Camping at Mortimer Campground
Overview of Mortimer Campground
Location: Mortimer Campground is situated within the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. This scenic area offers a peaceful setting with close proximity to natural attractions like Wilson Creek, which is a designated Wild and Scenic River.
About the Campground: The campground is relatively primitive, offering a more traditional and rustic camping experience. It has sites available for tent camping, with several amenities. Its location provides opportunities for a range of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and swimming.
Campsite Details and Reservation
Campsite Amenities: Campsites usually include amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts. The campground typically provides access to potable water and has vault toilets. There are no electric hookups or showers available on-site.
Reservations and Walk-ins: Campsites at Mortimer Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, it's always a good idea to check the current status of the campground and road conditions before you go.
Activities and Attractions
Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails in the area. One notable hike is the hike to the South Mountains State Park, which offers many trails with varying difficulty, including the popular High Shoals Falls Loop.
Water Activities: The nearby Wilson Creek area is known for its clear waters and beautiful scenery. It offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Mountain Biking: The forest roads and trails around Mortimer Campground provide an exciting terrain for mountain bikers.
Rules and Regulations
Firewood: To prevent the spread of invasive insects and diseases, it's recommended that campers should buy firewood locally near the campground.
Wildlife: As with any national forest area, it's important to be aware of wildlife and practice safe food storage. Use bear-proof containers where required and never feed wildlife.
Leave No Trace: Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the environment. This includes packing out all trash and belongings, and leaving the campsite as you found it.
Accessibility
Accessibility: The terrain and facilities may not be accessible to all visitors. If accessibility is a concern, it's advisable to contact the ranger district office for the most current information on the accessibility of the campground and nearby facilities.
Contact Information and Resources
Before heading out, it’s wise to contact the Grandfather Ranger District for the latest updates and information:
Grandfather Ranger District Office:
- Address: 109 East Lawing Drive, Nebo, NC 28761
- Phone: (828) 652-2144
Online Resources:
- National Forests in North Carolina Official Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc
- Recreational Information: https://www.recreation.gov
For more detailed and up-to-date information, it's always a good idea to check with the official resources or directly at the ranger station, especially when planning a trip during off-peak seasons or around weather events.
