The Citizen Times

Rocky Bluff Campground, nestled near Hot Springs, North Carolina, is a cherished outdoor destination established in 1960. This scenic site features approximately 30 campsites and beautiful vistas along the 1.2-mile Spring Creek Nature Trail, which alongside a trout stream, provides a perfect backdrop for hiking and fishing. However, the U.S. Forest Service has temporarily closed the campground due to significant maintenance issues, particularly with the restroom facilities, leading to safety concerns and operational challenges.

Local stakeholders and the Forest Service are collaborating to explore the future of Rocky Bluff. Options include repurposing the area into a day-use trailhead or transforming it into a park, fostering continued public enjoyment while addressing the infrastructure concerns. As part of a broader initiative, the Forest Service is also engaged in the GAP Restoration Project, aimed at ecological restoration across the Pisgah National Forest, thereby enhancing the natural environment while reducing wildfire risks. The future of Rocky Bluff remains a topic of active conversation and community involvement.