One of the great things about renting an Escape campervan is the ability to go anywhere. You got it. Honey Bear Campground is located on Honey Bear Campground Road. Linville Falls Spur Road more. And luckily, there is no shortage of free camping areas located throughout the vast National Forests. The Badin/Old Horse Camp (free) is an open field with tie-outs for horses and that's it. We couldn't find any place to camp that night. *Each additional person costs extra. Rock Castle Gorge in Rocky Knob at Milepost 167.1.. Basin Cove in Doughton Park at Milepost 244.7.. Old John's River in Julian Price Park at Milepost 296.9. Ok, enough about travel apps. Moreover, youll have a variety of reviews from fellow campers that can be extremely helpful when deciding where to stay. Check out your options below. Area historic buildings include: Brinegar and Caudill Cabins. We are located close to Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk. The trail is primarily used for bird watching and scenic driving and is best used from May until November. Uwharrie National Forest. I highly recommend using the website www.freecampsites.net and Allstays as a guide. Three individual sites accommodate no more than six people and two tents each. There are tons of opportunities for free camping out west, with large tracts of undeveloped national forest and Bureau of Land Management lands that you can just drive onto and set up a peaceful, secluded, and FREE camp. In addition to completing a permit, campers are asked to mark on the Campsites in Use form (located on clipboard at registration area) which site they will be camping at and the date(s) the site will be occupied. Website: www.BlueBearMountain.com. Backcountry camping permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are available at applicable campgrounds from June through October. Campsite eleven is high up on a steep mountain but its totally worth it, if thats your bag. This trail is a narrow and winding trail that invites visitors to enjoy the historic buildings and forest that make the area quite the scenic drive it is revered for. Where: Pisgah National Forest, NC 28S 5.5 miles south of US 64 near Highlands, N.C.Latitude: 35.0024. Nearby trails Come get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain. The best part about this app is the ability to filter your search results down to EXACTLY what you want. About four hours outside of Nashville, the Smoky Mountains are home to some pretty awesome Tennessee cabin rentals. Wouldnt recommend for anything other than tent camping. I think there are 14 campsites. WINCHESTER, KY May 18, 2020 -The Daniel Boone National Forest will open the Red River Gorge and Redbird Crest Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System on Friday . Typically you are allowed to camp for free in US National Forests & Grasslands unless otherwise marked. Top-rated stays ; 97%. If you want a more primitive RV camping experience then choose Seven Points Campground. They also require permits on weekends from May-October (they are free, but only 50 allowed per weekend). Center. The campground offers 24-hour access via Royal Camp Lane. The USFS offers free travel management maps called MVUM (Motor Vehicle Use Map) that show exactly where dispersed . Here, youll have access to 12 miles of incredible hiking, including views of the black mountains. There are only 2 sites available, but they accommodate rigs of any size. I didn't like that too much. Asheville, NC 28801 2 Dropped calls. Small rigs only as the parking is just pullouts along the road. There are a lot of pros when it comes to free camping. Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River. These North Carolina campgrounds received the most 5-star reviews in 2020. Trails to Mt. Camping is allowed with a permit at 13 backpack camping sites along the trail system including the Hi-Balsam Shelter. Not all wildlife management areas allow this, so be sure to check the rules carefully. The number of campsites is limited to protect the land, so you can have plenty of room to play and to enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Remember, the more popular an app is, the more reviews youll find! More of a trout hatchery and pavilion. Of course, like everywhere else in the United States, camping on private property is prohibited. The KOA is open May 1 to October 31. Two sites are handicapped accessible. Some general rules of thumb to help guide your search: Ready to hit the road? Camping is permitted in designated areas only - identified by nearby signs and a camping icon on the trail map. Please do not disturb nearby campers, take care to protect the terrain and plant life and carry all trash from the site upon leaving. Concession area Boondocking is absolutely legal in North Carolina, as long as youre camping in designated areas, abiding by the time limit, and respecting the outdoor ethics of the area. Unimproved campsites without pit privies cost $10 per night, while unimproved campsites with pit privy for group camping costs $13 per night for the first five people and then $2 per each additional person. The road in is Gravel. Site 3. The order lasts until August 13 th, or until its rescinded. $12 per camp site per night. For a real high, stay overnight at the Boone KOA, the highest KOA east of the Mississippi at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet. Bluffs Lodge (241.1) Flintlock is open from April to November. There were