39 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several good campgrounds sit within a short drive of Old Fort, North Carolina. Curtis Creek Campground is just three miles away with basic spots that include picnic tables and fire rings. For those wanting to camp closer to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Iron City Campground provides more rustic sites. The Appalachian Trail and Great Smoky Mountains aren't far off, creating excellent hiking opportunities nearby. During dry periods, fire bans sometimes go into effect, so it's worth checking rules before your trip. You'll need reservations for most Old Fort area campgrounds, particularly in summer when they fill quickly. Some of the more remote sites require vehicles with good clearance to reach. While vault toilets are common at these campgrounds, many don't have drinking water - bring your own. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, adding to the camping experience. Take all trash with you when you leave and follow Leave No Trace practices. Weather changes significantly by season, and snow often covers higher elevation sites in winter. Always look up current weather and trail conditions before setting out.
"As typical of a KOA, they shove you in there so you are very close to your neighbors. The stars of the park are the riverfront sites."
"My only gripe (and I know it’s not a huge deal) is the trailer park situated right by the fence that separates from the KOA."
from $50 / night
"The creek is right beside the campsites, and easily accessed by steps. The host was very helpful and nice. Everything was clean and well-maintained."
"We have been trying to find campgrounds close to home to make a quick weekend and Curtis Creek didn’t disappoint! Fairly quick drive, groceries in Old Fort, gravel road and you are there."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $20 / night
"They'll deliver firewood ($5) to your site by golf cart, they even will collect your site fees as they drive around."
"This is a wonderful spot to be to explore the surrounding areas:
- The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $56 / night
"The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year. Tent sites are small, but nice."
"There are plenty of tent camping sites along the Mountain to Sea trail and throughout the park. I camped by Commissary Ridge next to a small Creek and an excellent view of sunrise."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 / night
"It was level had tons of shade and even though you are close to your neighbors the sites are situated so that it doesn’t feel like you’re on top of each other."
"The only thing we would say is to be very careful if you’re up on one of the premiere Mountain View sites when you’re pulling your trailer down exiting the CG - it can be seriously steep and a tight turn"
from $75 - $200 / night
"We abandoned plans to stay at place in Old Fort (see listing for Catawba Falls) and ended up here as a last chance before having to hit a hotel to turn back around to CLT. "
"You’ll feel like you have the forest to yourself, with tons of pretty plants all around you. It’s down a short path (a bit tricky to navigate) and tucked away between the creek and small stream."
from $25 / night
"Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."
"Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. We stayed at a two cabin lot that had a hot tub. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room."
from $24 - $999 / night
"The campsites are a bit close to each other, but they are well maintained."
"I moved to site 19, which is not on the creek but on the edge of the field. It was very level as well, and all hookups worked fine."
from $45 - $69 / night
"There is alot to see somewhat close by too. We did Chimney Rock & Linville Falls, both absolutely beautiful!"
"Located near many great hikes and river access. My Mitchell is about 60 minutes away on a beautiful drive. If you like peaceful and quiet campgrounds this is the place for you!"
from $48 - $65 / night
"Old Fort, NC and Falls nearby. Nice bathhouse, pump-out nearby. Diverse tent camping also available. Don’t let full time rv’s scare you. New RV site down from the entrance."
"While it is close to a highway it is far enough away not to hear it but convenient to many places to visit including Asheville, The Blue Ridge Parkway and many national Forests and Parks."
TravelerThis location can’t be beat. Nestled between Asheville and Brevard, close to Pisgah NF and Sierra Nevada brewing! We loved the access to fishing here, even though we didn’t catch anything. The streams were pristine, the campground very well kept and the hosts were kind. And our dog obviously loved it!
LegendThis is almost a perfect park. Sites are a little tight, pond is nice, but geese were on another level. So loud at 3-5am it woke us up and kept us up. Our neighbors were also inconsiderately loud at 4-6am. We thought they were pulling out the first time and gave a pass, but it was 4 straight days. This was only place at the time time that had sites. Definitely pretty more scenic parks. We book 2 days out. Staff is super friendly and price wasn’t bad last minute.
