Western NC NFs -- Pisgah, Smoky Mts, Nantahala

You're in luck. Most of the boondocking in those areas is next to a river and there are tons of them. Almost all of them are just a short walk from a waterfall too. Here's a map of bookdocking in North Carolina. Don't forget SC, TN, GA and VA for additional stellar boondocking.

I am partial to Blue Valley myself. It has big, (very) well spread out campsites that are situated next to a creek with a large waterfall near by.

Kohldad, thanks for the great links and info.

I fully agree with you about Cataloochee; its one of our favorites.

NC Waterfalls - most complete one stop list you will find.

NF campground list

USCampground.info - most complete list of public campgrounds I have ever come along. Data is downloadable, so make sure you check out the "Data-to-go" button at the top.

Think you would love Cataloochee with the elk and it open 4/3/15. It is a small campground. Early afternoon drive up and pick out your spot by the pastures then go for a short walk. About 2 hours before dusk, head back to your camper to eat (no cooking outside) and wait for the elk to show up. Once done, it's a flat 2 mile road back to the campground.

Deep Creek CG is a nice stop for waterfalls. Don't know exactly the details about the hikes because it is the only CG I have not stayed out yet (on list for this year though).

kohldad - I've been checking out your photo albums, really nice pics!
Will take a look at your TRs as well, thanks!

Sounds great - thanks a lot guys!

We are mostly looking to just explore the area. We like to hike some but aren't really extreme about it. A couple miles is good for us. Definitely want to see some waterfalls (I read that Transylvania County has a zillion of em), check out some wildlife (elk would be sweet!), take some pics, and also flyfish for trout.

We like meeting people along the way but definitely prefer mellower NF and SP type camping versus the big commercial campgrounds. Toilets and a shower is a plus but we don't need/use full-hookups. Give us a fire ring, maybe a picnic table, and no neighbors and we're pretty psyched. Stream or a river nearby and we're in heaven.

Our job keeps us really busy May-November, but then we're off the rest of the year, so this will be our last big trip before the season starts. We'll probably head out in early April and then be on the road for maybe 2 weeks. Can't wait!

I responded to your post in the RV Parks section but didn't catch the part about you wanting to boondock. That will open up a lot more opportunities for you. Detailed maps showing the FS roads for both Pisgah and Nantahala NF can be purchased on line or at the District Ranger offices once you get down here,

You won't have any problem finding a spot. One that we've used is along FS81 a few miles west of Robbinsville. Another resource you might want to consider is joining the Expedition Portal site. There are a number of threads in the SEES section about this very topic.

Those areas have been my playground since the 70s when my father first took us up there in an old Franklin 11' TC. And now I'm getting my wife to fall in love with the area. :)

Wouldn't worry about late snow as it is rare and not a major issue. Worse case is you have to sit for a few hours until the sun comes out and melts it away. You do need to watch out for a few minor icy spots in the shade though. Not a problem, just be prepared. During the week the campgrounds will be almost empty and the weekends should be 1/2 full at most.

First, recommend you look at my photo album, then look at my trip reports most are listed in the TC Trip Report sticky. After that, ask more specific questions or my post will get too long. How long of a hike do you like? How secluded do you want to get? Any interest like gems, gold, grave markers, waterfalls, etc?

But some quick pointers -
Cataloochee for elk. If the campground is open, you must make reservations before you get there.


Cades Cove for wildlife including bears, just be prepared for traffic. CG is open all year.



Shining Rock Wilderness area parking lot for views. See my camper over there?


Harmon Den Rd two miles north of I40 for convenience


Most of the NF allow roadside camping as long as your are not impeding traffic and are 300ft from a paved road. Pisgah NF south of Asheville is the exception with camping at designated areas only.

When you get down this way, let me know and maybe I can meet up with you. I would love to pick your brain about places in your area and northward.