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Established Camping

Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina

Mortimer Campground, near Lenoir, North Carolina, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors. With its clean grounds and access to a half-mile hike leading to a waterfall, it’s a perfect place to unwind and soak in nature.

This campground is all about the basics, featuring tent sites and a couple of bathrooms with flushing toilets. Visitors have mentioned the peaceful sound of Thorps Creek, which runs through the area, making it a great backdrop for a good night's sleep. As one camper noted, “Many of the campsites are situated along Thorps Creek, so the sound of the creek can lull you to sleep.”

Outdoor activities abound here, with hiking, fishing, and swimming opportunities right at your fingertips. The nearby Wilson Creek area is a hit for biking and exploring, and there are multiple trails leading to scenic spots. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit remote, so plan ahead for supplies—there’s no quick trip to the store once you’re here.

While the sites can be close together, the friendly vibe and the chance to meet fellow campers make it a great choice for families or groups. Whether you’re looking to relax by the creek or embark on an adventure, Mortimer Campground has you covered.

Description

USDA Forest Service

National Forests in North Carolina

Overview

Mortimer Campground is a small campground nestled within the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor south of Grandfather Mountain. Located at the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, the 17-site campground is surrounded by lush forests, gentle streams, and a large scenic river popular for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

Recreation

Visitors to the campground can enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, swimming, day hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, picnicking, and scenic driving. Swimming holes along Thorps Creek provide wading opportunities on hot summer days. Nearby Wilson Creek, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 2000, is well known for its excellent trout fishing, swimming, kayaking, and rugged features. History buffs will enjoy exploring the remnants of the once booming timber town of Mortimer as well as an old CCC work center. Two Forest Service trails depart from the campground. The Thorps Creek trail provides a short (approx. 1/4 mile) hike to Thorps Creek Falls. The more strenuous Schoolhouse Ridge Trail connects to the campground via the .2 mile Bill Vines trail and provides a 3 mile ridgeline excursion with beautiful views before connecting to the Wilson Ridge Trail. Many other Forest Service trails are within a short drive of the Campground, including Hunt Fish Falls, North Harper Creek Falls, and Little Lost Cove Cliffs. The area also boasts a network of scenic mountain biking trails.

Facilities

Visitors to the campground can enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, swimming, day hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, picnicking, and scenic driving. Swimming holes along Thorps Creek provide wading opportunities on hot summer days. Nearby Wilson Creek, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 2000, is well known for its excellent trout fishing, swimming, kayaking, and rugged features. History buffs will enjoy exploring the remnants of the once booming timber town of Mortimer as well as an old CCC work center. Two Forest Service trails depart from the campground. The Thorps Creek trail provides a short (approx. 1/4 mile) hike to Thorps Creek Falls. The more strenuous Schoolhouse Ridge Trail connects to the campground via the .2 mile Bill Vines trail and provides a 3 mile ridgeline excursion with beautiful views before connecting to the Wilson Ridge Trail. Many other Forest Service trails are within a short drive of the Campground, including Hunt Fish Falls, North Harper Creek Falls, and Little Lost Cove Cliffs. The area also boasts a network of scenic mountain biking trails.

Natural Features

Located in a rich mountain hardwood forest at an elevation of 1,400 ft., Mortimer Campground provides a secluded streamside setting shaded by large hemlocks and pine trees. Thorps Creek runs along the east side of the campground before feeding into the Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek, a popular destination for a variety of activities. Hardwood forests cover the mountain peaks on either side of the valley and multiple mountain feeder creeks can be found nearby. The Mortimer area provides beautiful scenery year-round, from stunning fall foliage displays to abundant spring and summer wildflowers.

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (828) 652-2144.

