Where can I go camping in North or South Carolina?

Where is a good place to go camping in North Carolina and not see people everywhere?

• We want to go camping near a lake, start a fire, let our dog out, and get drunk in peace. We are from Colorado and are starting to feel we asking too much. Please help.

• Answer:

  Shining Rock Wilderness Area - Pisgah National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed anywhere in the Shining Rock Wilderness, but there are some things you should keep in mind. The high ridges between Black Balsam Mountain and Shining Rock have some great campsites, but they're open and very exposed. Temperature will be much colder up there than at lower elevations. Water can be non-existent during dry periods on these high areas, and they are extremely crowded, so finding a spot to plop your tent can become a challenge! Because of the catastrophic fires of the previous century (which created the mountain balds), fires are now prohibited within the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. Use a camp stove for cooking instead. Also, group size is limited to 10 people. Linville Gorge From Marion, take U.S. 221 north to the Intersection of N.C. 183 at Linville Falls. Turn right on 183 and continue to N.C. 181. Turn right (south) on N.C. 181 and go 3 miles to F.S. Road 210 (Gingercake Road). rurn right onto F.S. Road 210. At the first fork, turn left and continue through the Gingercake Acres housing development. The first parking area is for the Devils Hole Trail - approximately 2 miles from Gingercake Acres. The second parking area is for Hawksbill (parking area on left and trail on right) - 1 mile from Devils Hole. The third parking area is for Spence Ridge Trail and North Table Rock Trail - 1 mile from Hawksbill. Continue 1 mile to the first intersection and turn right (you will pass the Outward Bound School sign). Stay on this road, bearing to the right, through several switchbacks and you will arrive at Table Rock Picnic Area. I have great places in Colorado.