Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

4.54

239 reviews

109 East Lawing Drive

Featured in:RV Camping North Carolina#1 Forest Camping North Carolina#2 Hiking Camping North Carolina#2 +12 more

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$8 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Dece...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service - Grandfather Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$8 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Dece...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service - Grandfather Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

$8.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee is $10 per night with an $8 reservation fee if booked online or in advance. Some reports suggest primitive sites might be free, but...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-652-2144grandfatherrd@fs.fed.us

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 239 reviews

149 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanfriendly

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Curtis Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its secluded and quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and the natural beauty of Curtis Creek and its surrounding trails. Some complaints focus on the smell of the vault toilets and the lack of cell phone service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

109 East Lawing Drive

Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

109 East Lawing Drive

Driving directionsFrom I-40, take Exit 73 towards Old Fort. Take Catawba Ave. north 0.5 miles to US-70E/E Main St. Turn right on US-70E and go 1.8 miles to Curtis Creek Rd. (Curtis Creek Campground sign). Turn left on Curtis Creek Rd. and drive 4 miles to campground.

Gravel road with some potholes. Accessible for 2WD vehicles but requires careful driving. "Hardly a 4WD road, just packed gravel with a few potholes particularly near the bridges." - User review.

Nearby places

Old Fort - 6 miles (10 minutes), Black Mountain - 15 miles (30 minutes), Asheville - 30 miles (1 hour)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and gas available in Old Fort, 6 miles from the campground. "Frisbee's is a great stop for groceries." - User review.

Best Time to Camp at Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

From the first wildflowers of spring through the golden days of early fall, Curtis Creek welcomes visitors with pleasantly moderate temperatures and generally dry conditions that make for ideal camping weather. While the campground remains accessible during winter months when open, adventurous cold-weather campers will discover a transformed landscape where frost sparkles on rhododendron leaves and the creek's gentle murmur provides a peaceful soundtrack to crisp mountain mornings. Pack your warm layers and embrace the serene beauty of a winter wilderness experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in NC

Peak season Apr–Nov; swimming holes and shaded sites make summer especially appealing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Described as welcoming through 'golden days of early fall' with pleasant temps and scenery.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in NC

Spring wildflowers and rhododendron blooms are highlighted; reviewers praise spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Campground is closed Jan–Mar; December access limited and winter recreation options are few.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April to November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 1 to December 31.

About Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

Nestled along a babbling mountain stream in the heart of Pisgah National Forest, Curtis Creek Campground offers an enchanting escape into nature's embrace. This thoughtfully designed campground features three distinct camping loops to suit every outdoor enthusiast: RV-friendly sites for those seeking comfort on wheels, intimate tent-only roadside spots for traditional campers, and an inviting open meadow perfect for groups or stargazers. Each carefully positioned site comes complete with its own tent pad, fire ring for evening gatherings, and picnic table where memories are made over shared meals.

Curtis Creek Campground offers varied camping experiences, including RV camping, tent camping, and dispersed sites for a more primitive experience.

Historical SignificanceStep into a piece of American conservation history at Curtis Creek, proudly situated within the very first tract of National Forest land established in the eastern United States. During the 1930s, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps called this place home, transforming raw wilderness into the accessible natural haven you see today. Their legacy lives on in the careful balance between preservation and recreation, where every trail and campsite tells the story of America's commitment to protecting its natural treasures.

Weather and SeasonsFrom the first wildflowers of spring through the golden days of early fall, Curtis Creek welcomes visitors with pleasantly moderate temperatures and generally dry conditions that make for ideal camping weather. While the campground remains accessible during winter months when open, adventurous cold-weather campers will discover a transformed landscape where frost sparkles on rhododendron leaves and the creek's gentle murmur provides a peaceful soundtrack to crisp mountain mornings. Pack your warm layers and embrace the serene beauty of a winter wilderness experience.

ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet above sea level, Curtis Creek Campground offers the perfect mountain retreat without the challenges of high-altitude camping. This sweet-spot elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool temperatures that provide natural air conditioning on summer nights, while treating them to sweeping vistas of the surrounding Pisgah wilderness. Here, you'll breathe easier in the crisp mountain air and wake to misty mornings that gradually reveal the forest's stunning tapestry.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where Curtis Creek's crystal-clear waters wind through groves of ancient hemlocks and native rhododendrons that burst into spectacular bloom each spring. This old-growth forest sanctuary transforms with the seasons: spring arrives in waves of wildflowers carpeting the forest floor, summer brings a lush green canopy providing natural shade, autumn sets the mountainsides ablaze with brilliant reds and golds, and winter reveals the elegant architecture of bare trees against azure skies. The ever-present soundtrack of the creek creates a natural symphony that lulls campers to sleep and greets them at dawn.

