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).
Location
Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina is located in North Carolina
Address
8410 Edgemont Rd
Collettsville, NC 28611
Coordinates
35.991078 N
81.761275 W
Access
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