TravelerWe were probably lucky, but we drove in on a Monday and found a nice site with the creek/stream burbling in the background. Yes, there is dirt entrance/road and traffic, but not much and way quieter than family campgrounds. This site is my perfect idea of an amazing free off grid camping spot.
ScoutNobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
ScoutNice camp and staff friendly. We drive the Blue Ridge Pkwy which was a bit of drive but the ride up to Mt Mitchell was beautiful. Only negative was the laundry rooms were small for a large camp like this but I made it work. Probably a bit more challenging during busy season but all that said this is a nice campground
TravelerAbsolutely one of the most beautiful campgrounds that we have visited, and super clean. Such a great location for hiking and viewing the Blue Ridge Pkwy!
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
TravelerThis campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.
Camping sites near Old Fort, North Carolina offer varied terrain from creek-side spots to mountain ridge settings. The region sits at the foothills of the Black Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 6,600 feet, creating distinct microclimates between valley and mountain campgrounds. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F in the valleys.
Hike to waterfalls: At Catawba Falls Campground, campers can access the falls trail directly. "Beautiful RV sites in wooded area along Catawba Creek. Old Fort, NC and Falls nearby," notes Anthony B., highlighting the convenience of this location for waterfall enthusiasts.
Fish in mountain streams: Buck Creek offers fishing opportunities right from your campsite. "Swimming, tubing, fishing available. Shaded and perfect for our pop up, but lots of larger rigs there as well," reports Susan B. about her experience at the creek.
Explore Mount Mitchell: From Black Mountain Campground, access the trail to the highest peak east of the Mississippi. "From here you can climb 4000ft to the summit of Mt Mitchell. It's a great, challenging hike with many rewards along the way," explains David M., detailing the significant elevation gain on this strenuous trail.
Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway: Many campgrounds provide access to this scenic route. "Being right on the Parkway was awesome and provided some great driving and hiking close by," writes Charles S. about Bear Den Family Campground, noting its strategic location for parkway exploration.
Creek-side sites: At Mountain Stream RV Park, the water creates a natural soundtrack. "The sound of the stream was so peaceful and relaxing. My husband did yoga every morning while I hung in my hammock and watched," shares Barbara S., describing how the natural setting enhanced their stay.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain high standards. "The bathhouse had two full bathrooms with toilet, sink, and zero entry large shower. There was also a laundry room adjacent," reports Cassandra R. about Mama Gertie's Hideaway, noting the quality of their mountaintop facilities.
Tent pads and fire rings: Curtis Creek Campground offers well-maintained sites. "The sites come with a nice fire pit and picnic table, there is water available and the pit toilets were immaculate on that visit," Jackie G. explains, detailing the basic but essential amenities.
Mountain views: Higher elevation campgrounds provide spectacular vistas. "The sunset from the campground parking lot and our campsite, is breathtaking as you can see in the photos I've included," Erin D. shares about Mount Mitchell State Park Campground, highlighting the scenic rewards of camping at elevation.
Weather changes rapidly: At higher elevations, conditions can shift quickly. "Do pay attention to the weather, listed on the state park website. Wind gusts easily get into the double digits, and if you aren't prepared for that, it can be alarming, especially while tent camping," advises Erin D. about Mount Mitchell.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "There is no cell service on T-Mobile or Verizon inside the camp," notes Scott K. about Black Mountain Campground, though he adds a helpful tip: "Walk down the main access road toward the junction with your phone on... you'll finally come to a stand of three trees growing together... you get two bars of Verizon in this exact spot."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer. "This campground was a great quiet spot for $10 a night! The camp host was awesome. There are under 20 campsites here and some are walk-ins by the river," explains Angie G. about Curtis Creek.