Geological RegionCurtis Creek Campground sits in the geological wonderland of Pisgah National Forest, cradled at the base of the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains at 2,000 feet elevation. This region showcases rich mountain hardwood forests that have thrived for centuries in the fertile soils and unique climate created by these time-worn peaks. The surrounding landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where weathered rock faces, cascading streams, and diverse ecosystems create a natural classroom for those curious about the forces that shaped these magnificent mountains.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3PM

Check-out

12 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights consecutively.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites accommodate small groups. Reviews mention compact setups occasionally requiring two sites for larger groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree loops include RV-accessible sites, tent-only roadside sites, and tent-only grassy sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or contact center at 877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve sites available. "Arrived at 9pm on Friday of Memorial Day weekend and there were still at least 4 walk-in sites open." - User review.

Cancellation Policy$10 fee for reservation changes. Late cancellations lose $10 plus first night's recreation fee. No refunds for cancellations on day of arrival.

AccessibilityOne of the three loops is fully accessible and barrier-free.

Site SizeCampsites include tent pads and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in one of the loops. Tent-only sites are also available in roadside and grassy areas.

PrivacyCampsite privacy varies; some sites along Curtis Creek are praised for seclusion while others, particularly in the RV loop, are noted for being close together.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesFor more privacy, choose sites 13 or 14; for proximity to the creek, site 4 is recommended. Avoid site 3 due to vault toilet proximity.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Curtis Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, swimming, and scenic driving. The area's rich history and proximity to trails and waterfalls enhance the experience.

HikingThe campground features two Forest Service trails: the Hickory Branch trail, which leads to waterfalls and backcountry areas, and the Snooks Nose trail, a strenuous hike with scenic views ending at the Blue Ridge Parkway. Additional trails nearby include Catawba Falls and Point Lookout Trail.

FishingCurtis Creek is a popular trout stream, making it an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts.

SwimmingSwimming holes along Curtis Creek provide opportunities for wading and cooling off during hot days.

BikingBiking opportunities are available in the surrounding area with trails suitable for mountain biking.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is surrounded by old-growth forests, offering ample opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe site includes historical remains from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era, offering a unique educational aspect for history enthusiasts.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife (bear-proof trash cans provided), yellow jackets near creek trails (as reported in reviews), and challenging gravel road access.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFire pits are available at each site. Clean campfires are recommended; no specific bans mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesMedical facilities in Old Fort, approximately 6 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash and recycling receptacles are provided throughout the campground.

Water FeaturesCurtis Creek runs along the campground, providing access to swimming holes and trout fishing.

Camp HostCampground host available during peak season. Hosts are described as friendly and helpful. "Host was very friendly and hospitable." - User review.

Weather at Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

Reviews

4.5

239 reviews

Top-Rated

Curtis Creek Campground (Nc) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Curtis Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its secluded and quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and the natural beauty of Curtis Creek and its surrounding trails. Some complaints focus on the smell of the vault toilets and the lack of cell phone service.

Review Summaries

Based on 239 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the campground's cleanliness, quietness, and the scenic beauty of Curtis Creek. The presence of a friendly and helpful camp host is frequently mentioned. Campers also appreciate the...

Based on 239 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the strong smell of vault toilets, some issues with campsite privacy, and the rugged access road leading to the campground. A few users mentioned occasional noise from other...

Based on 239 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure first-come-first-served sites. Bringing firewood and water (beyond what's available via the communal pumps) is also advised. The campground is described as...

Based on 239 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is frequently visited during warmer months when its swimming holes and shaded sites are most appreciated. During the colder months, it serves as a peaceful winter escape, but fewer...

Based on 239 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This campground was awesome and was one of our favorites we’ve stayed in... The campground was very clean, and all of the sites had spacious, level tent pads." - Elise Hickman "Beautiful place! A...

Based on 239 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 4: "Very private with access to the creek directly from the site." - Elise Hickman Site 14: "Secluded and on the creek with a view. Provided a large cart to haul gear to site." - Jon Weaver Site...

Based on 239 reviews