Old Fort -- May 27, 2026: In a major milestone for Western North Carolina’s outdoor community, the United States Forest Service has officially announced the reopening of the historic Curtis Creek Campground. Located in the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, the beloved recreation site is welcoming campers back exactly 20 months after suffering extensive damage from Hurricane Helene.
The road to reopening has been a long one. The historic storm washed out massive sections of the primary access road, rendering the entire area completely inaccessible for much of 2025. Once large-scale road repairs were finalized, teams were finally able to move in and begin the meticulous process of campground reconstruction.
"In collaboration with partner organizations and contractors, a great deal of energy, effort, grit and hard work went into restoring the campground to be able to reopen it for recreational users to enjoy this season," the Forest Service shared in a statement.
Why Curtis Creek Matters
For local outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike, Curtis Creek holds a legendary status. Tucked away just outside Old Fort, it is recognized as the very first tract of land acquired east of the Mississippi River under the historic Weeks Act of 1911—the foundational legislation that led to the creation of our Eastern National Forests.
Today, it offers a peaceful, canopy-shaded escape with 25 individual campsites spread across three distinct loops, including an ADA-accessible RV loop and secluded tent sites right along the rushing trout waters of Curtis Creek.
What Campers Need to Know Before You Go
While the campground itself is ready to welcome visitors, the surrounding landscape is still very much in a state of active recovery. The Forest Service urges recreationists to keep the following details in mind:
Surrounding Closures: Many nearby trails and the upper portions of Curtis Creek Road (FSRD 482) still have active hazard closures due to downed timber, landslides, and severe erosion.
Safety First: Visitors should exercise extreme caution, watch for stream bank instability, and strictly respect all remaining boundary signs so that ongoing technical restoration work can continue safely.
Reservations: Campsites can be secured online directly through the federal recreation portal at Recreation.gov.
Location & Contact Information
Address: 3799 State Rd 1227, Old Fort, NC 28762
Phone for Info: Grandfather Ranger District Office — 828-652-2144
The reopening of Curtis Creek is a beautiful testament to the resilience of our mountain public lands and the unbreakable spirit of the crews working to restore them.