Camping can put you on top of top streams
Throughout the mountains, public campgrounds are found in national parks, national forests and state parks, many of them located on trout streams or lakes. With very few exceptions, they’re well-maintained, clean, convenient and accessible. Standard amenities include flush toilets, freshwater outlets, pads for tents, picnic tables, fire rings — some with grills — and posts to hang lanterns. Some of the larger campgrounds even have hot-water showers. You can camp in a tent, a camper or an RV. Larger campgrounds have hook-ups for water and electricity.
Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites at some of the larger campgrounds such as Davidson can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov. Best time to find a campsite is Sunday afternoon or Monday during summer’s peak season. Campgrounds usually start filling up on Thursday. Campgrounds aren’t as busy in the spring or fall. Prices are nominal; the experience priceless.
For more years than I care to count, I’ve camped on the banks of trout streams or shorelines of lakes. There is something naturally appealing about going to sleep with the sound of running water in your ears. I’ve had many trout suppers fixed on a camp stove or open fire. After all these years, I still look forward to a weekend of fishing and camping. It’s deep-soul satisfying.
Here are some of my favorites campgrounds:
• Davidson River Campground is 4 miles east of Brevard in the Pisgah National Forest. One of the largest public campgrounds in western North Carolina, with 161 sites in eight loops, the campground is spread out along the banks of the Davidson River, the state’s premier trout stream. Open year-round, the campground has hot-water showers and spaces for RVs and campers. Fees are $22 to $44 per night, depending on the site. The section of the Davidson River by the campground is hatchery-supported waters. From Avery Creek to the headwaters, the stream is catch-and-release, artificial flies only. From Brevard, take US 64 east to US 276, through the Pisgah National Forest. The campground is about 1.5 miles from the entrance of the forest.
• Standing Indian Campground in the Nantahala National Forest near Franklin has 84 sites in four loops. At 3,880 feet, Standing Indian is one of the highest in elevation of all public campgrounds. It is open May 1 through Dec. 1. Camping fee is $14. The campground has hot-water showers. Accessible streams are the headwaters of the Nantahala River, which are wild-trout waters, and Kimsey Creek and Park Creek, which are wild-trout, natural-bait streams. From Franklin, take US 64 west for 9 miles, turn left on old US 64 and follow the signs.
• Black Mountain Campground in the Nantahala National Forest near Burnsville is on the banks of the South Toe River near Mount Mitchell. Open April 14 through Oct. 31, the campground has 48 sites in four loops. Camping fee is $15. Pay showers are on site. Accessible streams are the South Toe River. The section running beside the campground is catch-and-release, artificial flies only. Above the campground, the stream is wild-trout waters. Below Clear Creek to the lower boundary line of the Yancey County recreation park, the stream is hatchery-supported. From Burnsville, take US 19 east for 5 miles, turn right on NC 80, go 12 miles, and turn right on FR 472.
• Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Bryson City is open April 1 through October. No showers. Camping fee is $17 per day. Located on the banks of Deep Creek, the campground has 92 sites. Camping fee is $17 per day. In addition to Deep Creek, nearby streams are Indian Creek, a tributary, and the Tuckasegee River. The section of Deep Creek outside the park to the Tuckasegee River is hatchery-supported waters. From I-40 west, take Exit 27 to US 74 West towards Waynesville. Turn onto US 19 and go through Maggie Valley to Cherokee. Turn north onto US 441 at Cherokee and follow the road into the park.
• Stone Mountain State Park is in Wilkes and Alleghany counties, 6 miles southwest of Roaring Gap. Open year-round, the campground has 90 sites in three loops, a few with electric and water hookups. Fees are $20 per day for standard sites and $25 for electric and water. Bullhead Creek, a trophy trout stream, is the prime fishing attraction. Anglers pay a fee for exclusive use of a section of the stream. Other streams in or near the park are East Prong Roaring River (delayed-harvest), Stone Mountain Creek (delayed-harvest), Big Sandy Creek, Garden Creek and Widow Creek (all wild-trout waters). From I -77 North, take Exit 83/US 21 north (Sparta/Roaring Gap) and head north 13 miles to Traphill Road (SR 1002). At the brown state-park sign, turn left. Go about 4 miles to John P. Frank Parkway to another state park sign and turn right. Follow the parkway to the park, about 2 miles. Contact: www.stonemountain@ncparks.gov.
Campgrounds are much cheaper than motels, and you don’t have to drive to your fishing site.