Nearby Attractions

The Wilson Creek Visitor Center is 3.2 miles from the Mortimer Campground and provides information on the Wilson Creek area and has a photograph and artifact collection that tells the history of the area. The towns of Blowing Rock and Morganton are located within an hour___s drive of the campground, to the north and south respectively. Both towns offer a variety of restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and medical facilities. The Julian Price Memorial Park and Campground is located 24 miles north of Mortimer Campground and is a well-known destination for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and camping. Mortimer Campground is 21 miles away from Linville Falls, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The Gorge offers breathtaking views and numerous hiking trails. The Campground is 17 miles from the popular Grandfather Mountain State Park, the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Fee Info

$20.00 per night per campsite. $30.00 for group site (12G).

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Location

Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Address

8410 Edgemont Rd
Collettsville, NC 28611

Coordinates

35.991078 N
81.761275 W

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Features

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  • Picnic Table
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10 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2021

Fall camping at Mortimer

Beautiful, clean grounds with access to a 1/2 mile round trip hike to a waterfall on the property! Definitely plan ahead on provisioning bc it’s about 45 mins drive into the national forrest. Definitely will be going back!

Site14 upper
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Tanner G., September 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Tanner G., September 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Tanner G., September 22, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Mountain fun

Great campground. We stayed in a tent. Had some friends stay next to us in a class b. A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place. Come early to reserve. You must set up camp immediately. No reservations. They're are 2 bathrooms with flushing commodes. There are water spigots to fill up your jug.

Plenty of outdoor activities in Wilson creek area. Biking, hiking, fishing, etc.

Site10
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Cody B., August 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Cody B., August 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Cody B., August 3, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2021

All Dirt Roads Lead to……

Mortimer Campground does not disappoint! Hiking, fishing, swimming, and waterfall splashing abound on, and around, this campground. Many of the campsites are situated along Thorps Creek, so the sound of the creek can lull you to sleep. We stayed on site #6, which was on the creek. Two trailheads are on the campground, one of which is a beautiful and easy hike to a small waterfall. Be prepared for zero cell service and a dirty vehicle….NC HWY 90 turns into a gravel highway just outside of Lenoir. Will definitely be on my “Must Visit Again” list!

Site#6
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Chad K., June 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Chad K., June 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Chad K., June 20, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2019

Bit of everything

16, about to be 17 sites. The 5 upfront are walk in, and more private. The about to be 12 in the back are pull in and much closer together. Two shower houses, one on both ends, no hookups. Host should be on site weekends from April til the end of October. Previous last three seasons host kept things clean in the bathrooms, new host will happen sometime soon or next season. 9 miles, minimum, of dirt roads getting in, so pack accordingly. Quick trips don't happen. Lots of near by trails, the river and multiple swimming holes. Creek and waterfall in and near by the campground.

  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Clementine K., September 3, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2019

Off the beaten path

This campground is down a pretty long gravel road, so it's best to have what you need when you arrive. No quick trips to Wally World for resupply here. Some of the sites can be a little muddy after wet weather. Many are closed off because they are prone to flooding. It is convenient to a few trails and waterfalls and there is a spot nearby where a lot of people like to float on tubes kind of like a lazy river type thing. It's a unique place. My family and tried swimming at the base of Thorp's Creek Falls here, but the cray fish chased us out.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Tony E., August 11, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2019

Great!!

This is a great family campground. There are bathrooms and showers. There are trails and even a waterfall within half a mile from camp. Very peaceful place.

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2018

nice little camp

has restrooms and showers. there is also a camp host that lives on site. beautiful scenery and lots of hiking trials around. my favorite place.

  • Review photo of Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina by Jill S., September 2, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2018

backcountry campground in Wilson Creek Wilderness

Definitely a backcountry campground, only two other campers there when I visited. High risk of flood in the area, and there’s a few bridges you have to drive over to get there so they might be flooded if it rains. Only $10/night, great if you’re wanting to do some hiking or mountain biking in the Wilson Creek area.

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2017

Nice for people who are social

The campground was clean, and the camp host was very friendly. However, the sites were close enough together that we didn't have much privacy. It would be great for a family who likes lots of company. It is dog friendly, and has a few good hiking trails. You can also check out a cool old cemetery nearby.

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina?

    There are 17 campsites at Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts