Smokey Mountain Overlook | Wild Camping

October 5th, 2023 by tai.graham

Like everyone has described below. FANTASTIC views and huge open space that is bright and sunny but still shaded.

July 17th, 2023 by david.bielski

Great spot. A little tricky to find. After you turn onto the main street, make a left on the road labeled 405. Steep climb at the end to get to the overlook but it's doable. We did it in our stock 2WD Sprinter. Met another cool vanlife couple at the spot and we had some drinks around a fire. Clean. Level enough but might need blocks. No cell service.

July 11th, 2023 by zoeac87

edxxexxezexexzxeexezs,ezzzax2wwaaaaaaaaaeaaaraaeaaaaaa

July 11th, 2023 by zoeac87

edxxexxezexexzxeexezs,ezzzax2wwaaaaaaaaaeaaaraaeaaaaaa

June 10th, 2023 by taymiktryb

After you turn onto Foley Ridge Road, continue passed all the roads at the beginning. About 1.5ish miles, there is a gravel road that you follow to the top. The last bit of road to make it to the open area may be hard for some rigs/cars. Made it up here in a RAV4. Nice open area with a fire pit. Surprisingly, was the only one here on a Saturday night. Absolutely beautiful views. Gas station/market about 6 miles away that has potable water. 1-2 bars 5G with AT&T. I was able to make a call and sometimes load something with data. Some noise from the highway below but other than that it is perfect.

May 21st, 2023 by nick.johanne

Gorgeous spot overlooking the forest below. Enough room to fit 3-4 vans / RTTs

May 21st, 2023 by msladybugsnomadicmemoirs

I followed directions and found this sight. It was already in use evidently so I decided not to enscounce on their space. I would definately camp here. 2 bars Verizon.

May 8th, 2023 by prescottcreative.1

great secluded spot near the mckenzie river ranger station. heavily forested. found a “grave” which is a pile of rocks tucked back in the brush. only one here, rained first day here and cleared up for the next two.

take the paved road up 1.3 miles till you see a gravel road and turn left onto that. about another 0.7 miles up you’ll find the main spot. you’ll pass another road on your right, which is a nice small clearing for one smaller rig (i.e. RTT/overlander) but main clearing could hold 2-3 wrangler/4Runner style rigs. not advised for wide rigs/trailers/campers.

2 bars Verizon service at the peak, small little town west 8 minutes on mckenzie hwy with gas, firewood, ice, etc.

May 1st, 2023 by mike

Beautiful views with the a soft roar of the McKenzie in the distance. Nice firepit and large level landing. 2 bars Verizon with Weboost and clear view of the sky for StarLink.

We found the grave for some or something named “Stetson”

April 14th, 2023 by thetincanpirate

Beautiful location! Amazing view of the Mackenzie River valley. Road up is really good except the last 50’, there is a big rock you have to get over so high ground clearance recommended.

February 9th, 2023 by instagram.com/atlas.roams

Took a bit to get here, but totally worth it! Amazing stars last night and beautiful view this morning. No one else here. Some Verizon phone coverage. There is no grave, but thanks for the fun spooky vibes last night :)

October 30th, 2022 by nicholastierney1

Yes there are great views, yes the road is a fun drive, and yes there is a grave. Maybe it’s because it’s Halloween weekend, maybe not, but all night we heard little thumps and what sounded like someone kicking our tires on the side of the truck facing the grave. Didn’t even find the grave until the morning. Spooky!

June 28th, 2022 by mattheppaspen

Well we found Stetson's grave in the morning but his ghost did not haunt us during the night. Who was Stetson I wonder? A logger? Someone's faithful fido? An unlucky ioverlanderer??

June 27th, 2022 by mattheppaspen

Still plenty of tight branches on the road as well as good views. We literally hacked our way in here with a machete for the last bit. Little bit of Verizon service. Couldn't find any graves though.

June 24th, 2022 by arianada116

Stopped by to check out the place for future overnights. Go a mile and a half in on the paved road, make a left onto dirt road, there will be a V in the road, stay left. Its about 3/4 miles off the paved road. Dirt road is overgrown and will scratch up wide rigs. Stunning view and fire ring at top. Will bring brush clippers next time

June 17th, 2022 by angelwelp

Google maps won’t take you to the clearing, but you can see it on satellite and kind of follow the route, it’s a left off the main road up the mountain. I made it in a 28’ school bus but wouldn’t suggest, narrow and rough last bit up a rocky incline. No real signal even with boost, could send a text if you needed but that’s it. Gorgeous view and glad I sent it :)

August 19th, 2020 by smartcalf01

We found it no problem. Beautiful! We heard a bear and ended up sleeping in the car though :-/

July 15th, 2019 by instagram.com/Our_Van_Moby

Couldn't exactly find the location as listed... I ended up staying in a large gravel clearing closer to the highway. There is fresh logging in the area and the dirt road (I assume the road to this particular site) is "closed due to lines down". We drove 3-4 miles up the initial paved road and there may be more camping with some exploring. Around 3 miles in, one gravel road led to an active logging site, another was an overgrown 2 track with significant low branches that hasn't seen travel for some time. Parking near the highway is possible, but this site isn't on par with others we've been staying in. Part of me wishes I stayed at the boat launch up the road, or on one of the many dirt roads we drove past north of here, but we aren't the type to backtrack. 3 stars because it seems quiet, but there are likely better options in the area.

July 7th, 2019 by alexsailaway

Beautiful and free. Nice pit fire. Excellent view.

June 24th, 2019 by samuelandrewmarks

Fantastic view! As described, a large clearing with a fire ring. The road up is pretty easy but does have a steeper rock bit near the top, no problem in our Chevy Express 2WD though.

June 8th, 2019 by chapmansmarie

Clearing with a beautiful view of the valley below. Had a truck and SUV, but could easily fit more vehicles if needed. Little stretch of road that goes up to the spot can be a little sketchy if you don’t have 4WD, but if you have someone hop out and guide you, you could make it. No service for Verizon or AT&T. Quiet, only ones out here. There is a pile of rocks towards the cliff marked as a gravestone... just a little FYI. Creeped us out when our dog started barking towards it in the middle of the night.

May 24th, 2019 by DiniMueter

Lovely clearing on top of Smokey Mountain with some cool views into the valley below. Very beautiful and quiet spot. There is no cell coverage whatsoever. The clearing is quite big and could fit several cars, even big rigs. The gravel road up is super easy, the only problem is the undergrowth leaning into the road which makes it harder to drive up without getting any scratches. It was no problem for my Landcruiser though.