Is Mortimer Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mortimer Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Mortimer Campground?

Mortimer Campground is open Seasons of Use March 31 - October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mortimer Campground?

Yes, Mortimer Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Mortimer Campground have?

Mortimer Campground has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mortimer Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Mortimer Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mortimer Campground?

Mortimer Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mortimer Campground?

Popular activities at Mortimer Campground include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mortimer Campground

4.48

178 reviews

8410 Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC, 28611, USA

BReport Card

Featured in:Swimming Camping North Carolina

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use March...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Mortimer Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use March...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Mortimer Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Mortimer Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

828-652-2144grandfatherrd@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

8410 Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC, 28611, USA

Mortimer Campground

8410 Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC, 28611, USA

Nearby places

Grandfather Mountain (17 miles south), Morganton (approx. 40 miles south), Blowing Rock (approx. 40 miles north).

Weather at Mortimer Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mortimer Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking experience at Mortimer — mid-October brings peak hardwood color (gold, crimson, amber) and crisp, stable weather ideal for hiking and photography. Daytime temperatures are typically in the 50s–60s°F with chilly nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, making campfires comfortable and mosquitoes minimal. Trails and riverside vistas are at their best for day hikes, leaf‑peeping, and trout fishing, though expect higher weekend use during peak color weeks. Peak months: October, September, June, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Best season: mid-October peak hardwood color and crisp, stable weather for outdoor activities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use March 31 - October 31

About Mortimer Campground

Mortimer Campground sits along Wilson Creek in the North Carolina foothills, offering tent and RV sites with flush toilets, hot showers, and an on-site host. The small campground provides access to hiking and biking trails in the National Forests in North Carolina, with fall bringing peak hardwood color and comfortable temperatures. Visitors value the scenic creekside setting and well-maintained facilities.

Mortimer Campground features a variety of camping options, including tent-only sites and RV accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking experience at Mortimer — mid-October brings peak hardwood color (gold, crimson, amber) and crisp, stable weather ideal for hiking and photography. Daytime temperatures are typically in the 50s–60s°F with chilly nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, making campfires comfortable and mosquitoes minimal. Trails and riverside vistas are at their best for day hikes, leaf‑peeping, and trout fishing, though expect higher weekend use during peak color weeks. Peak months: October, September, June, May

Elevation1400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested valley where Wilson Creek flows through mixed hardwoods and evergreens. Hemlocks and pines shade the sites, while the creek provides constant background noise and cold swimming holes. The Southern Appalachian foothills rise steeply on both sides of the valley, creating a sheltered corridor. Trails from camp climb ridgelines and follow tributary streams through dense vegetation. Morning fog is common along the creek bottom, clearing by mid-morning to reveal layered ridges stretching west toward Grandfather Mountain.

Lodging & AccommodationsMortimer Campground does not offer hotel-style lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is undefined, but likely standard as per National Forests' policy.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not explicitly stated, presumed standard National Forest regulation.

Groups

No group sites are mentioned in the campground description.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are processed through recreation.gov and possibly contact-center.

AccessibilityThe upper loop includes 14 fully accessible, barrier-free sites designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites are equipped to handle small RVs up to 35 feet in the upper loop, while the lower loop is designated for tent-only walk-in sites.

PrivacyThe campground features a mix of secluded and less private sites due to its layout in loops.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesUpper Loop sites are suitable for small RVs; Lower Loop offers more privacy and a secluded forest experience for tent campers.

Best CampsitesUpper loop sites work for small RVs and offer easier access with barrier-free options. Lower loop walk-in sites are quieter and better for tents, though you'll need to haul gear from the parking area. Reviews mention lush surroundings and proximity to Wilson Creek throughout the campground.

Need help booking Mortimer Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Mortimer Campground

Mortimer Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities including swimming, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, picnicking, and scenic driving. Nearby Wilson Creek is a notable spot for trout fishing and kayaking, while the Thorps Creek Trail and Schoolhouse Ridge Trail provide hiking opportunities.

Hiking4.0/5

Two Forest Service trails start at the campground, incl. Thorps Creek Falls (≈¼ mi).

Swimming4.0/5

Cold swimming holes and pools along Thorps Creek; popular in summer.

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking is noted as a popular activity on Wilson Creek near the campground.

Biking3.5/5

Mountain biking network nearby, trails suitable for various skill levels.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Peak hardwood color in fall, waterfalls and pools make it a strong photo subject.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof trash and recycling receptacles are available, emphasizing food safety in bear habitat.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

178 reviews

Recommended

Mortimer Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mortimer Campground has a positive overall sentiment among visitors. It is praised for its lush natural surroundings, proximity to outdoor activities, and clean facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 178 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the campground's scenic location by Wilson Creek, its well-maintained facilities, and the presence of a host for assistance.

Based on 178 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints are detailed in the source material.

Based on 178 reviews

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Mortimer Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

828-652-2144grandfatherrd@usda.gov

Go if

You want maintained facilities near Wilson Creek with hiking access and an on-site host for support.

Skip if

You need guaranteed quiet hours enforcement or prefer more remote primitive camping.

Nearby Campgrounds

National Forests in North Carolina

Mortimer Campground sits along Thorps Creek in the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor, about an hour from both Blowing Rock and Morganton. The 17-site campground splits into two loops: 14 accessible sites in the upper loop (small RVs up to 35 feet welcome) and 5 walk-in tent sites in the lower loop. Large hemlocks and pines shade the streamside setting, and the camp host keeps facilities immaculate.

Mortimer Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Mortimer Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mortimer Campground

Planning Tips

About Mortimer Campground

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Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Mortimer Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Mortimer Campground

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Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Best Time to Camp at Mortimer Campground

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Need help booking Mortimer Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Mortimer Campground

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns