North Carolina / McDowell County / Pisgah National Forest

Curtis Creek Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates April 1 through December 31. First-come, first-served sites are available during operating season. Curtis Creek Road access may be affected by weather or maintenance; contact the Grandfather Ranger District for current conditions.

About

Curtis Creek Campground occupies a historic location in Pisgah National Forest, situated on the first tract of National Forest land acquired in the eastern United States. Set at 2,000 feet elevation in rich mountain hardwood forests, the campground features 25 sites distributed across three loops, each offering a different camping experience. One fully accessible, barrier-free loop accommodates RVs up to 35 feet, while a second loop provides dispersed tent-only roadside sites for a secluded forest experience, and a third loop features tent sites in an open grassy area. Curtis Creek, running along the east side of the campground, is a popular trout stream surrounded by lush rhododendron and hemlock, offering excellent fishing for those with proper licenses. History enthusiasts can explore the remains of old Civilian Conservation Corps buildings scattered throughout the area, while hikers have direct access to two Forest Service trails. The Hickory Branch Trail leads approximately half a mile to waterfalls and provides longer routes into the backcountry around Mackey Mountain, home to the largest unbroken tract of old-growth forest in the Pisgah National Forest. The more strenuous Snooks Nose Trail climbs to a ridge with expansive views before reaching the Blue Ridge Parkway. The gravel Curtis Creek Road continues past the campground and ascends to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mount Mitchell State Park, providing scenic driving opportunities. The campground is just six miles from Old Fort, offering convenient access to restaurants, groceries, and services, and within 30 miles of Asheville. Each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring, with vault toilets, drinking water pumps, and bear-proof trash receptacles available. A campground host provides on-site assistance during the operating season.

Directions

From I-40, take Exit 73 towards Old Fort. Take Catawba Avenue north 0.5 miles to US-70E/East Main Street. Turn right on US-70E and go 1.8 miles to Curtis Creek Road. Turn left on Curtis Creek Road and drive 4 miles to campground.

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