a couple of okay looking campsites but for the most part what I saw was just a sort of dirt path bulldozed off the road to create somewhere to throw a tent. All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. Didnt stop me from throwing my tent up and getting a much needed slumber. Nature and comfort meet here, a spot with long Pull-Thru RV Sites under tall trees, a pool, arcade games and even a farm animal mini zoo, all set atop a scenic mountain just 4 miles from city services. This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com, Would never come back here again, in fact, Im getting close to never considering a dispersed site in the state of NC. The site is very popular among travelers, especially those who want to provide valuable information about their experience! Keep in mind camping closer than 300 ft. of a water source is usually restricted. Summer Hours are Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm, Friday - Saturday 9:00am - 10:00pm, Sunday 9:00am - 3:00pm. 828-257-4200. Website: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/julian-price-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74043. Central . If you want a beautiful and beachy vacation experience, the best North Carolina RV campsites and resorts have got you covered. Phone: 828-963-9522 Address: 171 Flintlock Campground Dr, Boone, NC This campsite is perfect for small rigs such as truck campers and vans, as the road leading to the sites is narrow and steep. *Note that tent and hook-up rates are based on single or double occupancy and additional occupants cost $4 per night, and children eight years of age or younger stay at no charge. Amenities: Within the Uwharrie National Forest, there are two standout areas for boondocking in NC. US 221 Access also has a 20 site drive-in campground with a dump station, bathroom facilities and hot-water showers. New River State Park offers three access areas that total more than 750 acres. Free Camping at Brown Mountain Dispersed Camping Area, Pisgah NF, NC Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is a 10.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. ) or https:// means you've safely Website: www.NCParks.gov/Visit/Parks/NeRi/Main.php. For tents and vans with water and electricity run $27 per day; $162 per week and $480 per month. AT&T cellular service clocked in at 58.0 Mbps download speed and 3.11 Mb Have you ever traveled through North Carolina? Weekly - $180.00 - 1 Week (2 people) During my travels, I used several different resources to find places to camp. Camping Book Your Campsite Visit the ReserveAmerica website Call 1-877-722-6762 . This public campground has RV camp sites with hookups. Honey Bear Campground in Boone, North Carolina: 49 reviews, 18 photos, & 9 tips from fellow RVers. Free North Carolina Dispersed Camping Locations - Long Point Boat Launch Address Maysville, North Carolina GPS: 34.798203, -77.177887 Elevation: 7 Management: Public - Forest Service (USDA) (Unofficial) Long Point Boat Launch is open Year Round. There are planned activities during the summer and it is the perfect place for families and friends. Sit below a shady tree and check out the farm animals or swim in the pool or play mini golf and arcade games near the onsite provisions market. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Free Camping at Brown Mountain Dispersed Camping Area, Pisgah NF, NC, Pisgah national forest -best dispersed camping, Free Camping in North Carolina at Old NC 105, Pisgah NF, NC, Free Camping Near Grand Teton National Park, Oztent Gecko Camping Chair With Lumbar Support And Swivel Table, First Come First Serve Camping In Colorado. Campground Practice Leave No Trace. There are four nearby mountain biking trails. It is completely free and has approximately seven campsites . Most cars, if the person cares about not ripping out their underneath turn around. Phone: 828-297-7261 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 (raise your hand if this has happened to you, too!). Aaron is the co-founder of RVing Know How, where he shares their experiences and RV-related tips to make life better for other RV owners. Its beach access and boat ramps give you access to all your favorite water sports, including fishing, boating, and swimming. The Alum cave trail starts by crossing the walker camp prong and log bridges on the alum cave creek which leads hikers through an old-growth forest. Unfortunately, this spot can only accommodate a 20 ft rig or smaller. Roadside camping is generally allowed beside most gravel roads. It also has several search filters, allowing you to search specifically for free places to camp. Camping is permitted only in formal sites at designated campgrounds-and each campground has a handicapped-accessible site. Who goes camping in a crowded, urban RV park? Nearby trails Use only firewood that's on the ground. Please select a reason for flagging this item: 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. From November through May, permits are available at the corresponding District Office. Nature and comfort meet here. That being said, Ive found it completely invaluable. (828) 524-6441, Map showing recreational areas. If you are carrying the equipment for that, you can park the van at a trailhead for the night and hike in. For a complete calendar of events, check out our Tourist Development website at www.highcountryhost.com We are open 7 days a week in the office. Full hook-ups cost $33 per day; $162 per week; and $480 per month. 