Curtis Creek Campground

Curtis Creek Campground is a USDA National Forest campground located at the base of the Blue Ridge, six miles from Old Fort in McDowell County. The campground sits on the site of a historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp surrounded by old-growth forests and roaring trout streams. Three loops contain 25 sites accommodating different camping preferences: one loop accommodates RVs up to 35 feet with full accessibility features, a second features dispersed tent-only roadside sites for a secluded experience, and a third offers open grassy tent sites. The $10 nightly fee supports first-come, first-served and reservation-based camping from April through November. The area is renowned for excellent trout fishing on Curtis Creek itself. Short and long hiking trails provide access to natural features including the Hickory Branch Trail, which leads to a series of waterfalls within walking distance, and the more strenuous Snooks Nose Trail offering ridge views and eventual connection to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The campground's proximity to Asheville and the scenic Blue Ridge corridor makes it an ideal base for mountain recreation.