Curtis Creek Campground
4.5352 reviewsCurtis Creek Campground
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Camping fees are $10/night with a reservation fee of $8 if booked online. Some primitive spots may be free; users should confirm availability.
About this campground
Nestled in a tranquil streamside haven where mountain waters whisper through ancient forests, Curtis Creek Campground invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. This intimate campground at the foot of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains provides an authentic back-to-basics camping experience, where the melody of rushing water and rustling leaves becomes your soundtrack. While tent campers will find their perfect wilderness retreat here, select sites welcome smaller RVs seeking the same peaceful escape. Simple amenities including vault toilets and fresh water pumps ensure comfort without compromising the pristine natural setting.
Curtis Creek Campground offers a diverse camping experience with options for tent-only sites, RV sites, and dispersed roadside camping.
Historical SignificanceCurtis Creek Campground holds the distinction of sitting on hallowed ground – the very first tract of National Forest land acquired in the eastern United States. During the Great Depression, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps called this place home, working tirelessly to restore and protect these precious woodlands. Their legacy lives on in the trails they carved and the forests they helped nurture back to health, making every visit a journey through living history.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Curtis Creek in dramatically different hues, creating a year-round canvas of natural beauty. Spring awakens the forest floor with a spectacular wildflower display, while autumn transforms the canopy into a breathtaking tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber. Summer visitors find refuge beneath the cooling shade of the dense forest canopy, where temperatures remain pleasantly mild even on the warmest days. The campground takes its winter rest from January through March, allowing nature to reclaim its quiet solitude before welcoming campers back in spring.
ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet where mountain air grows crisp and clean, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the Blue Ridge ecosystem. This elevation creates the perfect conditions for the magnificent old-growth forests that embrace the campground, while Curtis Creek tumbles down from higher peaks, carrying cool mountain water through this verdant sanctuary.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where towering hardwoods create cathedral-like spaces, their branches intertwining overhead in nature's own architecture. Massive rhododendron thickets burst into bloom each spring, while stately hemlocks stand sentinel along Curtis Creek's banks. The creek itself serves as both the campground's centerpiece and playground, its crystal-clear pools harboring native trout and reflecting the surrounding forest like nature's own mirror. This pristine mountain stream provides endless opportunities for quiet contemplation, refreshing wades on hot days, and world-class fly fishing for those seeking to match wits with wily mountain trout.
Geological RegionCurtis Creek Campground rests in the embrace of the Blue Ridge Mountains' ancient geological story, where 2,000-foot elevations create the ideal conditions for one of the East's most diverse forest ecosystems. Here, rich mountain soils nourish magnificent hardwood forests that have stood for generations, their roots intertwining with rhododendron understories and hemlock groves. Curtis Creek has carved its course through this landscape over millennia, creating a riparian corridor that supports an extraordinary tapestry of plant and animal life in one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth.
Campsite details
AccessibilityOne of the campground loops is fully accessible and barrier-free, accommodating RVs up to 35 feet. Accessible vault toilets are also available.
Sites SizeStandard tent pads and RV sites; RVs up to 35 feet can be accommodated in one of the loops.
Sites Privacy"Very small and quiet, with no cell service," one visitor remarked. Sites range from secluded forested areas to open grassy spaces, providing options for varying levels of privacy.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Look for sites along the creek for the best experience," advised one reviewer. Sites closer to the campground loop may have less tree cover.
Best CampsitesSite 004 is praised for its privacy and creek access. Site 14 is noted for its seclusion and view along the creek.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time: 3 p.m.
Check-out
Check-out time: noon
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Specific guest limits not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has three loops: one fully accessible for RVs, another for tent-only roadside sites, and a third tent-only area on open grassy sites.
Open and Closed SeasonApril 1 to December 31
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online or on-site.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available; availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and late cancellations may forfeit the first-night fees.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Curtis Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including trout fishing, hiking, and exploring the historical CCC remnants. Nearby trails provide opportunities for both leisurely walks and strenuous hikes to scenic views and waterfalls.
Hiking
The campground is a starting point for several hiking trails, including the Hickory Branch Trail, which leads to waterfalls, and the Snooks Nose Trail, offering strenuous hikes and connections to the Blue Ridge Parkway. "Great hikes from camp," noted one user.Fishing
Curtis Creek is a popular location for trout fishing. Users described it as "well known for its excellent trout fishing," with ample opportunities for anglers.Swimming
Swimming holes along Curtis Creek provide opportunities for wading and cooling off during warm days.Biking
Biking is available, and the area is frequented by both mountain bikers and those looking for scenic rides.Wildlife viewing
Campers can enjoy the lush surroundings and observe local wildlife in the dense hardwood and rhododendron forest.Winter Activities
Limited winter access to the campground; activities likely include hiking and wildlife viewing, but detailed information is unavailable.Water Sports
Limited to fishing and swimming in Curtis Creek, with no specialized water sports facilities available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings only. Visitors should not burn construction materials or pallets.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground is in a bear sanctuary; visitors must store food securely. Potholes on the gravel access road may pose minor driving challenges. Hunting occurs nearby during certain seasons.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Medical facilities and grocery stores are located in Old Fort, NC, 6 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril through October
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash and recycling containers are provided throughout the campground to ensure safety and cleanliness. Campers are encouraged to use these facilities properly.
Proximity to water featuresCurtis Creek runs adjacent to the campground, offering swimming holes and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsSome users noted smelly vault toilets and occasional noise from campground hosts. Others reported issues with reservations and site availability.
HostCampground hosts are available and described as friendly and helpful, often providing maps and local tips.
Campground Map
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.
The road to Curtis Creek Campground is gravel and has occasional potholes near bridges, but it is generally accessible for 2WD vehicles according to user reviews. "Hardly a 4WD road, just packed gravel with a few potholes," commented one reviewer.Nearby places
Old Fort, NC (6 miles, approximately 10-minute drive), Asheville, NC (30 miles, approximately 40-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries are available at Frisbee's in Old Fort, NC, 6 miles away. Firewood can be purchased on-site.
Camper Reviews
4.5
52 reviews
Curtis Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users praised Curtis Creek Campground for its tranquility, natural beauty, and affordability. Many highlighted the clean facilities and helpful campground hosts, though some noted issues with the vault toilets’ odor.
Review Summaries
Based on 52 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include secluded and quiet surroundings, clean and well-maintained sites, excellent trout fishing opportunities, and friendly and helpful campground hosts.
Based on 52 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some campers mentioned occasional odors from the vault toilets and difficulties navigating the gravel access road, particularly during bad weather.
Based on 52 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies due to the remote location, reserving sites in advance during peak seasons, and being prepared for no cell service. "Bring everything you need,"...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during spring and summer, when visitors enjoy hiking and fishing, and quieter during the off-season. Winter usage is restricted but possible.
Based on 52 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This campground was awesome and was one of our favorites we’ve stayed in. Very small and quiet, with no cell service," said one user. Another remarked, "Excellent campground for $10 per night!!! No...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 004 was praised for its privacy and direct access to the creek. Site 14 was described as secluded and creek-side with a view, and site 13 was noted for being right by the creek. However, a...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
One loop is barrier-free and suitable for RVs up to 35 feet, and vault toilets are accessible. However, no specific reviews from users with disabilities were provided.
Based on 52 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on-site, and many reviewers mentioned the campground as being family- and pet-friendly. All pets must be leashed.
Based on 52 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025