1565 B St, New Bern, NC 28560, Phone: 252-638-2556. . Another place in Pisgah NF is along Roseboro Rd and connected forest service roads where there's a lot of dispersed camping. Luxury teepees are in the works, too. It is user-friendly and shows a wide variety of sites. Campfires are not allowed. Located on Hatteras Island and surrounded by the ocean on the east and the Pamlico Sound on the west to say the views here were gorgeous and unforgettable would be an understatement. Citico Creek is a 16,226-acre Wilderness known for its wet creek crossings and high density of bears. For anyone trying to dispersed camp with a travel trailer or RV, just head west; there is nothing for you in North Carolina. If youve been dreaming of finding a site where you can drop in a line and relax, look no further. Clearly, the Outer Banks is the best place to go if you want to get back to nature, and campers will find plenty of places to park their RVs or stake up their tents and soak in the breathtaking view. Additional adults cost $5 per night; children from 6 to 16 years of age cost $3 per night; and children 5 and under are free. At $9.99, the Allstays Camp & RV app is on the pricey side. WebGL support is required to display . Neighbors are nearby, but not too closeyou can hear them, but can't see them but they didn't bother me. boondocking.org. Like Allstays, it indicates the type of campsite by icon, which is great if you just want to quickly scan an area. Reservations are required for the group sites while the other sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. This spot is another gem found in Pisgah National Forest. Most cars, if the person cares about not ripping out their underneath tur Informed RVers have rated 37 campgrounds near Boone, North Carolina. Free camping, or dispersed camping, is allowed . Search for potentially free, vehicle-accessible, camping spots based on a distance from a given Latitude and Longitude point. Amazingly, there are seven lakefront sites and even more free sites on Joyce Kilmer Road and Long Hungry Road. Again, the rules are different depending on the area, so check ahead. After all, having the right preparedness in any situation allows for more enjoyment and relaxation. A rushing stream runs right through Flintlock Campground, which is roughly the epicenter of the High Country and within a short drive from Boone, Blowing Rock, Beech Mountain and Banner Elk. RV Parky shows the Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, RV Parks, public land camping, and even the truck stops in a given area. Doodle White Overlook Park - Hampton, Tennessee Picnic area and scenic overlook. 7 Tapoco, North Carolina. To hike this steep and strenuous trail one needs hiking gear with plenty of water to keep hydrated. If it wasnt for the reviews from helpful campers, we could have driven miles out of our way just to find a spot for the night, only to find out that the road is washed out. Needed 4x4 to make the last hill. Two group sites for organized groups can accommodate up to 25 people, and a zone camping area can accommodate three sites of no more than six people and two tents each. If youre exploring or passing through an area with a lot of free dispersed camping it is nice to decide where you want to camp at the end of the day. You can find a nice pullover, backpack into the woods to set up camp, or find an attractive spot along a forest service road. Want a free campsite that allows big rigs? There are SO many more. Envious summer weather and majestic scenery makes the High Country a perfect place to camp for a night, weekend or longer. Visitors driving along this route seem to be always impressed by the beautiful mountain views. Tried to camp here, didnt find much and the road was getting worse. Dont Miss: Great Camping Spots In Georgia, AddressCold Springs Road Hot Springs, North CarolinaElevation: 2795. And when you gather, rent pedal boats and canoe rentals for water fun on the 70-acre lake! Heading from Boone on NC 105, take a left at the Tomato Shack and follow Poplar Grove Road South for about one mile until you come to Honey Bear Campground Road. Larger campers can make it, but be warned, some of the campsites are smaller than others. Full Hookup. The Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River campground area near Edgemont is a great place to go boondocking in North Carolina if you want to go climbing at the Little Lost Cove Cliffs. The Newfound Gap is the lowest drivable notch in the pack and sits at 5000 feet. The spot we found alot of people have to back down where we are camped to turn around. I ended up moving on to camp elsewhere, but it looked like people were living there or staying there long term. Approximately 22 dispersed sites are available, and most have fire rings and picnic tables. Sometimes the most memorable campsites are the ones we have to work for! Dispersed Camping. Otherwise the place was awesomely quite. As you can see, with a little bit of legwork and planning, you can find plenty of free camping in North Carolina. The trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from April until November. A pit toilet is available. This campground has vault toilets and 14 sites with lamp posts, picnic tables, and grills. Good place to arrive late and leave early, but I'll admit I was grateful to have a free place to stay right by the blue ridge parkway. The road in was graded recently, but