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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
