Curtis Creek Campground provides tent, RV, and dispersed camping options near Old Fort, North Carolina at elevations of approximately 1,800 feet. The area falls within the Pisgah National Forest, where temperatures range from 30-85°F depending on season. Camping sites in this region offer access to multiple hiking trails and creek-side locations with gravel tent pads.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: 30-minute drive to Roaring Fork Falls from Bear Den Family Campground. "The campground is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains...so beautiful! Quiet campground with hiking trails, small fishing lake, playgrounds, an arcade room, and camp store. One of the hiking trails leads to a waterfall," notes Emily B.
Fish in mountain streams: Buck Creek provides clear water fishing opportunities. "Site #47 was the best of all three. It's a good-sized site right on the creek and just up from swimming hole#2. There were two swimming holes along the creek, which were a ton of fun. The water is very clear and refreshing," reports Kevin A. from Buck Creek RV Park.
Mountain biking access: Several trails near Curtis Creek provide mountain biking routes for various skill levels. "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. Several hikes right from the campground," says Lindsay W.
What campers like
Stream noise for sleeping: Many campsites border creeks or streams for natural white noise. "The sites are beautiful and can fit a tent or two although there is not much seclusion between sites. I wish we had spent more than one night in site #10. It was amazing!" writes Angie G. about Curtis Creek Campground.
Secluded tent sites: Some campgrounds offer walk-in tent sites for more privacy. "This place is a gem! Perfect for a quick getaway from Asheville. We chose campsite 13 and were so happy with it. You'll feel like you have the forest to yourself, with tons of pretty plants all around you," shares Kat J. about Montreat Family Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive regular maintenance at established campgrounds. "This is a well maintained campground. Showers and bathrooms onsite. Water is available throughout the camp ground. While camping here there's a creek that runs along the campground and many trails to explore," reports David M. about Black Mountain Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many forest campgrounds have spotty coverage. "The park ranger at Mount Mitchell told us about Black Mountain Campground and it was worth the search. It is off the beaten path but is an amazing place to stay and hike," explains Mike B. from Black Mountain Campground.
Bear safety requirements: Food storage containers are mandatory in some areas. "I camped here in June 2023, for the second time. This is a federal campsite. The fee for camping is five dollars a night. Just right outside the federal camping area is disbursed camping. Remember this is bear country. Follow all the bear rules and be cautious," advises Robert D.
Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly with elevation. "Mount Mitchell State Park, highest peak east of the Mississippi...6,684ft elevation... Check weather reports. These mountains make their own weather. And remember, for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, temperature decreases by 3 degrees," explains Dave V.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds at select campgrounds: Some facilities include dedicated play areas. "The campground is well kept, very clean with so much to do. There is a playground for the kids and a little fenced in dog park, too (it even has a nice dog wash station!). Beautifully landscaped with lots of flowers, bird feeders and little white lights at night," notes Jess about Mountain Stream RV Park.
Kid-friendly swimming holes: Natural water features offer summer cooling options. "Kids loved playing at the creek and will try to get a site on that side next time!" shares Lindsay W. about Curtis Creek.
Proximity to emergency services: Medical facilities are 25-45 minutes away in larger towns. "The town of Old Fort is approximately 30 minutes from Asheville, where emergency veterinary services are available."
Tips from RVers
Steep access roads: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. "The road to get to the campground made me nervous, but once there, I could have stayed for weeks! The creek is right beside the campsites, and easily accessed by steps," reports Trina W.
Larger RV limitations: Several campgrounds have size restrictions. "The road going in was rutted the first time, but had been graded by the time we went the second time - there were a couple of one lane bridges and a turn or two that might be tight for a large RV," explains Jackie G.
Pet-friendly camping options: Most campgrounds welcome leashed pets. "We stayed in campsite #8 and were overjoyed with our choice. 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," shares Chad K. about pet friendly camping near Old Fort, North Carolina.
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