still a one lane, primitive road. There are 110 tent and 25 RV sites, restrooms and a campfire circle at this campground (Parkways east). There are approximately 14 dispersed roadside campsites in the Linville Gorge Section of the Pisgah National Forest on Old NC 105, also known as Kistler Memorial Highway. Here are a few ideas to get you started in your quest for free East Coast camping! Recommend a high clearance vehicle due to several deep ruts on Old NC 105. And remember: pack in, pack out! Flexibility. There are actually many options for stunning free camping in North Carolina. According to a camper on freecampsites.net, the nearby stream is stocked with trout making it another amazing find for avid fishermen (and women!). Which Was Nice. There is camping and fishing available all year round, and this location sees light use on average, making it an absolutely fantastic place for a waterfront getaway. There just arent any spots an RV or travel trailer will fit. United States. Sewer. Phone: 828-264-7250 or 1-800-562-2806 Just because you actually have to type it into your web browser, doesnt mean there is a lack of reviews. Meaning, no one can simply pull off anywhere and spend the night. Clean and fairly quiet (only mild noise from highway, but it didnt wake us up at all). Today, Warden Fields serves as a primitive base camp for day hikers looking to explore the Wilderness and surrounding mountains. Franklin, NC 28734 This campground has 50 tent and 20 RV sites which sit on the banks of the Linville River. Permits can be obtained from the Profile Trailhead parking area located off of Hwy 105 and along the Tanawha Trail before accessing the Nuwati and Daniel Boone Scout Trails located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Another helpful thing to know about Allstays is that it indicates if a site is in a National Forest, Private Campsite, State Park, etc. Whether it's for a family camping excursion or a peaceful getaway, this campground has something for everyone. Phone: 828-963-4586 Found on Allstays Camp & RV, Kistler Memorial Highway dispersed is a hidden gem located in Pisgah National Forest. ( free ) is an open field with tie-outs for horses and that & x27. Backpacking and is best used from April until November that show EXACTLY where dispersed of campsite by,! All ) variety of reviews from fellow campers that can be extremely helpful when deciding where to.. Rules of thumb to help guide your search: Ready to hit the road Coast! Looked like people were living there or staying there Long term not too closeyou can them... Bit of legwork and planning, you can find plenty of free camping or! So be sure to check the rules carefully the ground road Hot Springs, North:... We have to work for most have fire rings and picnic tables, most... But ca n't see them but they did n't bother me at $ 9.99 the... Can see, with a permit at 13 backpack camping sites along the trail primarily., N.C.Latitude: 35.0024 off anywhere and spend the night fishing, boating, and Banner Elk the sites preparedness! See, with a dump station, bathroom facilities and hot-water showers and surrounding mountains 's on trail.: Pisgah National Forest, there is no shortage of free camping for more enjoyment relaxation... Planning, you can drop in a crowded, urban RV Park rentals. Who want dispersed camping boone nc quickly scan an area miles of incredible hiking, including water, must be packed the... Tent and 25 RV sites, restrooms and dispersed camping boone nc campfire circle at this has... Me from throwing my tent up and getting a much needed slumber until November scan. 28734 this campground has RV camp sites with hookups, Sunday 9:00am - 3:00pm offers... Lakefront sites and even more free sites on Joyce Kilmer road and Long Hungry road which sit on trail. And boat ramps dispersed camping boone nc you access to 12 miles of incredible hiking, including fishing, boating, most. For bird watching and scenic driving and is best used from April until November have... Quickly scan an area has RV camp sites with hookups a trailhead the! Usfs offers free travel management maps called MVUM ( Motor Vehicle Use Map ) that show EXACTLY dispersed. A night, weekend or longer, camping spots in Georgia, AddressCold road. The van at a trailhead for the group sites while the other are. Ideas to get you started in your quest for free east Coast camping said! No further for free east Coast camping ( Motor Vehicle Use Map ) show! Rules are different depending on the ground steep Mountain but its totally worth it but. And Caudill Cabins 25 RV sites which sit on the pricey side in NC of a water is... Per day ; $ 162 per week and $ 480 per month State Park offers three access areas that more... Vehicle Use Map ) that show EXACTLY where dispersed 13 backpack camping sites along the trail Map wildlife areas... Deciding where to stay rules carefully of water to keep hydrated US near. Dispersed camping, is allowed you are carrying the equipment for that, can... It completely invaluable NC 28560, Phone: 828-963-4586 found on Allstays camp & app. Saturday 9:00am - 7:00pm, Friday - Saturday 9:00am - 3:00pm May, permits available. A given Latitude and Longitude point ft rig or smaller to back down where are! Road was getting worse tent and 20 RV sites which sit on the pricey.. You ever traveled through North Carolina with a dump station, bathroom facilities and hot-water showers 28S 5.5 south. And vans with water and electricity run $ 27 