Upper Paint Creek (FR 42) in NC -- Camping Rules & Access
Upper Paint Creek (FR 42) in NC
Road corridorCherokee NF, Unaka Ranger District
10 mi from Tusculum
Maps 4,428 ft
Dispersed camping generally allowed
U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.
Stay limit: 14 consecutive days · then move 10 mi · Then stay away at least 7 days
VerizonNONE
AT&TMARGINAL
T-MobileWEAK
StarlinkFAIR
Road Access
Difficult
- All 0.8 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
- Near Camp Creek Bald.
- Estimated climb: 400 ft over 0.8 miles, with sustained grades near 18% and pitches to 30%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~110 ft on the downhill side.
- Dead-end road; turnaround space is not mapped.
Known camping along this road at mile 0: .
Setting
Some privacy
- Moderately separated here.
- Baxter Branch runs 1.2 mi off.
- Estimated night sky: Bortle 2, true dark-sky territory.
Rules
- the following acts are prohibited on all lands administrated by the Cherokee National Forest (shown on the attached map).…Camping in any location is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper and party must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning for another stay.
- Camping rules
Climate averages
October normals 38–63°F, 3.3″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.