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Open

Open year-round, first-come first-served, no reservations. Fire restrictions are in effect as of April 15, 2026, prohibiting campfires at dispersed camping areas until fire danger subsides. Portable propane stoves are permitted.

Nantahala National Forest

Old Fort Picnic Area -- closed Aug. 28-30, 2026

The Old Fort Picnic Area will be closed starting today through the weekend for paving. The area will reopen for parking Monday, August 31. The parking lot, which was damaged during Hurricane Helene, is being repaved as part of a larger project to restore and improve the picnic area. Due to the…

Nantahala National Forest

Commissary Ridge Dispersed Camping Area Temporarily Closed

Due to an increase in bear activity in the dispersed camping area at Commissary Ridge on the Pisgah National Forest near Mt. Mitchell State Park the camping area will be temporarily closed. This measure is to help provide visitor safety and minimize bear encounters.

Nantahala National Forest

Croatan Ranger District Office Relocation

Beginning Friday, August 7, 2026, the current Croatan Ranger District Office building will permanently close as North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) begins its US 70 widening project. Until construction of the new Croatan Ranger District is complete, visitor services will operate…

About

Blue Valley Dispersed Camping provides roughly 22 primitive campsites scattered through the Blue Valley area of the Nantahala National Forest in Macon County, North Carolina. Most sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, and a pit toilet serves the area. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. This is true dispersed camping requiring full self-sufficiency. Pack in, pack out applies to all trash and waste. No reservations are accepted; sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis year-round at no cost. Wilson Lake lies a short distance away, offering fishing, swimming, a brief hiking trail, and excellent wildlife viewing and birding opportunities. The area sits within the rugged, mountainous terrain of the Nantahala Ranger District, which spans 250,000 acres across Macon, Jackson, and Swain counties.

Directions

From Highlands, NC, follow NC 28 South for 5.5 miles. Turn right at the Blue Valley sign.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed No
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Email sm.fs.nantahalard@usda.gov
Phone +1 (828) 524-6441

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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