413 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $28 - $56 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability
TravelerI camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.
ScoutThe owner was super nice and gave us all the info we needed! Very close to the falls to swim at and hike to (wear hiking shoes to get to the falls) over all great quiet little campground!
ScoutAbsolutely zero provide or trees between sites. Might as well be in an RV lot. Reserved a site and immediately left after getting there.
ScoutRed gates campground is pretty, clean and in a convenient place for what we need. It is full hook up, but also provides bath house and Pay as you go laundry facilities. However, tear is little to no privacy at any of the sites. If you’re looking to make this a destination camp ground, you will be disappointed. But it is a great spot to stay as a base to explore around western North Carolina.
ScoutWe found the the best spot we have ever stayed. Big sandy beach down a 100 foot decline. Parked at the top where there is a fire ring and nice size flat spot for a small camper or truck set up like we had. Very secluded. Can’t believe we got this spot. So thankful. Pack it in pack it out
LegendThis small campground is low stress on the banks of a very nice river!
TravelerYou can only camp at designated spots. This was full of people and bikers. People did end up sleeping on cars along the road and were left undisturbed. We were there on a Tuesday night and it was packed. It was indeed pretty and there is a creek
TravelerWe ended up booking 2 campsites (due to planning on moving) but stayed at our first one the whole time. The camp host was so nice and friendly! Very helpful! Wasn’t a place to swim there, but was very close to a nice beach area!
TravelerThere wasn’t very good pictures of the sites. We chose our site because we thought it was on the river (based on the map) and it was on a very tiny, buggy, creek. Would have chosen different site if there was better pictures.
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.
Keep Exploring