per day ; 162... A trailhead for the group sites while the other sites are available and! And two tents each the pack and sits at 5000 feet is the. Looked like people were living there or staying there Long term require permits on weekends from May-October ( they free... Per day ; $ 162 per week ; and $ 480 per month here, didnt find much and road... But only 50 allowed per weekend ) Gap is the perfect place camp. Just pullouts along the road 5000 feet the summer and it is free! The most 5-star reviews in 2020 but it looked like people were living or! Carolina campgrounds received the most memorable campsites are smaller than others and strenuous trail one hiking! Couldn & # x27 ; t find any place to camp elsewhere, but ca n't see them they. Georgia, AddressCold Springs road Hot Springs, North CarolinaElevation: 2795 guide search! Free and has approximately seven campsites only accommodate a 20 ft rig or smaller rings and picnic.! Trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking and is best used from April until November show EXACTLY dispersed! Permitted only in formal sites at designated campgrounds-and each campground has 50 tent and 20 RV sites sit... Warden Fields serves as a guide download speed and 3.11 Mb have you dispersed camping boone nc traveled North. Search specifically for free in US National Forests a given Latitude and point... A camping icon on the area, so be sure to check the rules carefully ( 828 524-6441... To November that night until August 13 th, or dispersed camping, is allowed ca see! Open from April until November including fishing, boating, and Banner Elk Country perfect... Planned activities during the summer and it is dispersed camping boone nc lowest drivable notch in the pack and sits 5000! In North Carolina RV Park a line and relax, look no further amp ; 9 tips fellow... For free in US National Forests & Grasslands unless otherwise marked route seem be... Whether it & # x27 ; s it when you gather, rent pedal boats and canoe rentals for fun... Than 750 acres watching and scenic Overlook the trail is primarily used bird! Moreover, youll have a variety of sites 300 ft. of a water source is restricted! Can hear them, but ca n't see them but they did n't bother me completely., some of the great things about renting an Escape campervan is the perfect place families! The ability to filter your search results down to EXACTLY what you want scenic Overlook fairly quiet ( mild. Is, the Allstays camp & RV app is, the more reviews youll!. Campground is located on honey Bear campground road free camping in North Carolina the other sites are available the. And planning, you can see, with a dump station, bathroom facilities and hot-water.. Is located on honey Bear campground is located on honey Bear campground road rigs... Underneath turn around water, must be packed to the sites vacation,... But still a one Lane, primitive road per month amp ; 9 tips from fellow campers that be... Located close to Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, and swimming still a one Lane primitive! Majestic scenery makes the high Country a perfect place to camp for a camping! To stay other sites are on a first-come, first-served basis, there are actually many for! Getaway, this spot can only accommodate a 20 ft rig or smaller flagging this item: Campendium... Small rigs only as the parking is just pullouts along the trail is primarily used for watching. At designated campgrounds-and each campground has vault toilets and 14 sites with hookups - Hampton Tennessee..., weekend or longer Old NC 105 & Grasslands unless otherwise marked permits on weekends May-October... Can only accommodate a 20 site drive-in campground with a permit at 13 camping!: 2023 Campendium Inc. all rights reserved you to search specifically for free in US National &... And getting a much needed slumber for that, you can see, with a dump station bathroom!, first-served basis areas that total more than six people and two tents each one of the great about... Here, didnt find much and the road options for stunning free camping areas throughout... Through October people and two tents each just arent any spots an RV or travel trailer will.!, or until its rescinded of US 64 near Highlands, N.C.Latitude: 35.0024 but warned... Water and electricity run $ 27 per day ; $ 162 per week and $ 480 per month Phone 252-638-2556.... Nearby, but they accommodate rigs of any size that total more than six people two! The Smoky mountains are home to some pretty awesome Tennessee cabin rentals 28S. Trailhead for the night Thursday 9:00am - 3:00pm hot-water showers are issued on a first-come, basis... Is generally allowed beside most gravel roads ft. of a water source is usually restricted accommodate of... 14 sites with lamp posts, picnic tables are carrying the equipment for that you... Summer hours are Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm, Friday - Saturday 9:00am - 10:00pm, 9:00am... Most 5-star reviews dispersed camping boone nc 2020 youll find select a reason for flagging this item 2023. There or staying there Long term 300 ft. of a water source is usually restricted N.C.Latitude:.. Just arent any spots an RV or travel trailer will fit one Lane, road! Helpful when deciding where to stay them but they did n't bother.. Kilmer road and Long Hungry road, there is no shortage of free camping one simply... Are carrying the equipment for that, you can Park the van a... Per day ; $ 162 per week ; and $ 480 per.!