Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)
4.52145 reviews109 East Lawing Drive
Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)
$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 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 recommend verifying with official sources.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityOne of the three loops is fully accessible and barrier-free.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesFor more privacy, choose sites 13 or 14; for proximity to the creek, site 4 is recommended. Avoid site 3 due to vault toilet proximity.
Best CampsitesSites 13 and 14 are highly recommended for privacy and creek views. "Sites 13 and 14 gave us lots of privacy, prime access to the beautiful creek, and close proximity to water and toilet facilities." - User review.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree loops include RV-accessible sites, tent-only roadside sites, and tent-only grassy sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1 to December 31.
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.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Curtis Creek is a popular trout stream, making it an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts.Swimming
Swimming holes along Curtis Creek provide opportunities for wading and cooling off during hot days.Biking
Biking opportunities are available in the surrounding area with trails suitable for mountain biking.Wildlife viewing
The campground is surrounded by old-growth forests, offering ample opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.Cultural and Educational Programs
The site includes historical remains from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era, offering a unique educational aspect for history enthusiasts.Winter Activities
The campground is open through December, providing opportunities for winter camping and exploring trails during the colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water activities like swimming and wading in the creek are possible.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire pits are available at each site. Clean campfires are recommended; no specific bans mentioned.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife (bear-proof trash cans provided), yellow jackets near creek trails (as reported in reviews), and challenging gravel road access.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
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 in Old Fort, approximately 6 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril to November.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash and recycling receptacles are provided throughout the campground.
Proximity to water featuresCurtis Creek runs along the campground, providing access to swimming holes and trout fishing.
Common complaintsSmelly vault toilets reported in several reviews. "Vault toilets were extremely smelly; in fact, the worst I've encountered in the past 20 years." - User review. Noise issues occasionally reported during busy weekends.
HostCampground host available during peak season. Hosts are described as friendly and helpful. "Host was very friendly and hospitable." - User review.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.5
145 reviews
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 145 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 145 reviewsShow more
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 145 reviewsShow more
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 145 reviewsShow more
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 145 reviewsShow more
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 145 reviewsShow more
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...
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Accessibility Features
One fully accessible loop is available, but some reviews note issues with reservation signage for handicapped-accessible sites.
Based on 145 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Several users mention the campground as being pet-friendly and suitable for families.
Based on 145 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025