Camp Creek Bald Lookout
US 719, NC 13
Lookout Details
| Registry Numbers | US 719, NC 13 (view other lookouts in United States, North Carolina) |
| Date Registered | April 2, 2008 |
| Nominated by | Peter J. Barr |
| Location |
Pisgah National Forest Madison County, North Carolina |
| Coordinates |
N 36° 01.403' W 082° 42.920' (view using Google Maps) N 36° 01' 24" W 082° 42' 55" N 36.023380° W 082.715330° |
| Elevation | 4,844 ft (1,476 m) |
| Built | 1928 |
| Administered by | U.S. Forest Service |
| Cooperators | Appalachian Ranger District and Andrew Johnson Amateur Radio Club |
Description
Camp Creek Bald Lookout, located in the Pisgah National Forest on the NC/TN state line was built in 1928 with a 14’x14’ cab on a 21’ steel tower. In the 1960’s one of two prototypes round cabs was installed. No longer active, the lookout has been partially restored by the U.S. Forest Service and a local radio club.
Map
Change Basemap
Visit Reports
September 20, 2020: Christopher Armenti
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | Yes |
| Shutters OK? | Not Applicable |
| Condition of wood OK? | No |
| Stairs OK? | No |
| Glass intact? | No |
| Good condition? | No |
| Comments: | The Camp Creek Bald is one of the most unique lookouts I have visited and it was sad to see it in such poor condition. The tower needs paint and some of the wood does not look too good. This circular tower desperately needs attention. I fear if it gets any worse, the forest service will insist on taking it down. There are broken windows but some are intact. A full survey of the cab was not possible since the trap door was locked to prevent access. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | Yes |
| Comments: | Communications towers are on three sides although some are further away, they would be in any kind of long range view |
| Other enroachments? | The tower is only 20 feet high so the foliage is becoming an issue, especially since the top deck is closed off. I could only get a decent view in one direction and even in that there aere trees encroaching. |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | No |
| Directions to tower signed? | No |
| Comments? | There was no signage on the tower other than one warning that the area was under video surveillance. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | No |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? |
Yes
This tower is in the worst shape of any I have visited in the past few months. It desperately needs attention. Some repairs have been made to the steps but it looks like they were done with materials scavenged from the support buildings nearby. The steps are covered with roofing shingles.
|
Photos |
|
|
|
September 20, 2008: Jeff Flanary
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | Yes |
| Shutters OK? | No |
| Condition of wood OK? | Yes |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | Yes |
| Good condition? | Yes |
| Comments: | Tower is in good shape and looks like it still has furnishings/equipment inside. Glass is all intact, and it looks functional. <br /> <br />Gate to the catwalk locked w/razor wire to keep people from climbing around it. Very good shape. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | Yes |
| Other enroachments? | There is a small building next to the tower with commercial VHF and amateur radio VHF antennas on a small tower. |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | No |
| Directions to tower signed? | No |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | No |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | No |