Walk in camping near Rumbling Bald - No reservation required?

Hello Mates,

A friend and I plan on climbing at Rumbling Bald next Saturday, but want to arrive Friday evening, and camp close by. Are there any walk-in\primative camping areas near Rumbling Bald that don't require reservations? I already know about the various campgrounds in the area that require reservation, but trying to avoid that in case our plans for arrival change. I am also aware that it will be hotter than ideal climbing conditions, and to watch out for snakes and ivy.

Thanks,
Raymond

The closest free camping is within Pisgah National Forest.  40 mins away. 

what about places to park the van overnight? any places nearby?

Ingles maybe? Creekside Campground is a nice spot just up the road. They have good amenities, so the price is a little higher. This time of year, I would suggest climbing in the High Country and there is ample free camping nearby.

Thanks Mike, I was hoping that wasn't the answer :)

TomCaldwell, I agree, but wanted to scout out Rumbling Bald before Fall comes. I think this go-round we will just camp at Hitching Post Campground. 

I find it odd that the park itself has zero camping.  I do not recall if the master plan has it as a future option or not.

Sean, if I recall, there are plans to have one across the street near World's Edge (?). We were also supposed to have another parking lot built at Bald. Not sure if the Chimney Rock road collapses keep sucking up that money.

TomCaldwell wrote: Sean, if I recall, there are plans to have one across the street near World's Edge (?). We were also supposed to have another parking lot built at Bald. Not sure if the Chimney Rock road collapses keep sucking up that money.

The parking situation is always a problem. I have wondered why they don’t widen the current parking lot a little more to allow another row of cars on the other side. Seems like there is plenty of room for it.

The plan is to triple the parking lot, but I think the road collapse has slowed progress on the lot. The park master plan also does call for camping, but that’s a ways off still. 

Brian Payst wrote: The plan is to triple the parking lot, but I think the road collapse has slowed progress on the lot. The park master plan also does call for camping, but that’s a ways off still. 

Awesome, thanks Brian. I figured the road issues have been causing some delays. Thanks for everything that you and the CCC do!