Camping at Mortimer Campground in Wilson Creek

Destinations Southeast North Carolina Wilson Creek

Camping at Mortimer Campground in Wilson Creek

Camping at Mortimer Campground offers a unique experience within the heart of the Wilson Creek area, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and recreational activities. Situated near the lush Pisgah National Forest, this campground is a prime destination for both seasoned campers and families looking to unwind in nature. Its accessibility to nearby trails and waterways makes it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna.

Adventure Guide To Camping at Mortimer Campground

1. Mortimer Campground Facilities
The campground features over 30 spacious, wooded campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. A key attraction is the proximity to the Wilson Creek, famous for its tubing and fishing opportunities. Each site provides a serene backdrop, allowing campers to fully enjoy their surroundings.

2. Hiking Trails
The campground serves as an entry point to various hiking trails, including the Edwards Island Trail, which is approximately 4 miles long. This trail leads adventurers through dense forests and offers stunning views of the creek and cascading waterfalls, perfect for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers. Along the way, interpretive signs provide insight into the region's ecology and history.

3. Wildlife Watching
Visitors can observe diverse wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species native to North Carolina. Early mornings or dusk are ideal for wildlife spotting. Utilize quiet and patience for the best chances to see these animals.

Local Insights

Mortimer is rich in history, originally established in the late 1800s as a logging community. Today, remnants of that era can still be seen in the surrounding structures and paths, enriching the camping experience with a touch of local heritage.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Aim for spring and fall to enjoy mild temperatures and vibrant fall colors.
What to Bring: Essential items include camping gear, food, water, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear for hiking.
Driving Directions: From Mortimer, take NC-90 W for about 5 miles, then turn onto Mortimer Campground Road. The drive offers scenic views and takes around 10 minutes.

Maximize your camping experience by engaging with the environment and local history during your stay.

Reviews

Stephen Miller6 years ago

Beautiful campground! Billy was a great host summer 2018. Not many rv sites, not able to reserve in advance, and a committing approach make it something to think about during peak season, but if you are lucky enough to get a site here it is a very special place. Absolutely beautiful waterfall/ swimming hole on the thorpe creek trail less than 1/2 mile from the campground. The hiking around Wilson creek wilderness area is some of the best around.

Kipp White4 months ago

I went here to just visit the waterfall up the trail at the back of the campground. Thorps Creek Falls is 1/4 mole up the trail. Beautiful little waterfall and easy hike to see it.

cheryl stoner2 years ago

Loved this place. Small campground. Large campsites clean bathrooms with great showers. Very nice camp host.

Gottfried Kibelka2 years ago

No matter what, you have to drive about 10 miles on a narrow gravel road through a beautiful valley to get to the campground. A babbling brook, fireflies, birds, lots of stars, cool nights, and most campers are into some kind of outdoor activity, which creates commonality and an early to bed and early up crowd. The camping lots have no hook ups, just the things you would like to find when arriving on a bike. A picnic table, a lamp post, a fire ring, a grill, a parking spot and a smooth, flat surface for a tent. Water from the two faucets at the bath houses is cool and as tasty as can be. All that is 5+ star rating. But Two bath houses each with only two gender separated toilets (one each per gender, bring your birth certificate to stay out of jail) and separate showers. High pressure toilet flush in both bath houses was either not working or not working properly (men's room). Host was hard to find and NC State Park reservation rules need tweaking. At Mortimer, one week in advance only two places were reserved but all others were set to first come first serve (FF) At arrival all FF were 1 night only and 7 places had reservations. I understand the reason to prohibit fire wood from outside but not having firewood for sale makes it a bit cumbersome. I would have wished for a trail map at the entrance kiosk to inform about the trails that start at the campground. Be better prepared than me and download (no network or wifi in the area) maps or bring paper.

Jo Thompson7 months ago

Excellent campground. The hosts were amazing… telling us local history, etc.. Very clean bathrooms with hot showers. Short walk to whichever site you’re at, there are two sets of bathrooms. Sites were roomy, flat and spaced far enough from each other for privacy. Dogs allowed. No cell service, which was actually nice. Fire pit, bbq grill and picnic tables at every site. Nice, short walk on a trail that leads to some very scenic spots.

Camping

Camping at Mortimer Campground in Wilson Creek