Ridge Parkway forms the northern boundary of the district. The Grandfather Ranger District began under the Weeks Act with the purchase of an 8,100acre tract in 1912. Now, the district covers over 192,000 acres. Enjoy your visit!
Linville Gorge Wilderness area
The Linville Gorge Wilderness, in the mountains of Western North Carolina, is part of the Pisgah National Forest. The gorge is formed by the Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville Mountain on the west and is bisected by the Linville River which drops 2,000 feet into the valleys below. The terrain is steep and rugged with numerous rock formations. It is covered by dense hardwood/pine forest and a wide variety of smaller trees and other plants. Recreation opportunities include hiking backpacking, rock climbing, fishing and hunting.

A free camping permit is needed on weekends and holidays May through October. Group size is limited to 10 persons. Each visitor or group may receive one weekend permit per month and may stay up to 3 consecutive days and 2 nights.

On nights when permits are required, 50 people total are permitted per night for overnight camping. 70% of the quota is available on the first day of the prior month. 30% of the quota is available for reservations each Wednesday at 10am ET for the coming weekend.
- Linville Gorge Wilderness Overnight Permits - Full Month in Advance
- Linville Gorge Wilderness Overnight Permits - 3 Days in Advance
Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Area
With fantastic vistas, ridges more than 4000 feet high, whitewater rapids and trails that travel to spectacular waterfalls, Wilson Creek offers great adventures for hiking, scenic viewing, mountain biking, fishing, camping, horseback riding and backpacking.
Pisgah Ranger District
The Pisgah Ranger District is home to many waterfalls, scenic views, and miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Bordering Transylvania, Buncombe, and Haywood Counties, Pisgah Ranger District is a short drive from Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, and Waynesville. Lake Powhatan Recreation area and Bent Creek Experimental Forest are also included in the Pisgah District, providing visitors with more recreation opportunities.
Shining Rock Wilderness
Designated as a Wilderness Area in September of 1964, Shining Rock encompasses over 18,000 acres. This area has elevations varying from 3300 to over 6,000 feet, lies on the north slope of the Pisgah Ledge, a northeasterly extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and gets its name from the white quartz outcropping near the crest of the Shining Rock Mountain.
Uwharrie National Forest
Uwharrie National Forest is 51,546 acres in Montgomery, Randolph & Davidson Counties. Uwharrie National Forest map

Ranger District Office, 789 Biscoe Road, Troy, NC 27371, (910) 576-6391, uwharrie@usda.gov. America the Beautiful Passes and USGS Topo maps for sale at https://store.usgs.gov/.

Firewood permits available by phone and mail starting October 5 for $20. Call (910) 576-6391 and provide Name, Address, Mailing Address for permit, Phone Number, Driver's License or National ID Number, Payment (Money Order or check payable to: USDA Forest Service). After purchase is complete, we will mail permit, restricted areas map, and policies. This process is temporary until operations return to normal.

Hunting

Uwharrie NF is designated Game Lands and part of 2 million acres of public lands for public hunting, trapping and fishing managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The appropriate basic annual hunting license and Game Lands Privilege license is needed to hunt on Uwharrie NF. Seasons, bag limits, and special restrictions are in the annual N.C. Inlands Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest.

Camping & Day-use

Picnic at a day-use area. Camp at developed campgrounds for a fee. See list here. You can only camp for 14 days in a 30-day period at a developed campground or dispersed camping. Primitive dispersed camping is allowed except in those areas posted "No Camping" or a developed campground or day-use area. Find sites along most Forest Service roads and trails. Be careful with campfires and only use dead and down wood. Do not bring wood from outside the area to protect from invasive plants and insects.

Enjoy this story on a QR guided trail in the national forest.

OHV Trail Vendors.
- Badin Lake OHV Trails close December 15 at 8:00 am
- OHV Trails will reopen April 1 in the morning
- OHV annual passes are available from the Eldorado Outpost
Flintlock Valley Shooting Range

25-yard pistol and 100-yard rifle ranges open year-round Tuesdays through Saturdays including all Holidays on those days except Thanksgiving & Christmas. Passes required but not sold on site and must be purchased in advance. Contact the office or vendors: Shooting Range Vendors.

Be Safe

We offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation. All outdoor recreational activities have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Your safety is your responsibility.

Trail Strategy Documents, Presentations and Maps

Badin Lake Area map, Morris Mountain Area map, North Eastern Portion map, South Eastern Portion map, Wood Run Area map

Documents...

Presentations...
Badin Horse Camp or Old Horse Camp
Badin Lake Campground
Overflow Horse Camp