Old NC 105 Dispersed

Scenic ridge camping draws visitors to this free dispersed area along a gravel road that stretches for miles through Pisgah National Forest. Old NC 105 Dispersed sits on an abandoned highway route, offering pull-in spots for cars and vans directly alongside the dirt road. The elevated position provides views across the valley and gorge, with some sites facing distant Lake James.

Campers find primitive fire rings at most spots, though the road placement means little privacy from passing vehicles. Site conditions vary considerably along the route. Some areas tuck back into shaded forest while others occupy open positions with valley overlooks. "Camping spots are available all along the road some with better views than others," notes Andy K.. Level ground can be challenging to locate, and the best scenic positions typically fill first on weekends.

The gravel road experiences rough patches but remains accessible to standard vehicles. Van campers frequent this location for the combination of road access and cell service availability. Popular spots include Table Rock Campsites about a mile away for those seeking additional options in the Linville Gorge area. Groups can spread out along the extended road system when space allows.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Old NC 105 Dispersed is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.89279 N
81.901784 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Old NC 105 Dispersed needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned scenic ridge-top camping with valley and gorge views along a gravel road. Many appreciated the variety of spots available and primitive fire rings, though level sites can be challenging to find.

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2025

Beautiful

The road wasn’t as bad as I was expecting as a whole, but there were some spots that were rouuuuugh. I came in past lake cameron, got there Friday around 5. The best spots were already take, I got the last “scenic” spot but it was beautiful. Wide open views… lots of areas for bigger group if that’s what you need.

Sitemiddle
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Mar. 14, 2024

2024 check in

The past reviews are dead on for all aspects and road conditions.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Old NC 105 Dispersed by Brian , March 14, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2023

Easy drive, great views

Coordinates are accurate to get you to this gravel road along a ridge top. Easy pull-in spots for cars and vans next to the road, several with great views of the valley and gorge. Most have primitive fire rings. Great cell service. Only downsides are good view sites right on the road, and hard to find level ground. Popular spot for vans.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Old NC 105 Dispersed by Katie A., April 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Old NC 105 Dispersed by Katie A., April 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Old NC 105 Dispersed by Katie A., April 12, 2023
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2023

Free camping with great views

Old NC 105 is a dirt road which goes on for miles with views both sides. Camping spots are available all along the road some with better views than others. Some spots are very shaded deep into the trees while others afford superb views of the gorge and distant Lake James.

SiteOld NC 105
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Old NC 105 Dispersed by Andy K., January 8, 2023
  • Review photo of Old NC 105 Dispersed by Andy K., January 8, 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old NC 105 open for camping year-round?

Old NC 105 appears to be open for camping year-round, though seasonal conditions may affect accessibility. The dirt/gravel road can become rough in certain weather conditions, particularly after rain or during winter months. For the best experience, consider camping during spring through fall when weather conditions are more favorable. Always check current forest service announcements before planning your trip, as temporary closures due to weather events or maintenance can occur.

What activities can I enjoy while camping at Old NC 105 near Linville Gorge?

While camping at Old NC 105, you can enjoy spectacular scenic views of Linville Gorge and Lake James, perfect for photography and stargazing due to the elevated ridge location. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking opportunities in the nearby Linville Gorge Wilderness. Wildlife viewing is plentiful, and the road itself makes for a pleasant walk to explore different vantage points. Many campers enjoy relaxing by their campfire while taking in the panoramic vistas. The area also provides good cell service, allowing for connectivity while enjoying the natural setting.

Where is Old NC 105 camping located in North Carolina?

Old NC 105 Dispersed camping is located along a dirt/gravel road that runs along a ridge top in western North Carolina. The road offers spectacular views of Linville Gorge on one side and Lake James in the distance on the other. It's situated near Lake Cameron, with the camping area stretching for miles along this scenic route. The road follows a ridgeline, providing campers with various site options ranging from shaded spots nestled in the trees to more exposed sites with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping on Old NC 105?

No permit is required for dispersed camping along Old NC 105. This area offers free camping with primitive sites that typically include basic fire rings. While permits aren't needed, standard dispersed camping regulations likely apply, including Leave No Trace principles and maximum stay limits (typically 14 days in National Forest areas). Always pack out all trash and properly extinguish campfires. For the most current regulations, check with the Pisgah National Forest district office before your trip.