Closed
— Closed for the season. Opens April 1 and operates through November 1. Sites can be reserved at least three days in advance via Recreation.gov.
About
Mortimer Campground is a 17-site campground nestled within the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor south of Grandfather Mountain in Pisgah National Forest. Located at the historic site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp at 1,400 feet elevation, the campground provides a secluded streamside setting shaded by large hemlocks and pines along Thorps Creek. The campground features two loops: a lower loop with 5 tent-only walk-in sites with central parking, and an upper loop with 14 barrier-free sites that can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet (no hookups). Most sites include a tent pad, picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring.
Two Forest Service trails depart from the campground. The Thorps Creek Trail provides a short quarter-mile hike to Thorps Creek Falls, while the more strenuous Schoolhouse Ridge Trail connects via the 0.2-mile Bill Vines Trail for a 3-mile ridgeline excursion with views before connecting to the Wilson Ridge Trail. Swimming holes along Thorps Creek provide wading opportunities, while nearby Wilson Creek, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 2000, is well known for excellent trout fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The area also boasts a network of mountain biking trails and opportunities to explore remnants of the once-booming timber town of Mortimer. Other nearby trails include Hunt Fish Falls, North Harper Creek Falls, and Little Lost Cove Cliffs. The Wilson Creek Visitor Center is 3.2 miles away.
Directions
From Collettsville, NC, take NC-90 west for approximately 10 miles to the campground entrance on the right.
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