Road conditions: Some access roads present challenges. "The road to get to the campground made me nervous, but once there, I could have stayed for weeks!" mentions Trina W. about Curtis Creek Campground, indicating that the destination was worth the difficult drive.
Look for creekside activities: Montreat Family Campground offers water features kids enjoy. "The campsite was nestled within the forest and was right next to the cool water of Flat Creek. The campsite was spacious and there were plenty of trees available for hammocks," describes Chad K., highlighting features that make for an ideal family setup.
Choose sites near playgrounds: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities. "We stayed at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. No noise issues, but it was dark by 6:30pm. May be different in the Summer. My daughter had a blast and we could keep an eye on her while we worked/played at the site," explains Charles S. about Bear Den Family Campground.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or during inclement weather. "My two teenage boys and I stayed in a 'Cozy Cabin'. They are bigger than they look in the picture. There is a countertop next to the front door and plenty of room for all of our gear," Timothy H. shares about Bear Den, noting these accommodations are roomier than expected.
Find swimming holes: Natural water features provide entertainment. "There is a swimming hole on the South Toe River in the campground just beyond the end of the riverside sites. It has a small sandy 'beach' area and a neck deep refreshing hole," Scott K. mentions about Black Mountain Campground.
Check site size limitations: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. "Sites, although close together, were clean and neat. The top portion has beautiful views but no shade at all," Rodney C. cautions about Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground, highlighting the tradeoff between views and comfort.
Prepare for mountain roads: Access can be challenging for larger rigs. "The roads are uphill and a little narrow, but nothing too difficult if you go slow. Our site was level so easy to pull up and set up smoothly," Julia M. advises about navigating to Mama Gertie's.
Look for level sites: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region offer leveled areas. "We stayed here August 16-19 in our 39ft motorhome and toad. Buck Creek has easy access and nice campsites," Shela F. reports, confirming the accessibility even for larger RVs.
Verify hookup options: Different campgrounds offer varying amenities. "Full hook ups available, some with cable. The stream and lake are beautiful. Next time I will reserve a spot near the lake," Karen R. recommends at Asheville East KOA, noting that premium sites have better views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping amenities are available in Old Fort, NC campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Old Fort offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Montreat Family Campground provides heated showers, clean bathhouses, and semi-primitive sites, many positioned alongside a creek. Lake Powhatan features spacious, shaded sites with good privacy, clean shower facilities, and bathrooms. Many area campgrounds offer water access, with creek or riverside sites being common. Several locations provide hookups for RVs, while others focus on more primitive experiences. Most established campgrounds include bathhouses, fire rings, and picnic tables. While cell service can be limited in some areas (particularly Curtis Creek), the trade-off is peaceful natural surroundings with amenities like hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and proximity to area attractions.
How much does camping cost near Old Fort, NC?
Camping costs around Old Fort vary based on amenities and location. Spacious Skies Bear Den offers family-friendly camping with rates typically ranging from $35-65 per night depending on site type and season. Julian Price Park Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway provides more affordable options, with sites generally between $20-30 nightly. For budget-conscious campers, dispersed camping areas like Old NC 105 offer free camping options. National Forest campgrounds like Curtis Creek typically charge $15-25 per night, with discounts available for senior pass holders. Most established campgrounds in the region accept reservations, with prices generally higher during peak season (late spring through fall). For the most current pricing, check official campground websites or reservation systems, as rates can change seasonally.
Where are the best campgrounds in Old Fort, NC?
Old Fort offers excellent camping options for nature lovers. Curtis Creek Campground stands out with creekside sites, clean facilities, and hiking trails accessible directly from camp. The peaceful setting and helpful hosts make it ideal for extended stays. Another top choice is Catawba Falls Campground (temporarily closed until 2025), which features beautiful wooded RV sites along Catawba Creek with convenient access to Old Fort and nearby falls. For those seeking dispersed options, the Old NC 105 area provides numerous good spots between Lake James and Linville Falls. The region surrounding Old Fort offers easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and national forests, making it an excellent base for exploring western North Carolina.
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