Mortimer Campground
01 review8410 Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC, 28611, USA
Mortimer Campground
$20.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $20 per night for individual campsites to $30 for the group site (12G).
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor, Mortimer Campground offers an intimate escape where history meets wilderness. This charming small campground occupies the grounds of a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp, where echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of North Carolina's pristine backcountry.
Mortimer Campground features a variety of camping options, including tent-only sites and RV accommodations.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this historic site where young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps once labored to build trails, plant forests, and shape the landscape during the Great Depression. Their legacy lives on in the very ground where you'll pitch your tent, connecting modern adventurers to a pivotal chapter in American conservation history.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full splendor of Appalachian seasons at Mortimer. Summer days bring warm, humid air perfect for splashing in cool mountain streams, while evenings offer comfortable camping under starlit skies. Autumn transforms the landscape into a brilliant tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber foliage. Winter occasionally dusts the forest with snow or glazes trails with ice, creating a peaceful wonderland that may temporarily limit access. Spring awakens the forest floor with carpets of trillium, bloodroot, and other native wildflowers painting the understory in delicate hues.
ElevationPerched at a gentle 1,400 feet elevation, Mortimer Campground offers the perfect balance of mountain atmosphere and accessibility. Here, towering hardwoods create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across your campsite. The streamside location ensures cool breezes and the soothing soundtrack of flowing water throughout your stay.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient hemlocks and stately pines stand sentinel over bubbling mountain streams. The lush hardwood forest creates a verdant sanctuary, with the pristine waters of Wilson Creek serving as your constant companion. This secluded haven offers campers a front-row seat to nature's theater, where morning mist rises from the creek, afternoon light filters through the canopy, and evening brings a chorus of forest sounds.
Geological RegionNestled in the dramatic foothills of the Southern Appalachians near the iconic Grandfather Mountain, Mortimer Campground sits within one of North Carolina's most treasured landscapes. The Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor showcases millions of years of geological history, where ancient mountains have been carved by crystal-clear streams into a wonderland of valleys, ridges, and hidden hollows. This rich mountain ecosystem supports diverse hardwood forests that change with every bend in the trail and turn of the creek.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe upper loop includes 14 fully accessible, barrier-free sites designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Sites 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.
Sites PrivacyThe campground features a mix of secluded and less private sites due to its layout in loops.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUpper Loop sites are suitable for small RVs; Lower Loop offers more privacy and a secluded forest experience for tent campers.
Best CampsitesSites in the Upper Loop are accessible, barrier-free, and can accommodate small RVs. Lower Loop has walk-in tent-only sites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 2:00 pm.
Check-out
Check-out time is by 12:00 pm.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDivided into Upper and Lower Loops; Upper Loop sites are accessible and accommodate small RVs, while Lower Loop features tent-only walk-in sites.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal availability is not explicitly stated but likely year-round based on proximity to human settlements.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are processed through recreation.gov and possibly contact-center.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation not explicitly provided; implied availability is limited during peak periods.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations involve a $10 fee within the specified cut-off window.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
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.
Hiking
Two Forest Service trails originate from the campground. The Thorps Creek Trail provides a short hike (approximately 1/4 mile) to Thorps Creek Falls. The more strenuous Schoolhouse Ridge Trail connects to the campground via the 0.2-mile Bill Vines Trail and offers a 3-mile ridgeline excursion with scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is available in nearby Wilson Creek, which is well-known for its excellent trout fishing opportunities.Swimming
Swimming holes along Thorps Creek offer wading and swimming opportunities, especially popular during hot summer days.Biking
Mountain biking is available on a network of trails in the area, suitable for various skill levels.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours likely from 10:00 pm - 6:00 am as per National Forest regulations.
Hazards
General hazardsLocated in bear territory; campers are advised to store food securely.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in the town of Morganton, approximately 40 miles south. The nearest hospital is Frye Regional Medical Center.
Good to know
Peak season datesInformation not explicitly provided about peak season.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash and recycling receptacles are provided on-site to ensure proper waste management.
Proximity to water featuresThorps Creek runs along the east side of the campground, feeding into Wilson Creek.
Common complaintsReviews highlighted barking dogs and noisy visitors during quiet hours.
HostCampground host available for assistance.
Campground Map
8410 Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC, 28611, USA
Driving directionsFrom Collettsville, take Edgemont Road for approximately 8 miles to reach Mortimer Campground. It is well-marked and accessible via paved roads.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Road conditions are generally good year-round, though snow and ice may impact accessibility during winter months.Nearby places
Grandfather Mountain (17 miles south), Morganton (approx. 40 miles south), Blowing Rock (approx. 40 miles north).
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies including groceries and camping equipment are available in Collettsville (8 miles away) or Blowing Rock and Morganton (around 40 miles).
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Mortimer Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 1 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 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are detailed in the source material.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are encouraged to explore the nearby Wilson Creek area and enjoy the available outdoor activities.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is popular in summer due to its swimming holes and shaded sites.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025