Dark Ridge Hide Out (Adults Only)

99%

642 reviews

· Elk Park, Avery, North Carolina

20 acres hosted by Curtis C.

2 lodging sites · 4 RV/tent sites · 2 RV sites · 6 tent sites

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Best in North Carolina: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Full RV hookups

Electrical, water, and sewage hookups are available at select sites.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

"Adults only" doesn't mean anything other than just "no children", so as to preserve the natural peace and quiet, and assurance that there won't be loud and unruly children on the property. Inquiries and booking requests received after 9: pm may not be answered until the next morning. Dark Ridge Hide Out, is a 20 acre parcel in the Blue Ridge Mountain's on the back side of the Beech Mt Ski Resort in a secluded quiet and safe community with less than a dozen homes in a one mile radius. Away from light and sound pollution. Except for an occasional passing vehicle "and often none at all from 10pm to 6am" all you will hear is the sound of the creek which runs through the lower section by the RV sites, cricket's and frogs at the nearby fish pond and only the light from the moon and star's in the clear mountain sky and fire flies. It is my home place with a tobacco barn and a big combination cattle/tobacco barn built almost entirely just by my Mom and Dad in early 1940"s. My parents and grand parents lived off of the land here and raised cash crops like cabbage, corn and tobacco, we also raised sugar cane and made molasses, we had free range chickens, as many as 50 honey bee hives and over 50 head of cattle, two or three hog's and of course a horse. There was four main fields; two for cow pasture, one meadow to grow hay "now Christmas trees" and the main one on my part where all crops were grown is where the camp sites are. I grew up helping with the crops and other farm chores, one was to go to the pasture and bring the milk cows in and do the milking every day before and after school, feed the hogs and chickens, gather the egg's, let the chickens out in the morning and close the chicken house in the evening to protect them from critters like opossums, raccoons and wildcats. This is where I grew up, my dad grew up and, near where my mother and both of my grandparents grew up. My house was built in 1905 the same year my dad was born. The campsites are on my 20 acre section section of the original 82 acres with the house and barns, the remainder went to my brother but now is out of the family. The section of Elk River with the Compression Falls "45 ft high" and Twisting Falls which is part of Pisgah National Forest is less than two miles from here, and an old logging road going around the mountain above the river for about three miles to another Falls "Elk River Falls, 65 ft high" is a great place to hike or mountain bike. You will be free to explore and hike any part of my property except the house and out building's. The pond's are full of Trout and Blue Gill fish that are like pet's they love little pieces of bread. You can feed the fish but no fishing.

Activities

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Fishing

Hiking

Fall Fun

Natural features

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River, stream, or creek

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Reviews

99% Recommend1356 ratings · 642 reviews

Curtis's campsite offers a welcoming atmosphere with beautiful views and quiet surroundings, making it a great spot for camping enthusiasts. Guests frequently mention Curtis's warm hospitality and helpfulness, often providing local tips and even meals. The campsites are well-spaced for privacy, and visitors enjoy the fresh spring water and nearby natural attractions like waterfalls and trails. A couple of guests noted that some amenities, like the shower, could use a bit of upkeep, but overall, the experience is positive with many guests planning to return.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Sarah M.

18 reviews

Mixed feelings

· April 2025

Rugged mountain camp

14 ft travel trailer ·

Site 2 Forest View

Beautiful rugged part of the country. As you drive in on the tiny curving mountain roads you witness all the devastation from Helene last September. There are trees down everywhere and obvious evidence of landslides and places where roadways were washed away. The host of Dark Ridge was born and raised on the land. He’s a true mountain man. Unless you have an off road setup, this would be a tough place to get to. We didn’t have great weather while we were there, but the mist on the mountain in the morning was gorgeous. The shower wasn’t operational yet for the season, but the porta potty was really clean and recently serviced. We were the only ones there, but the spots are pretty close together, for awareness.

Donald G.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Don & Laura's stay on site #2

Site 2 - Dark Ridge Hide Out/RV Full Hook

We loved camping here in our 20' travel trailer. Curtis is a fantastic host and we enjoyed talking to him. Every morning we hiked up to the top of the field and played ball with our dog until he was exhausted. Sitting by the creek and listening to the peaceful water was a great way to pass the time. What started out as a short stay turned into an eleven night stay. We are sad to leave this peaceful place and we will return next year for a longer stary. Thanks Curtis we enjoyed our time here.

Charmine M.

9 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

secluded and peaceful

Tent ·

Site 5 Crooked Tree

easily accessible, secluded, and very peaceful land. i woke up to several deers grazing outside. campsite came with a table and grill. it felt safe and Curtis was gracious to give me instructions to the site, as long as you messaged him before 9pm.

Trey W.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

Site 9 Hammock Grove

Great spot, Curtis is one of the most welcoming people I’ve ever met! Me and the boys had a great time in his hammock sites and loved the guidance he gave us to the local spots.

Jenny K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

Site 9 Hammock Grove

Great place for an outdoor get away. Unique spot to hammock with all of your best friends ! Would definitely recommend!

Matt S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Tent ·

Site 6 Big Rock

Quiet, tranquil scenery! Curtis was incredibly hospitable and gave me a rundown on the area to help me settle in. Highly recommend!

Location

Elk Park, Avery, North Carolina, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East) and S’atsoyaha (Yuchi) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking