The Hide Out on Dark Ridge

My wife and I stayed here over Memorial Day weekend, campsite 3, and loved every moment! The camp host, Curtis, was extremely friendly and a joy to speak with. Everyday he had new stories or lessons about the local area, DIY projects he's been working on (ask about the train horns), directions to local waterfalls and Lake Watauga, and fish food ready for his famous trout ponds.

You won't find a fancy toilet and shower here, however the porter potty was very clean and only a short walk away. You won't find complete isolation, however it was quiet with tons of stars in the night sky and the most beautiful show of fireflies I've ever seen. You won't find running water at your site, however Curtis brings you a 5 gallon jug right to your site, along with a picnic table and fire pit.

We highly recommend checking out Lake Watauga. We used the Little Milligan Public Boat Ramp (25 minute drive), to launch our kayak. Lots of parking and clean bathrooms.

Didn't even have a chance to see the local waterfalls, but we heard from numerous folks, that they're spectacular!

We will certainly be back in the future to enjoy this wonderful property and see our new friend Curtis.

Brayden and Meredith Pitcairn

This place is fantastic! Beautiful campsites, beautiful property and extremely peaceful. We spent 2 nights at campsite #3 and loved everything about it. Curtis is the best host we have ever experienced. He was very helpful with directions, history of the area and bringing firewood and fresh spring water......at no extra cost. He is gifted in the art of “neighboring” . My wife and I are already checking our calendars to book a return trip. Can’t wait!

We stayed in campsite #1 on Curtis’ property as a pit stop on the way from DC to the Pisgah area. While we weren’t there for very long, it was a great place to crash for the night. The creek running by the site was nice, and the fire pit and grill were very much appreciated. Curtis was also super welcoming and helpful as can be. Bring bug spray, charcoal and maybe a little fire starter and you’ll have a great time.

Curtis’ place is a gem! Be sure to ask him to show you his pond full of pet fish.

Curtis was very responsive and the site was even better than advertised. Level ground for the tent, picnic table, fire pit, and charcoal grill. Fireflies provided the evening entertainment. There is a portapotty on site and it was very clean. Curtis went out of his way to make us feel welcomed. There was no cell service which I absolutely loved. Leave the stressors behind and enjoy life off grid.

We had a wonderful time camping on Curtis's land. He met us when we arrived, gave us a tour of the various campsites, and even provided us with a 5 gallon jug of spring-fed water! There is a cute little spring fed pond on the property, and you can hear the frogs and the sound of the water trickling in throughout the night. Curtis checked in with us a few times, as well as giving us great advice and directions to find some local waterfalls (Compressions Falls is a short drive away and provides a great swimming spot!), but otherwise gave us some space. We will definitely be back for another stay!

Me and my boyfriend were going to stay nearby at Julian Price Campground but as we were afraid we would arrive too late, we contacted Curtis to book a campsite on his property. From the start, he was incredibly accommodating and quick with responses. When we arrived, he showed us a couple sites and we chose Site #2. It was a wooden secluded campsite that was close to the creek running through his property.

We greatly enjoyed the site since it provided enough isolation so that it was very peaceful but Curtis was around if we needed assistance. The bathroom was very clean and Curtis offered us dry firewood after the surprise rainstorm. We really couldn’t have enjoyed ourselves more. The sound of the creek was so calming at night. The fireflies were delightful to watch, and it was amazing to meet Curtis and learn about his homemade train horns and Spicewood tea.

I hope to be back soon, but until then I have the wonderful memories that were made here.

Great escape! Clean and level camp site. Clean toilets. Will be back soon!

We had a great stay at Curtis’ campground. We loved site 10 which was right along the creek and tucked in the woods. The surrounding area was beautiful to explore and Curtis has great recommendations for hiking nearby. Would definitely go back!