Open
Open seasonally from approximately April 1 through November 1. All 17 sites are reservable via Recreation.gov at least three days in advance. Check-in is 3:00 PM, check-out is noon. Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Limited to 14 consecutive nights.
About
Mortimer Campground is a small, well-appointed campground nestled within the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor south of Grandfather Mountain in Pisgah National Forest. Located at 1,400 ft elevation on the site of a historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp, the 17-site campground is shaded by large hemlocks and pines along Thorps Creek. The lower loop features 5 tent-only walk-in sites with a central parking area, while the upper loop offers 14 fully accessible, barrier-free sites that can accommodate small RVs up to 35 feet.
The campground provides modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, potable water, and bear-proof trash and recycling receptacles. Most sites include a tent pad, picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring. A campground host is on-site. The area is near a bear sanctuary, so proper food storage is required. Cell phone service is not available.
Recreational opportunities abound. Two trails depart directly from the campground: the short Thorps Creek Trail leads approximately 1/4 mile to Thorps Creek Falls, and the Bill Vines Trail connects to the more strenuous Schoolhouse Ridge Trail for a 3-mile ridgeline hike with views. Wilson Creek offers excellent trout fishing, swimming holes, and Class II-IV+ kayaking. Other nearby attractions include Hunt Fish Falls, North Harper Creek Falls, Little Lost Cove Cliffs, and an extensive network of mountain biking trails.
Directions
Located at 8410 Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC 28611. From Lenoir, take NC-90 west toward Collettsville, then follow Brown Mountain Beach Road (SR 1328) north along Wilson Creek to Edgemont Road.
