Warning
GeneralDavidson River Campground — Closure Update: Now Reopening July 1, 2026 To enhance the guest experience, the U.S. Forest Service and Naventure are collaborating to modernize Davidson River Campground with new bathhouses, upgraded utilities, and fresh pavement throughout. Due to severe winter weather conditions that impacted construction, our anticipated reopening date has been extended from May 1 to July 1, 2026. We appreciate your patience as these important improvements are completed, and we look forward to welcoming you back to a campground that is better than ever. For questions, please visit www.naventure.com/closures
Warning
GeneralDavidson River Campground Closed November 2025 - May 2026 for Bathhouse Renovations:
To enhance the guest experience, the US Forest Service and Naventure are collaborating to modernize the campground’s bathhouses with upgraded facilities designed for improved comfort and privacy. The campground will be closed from November 2025 through May 2026 to complete this work. We look forward to welcoming you back when renovations are complete.
Featured amenities
About Davidson River
Number of accommodations: 132
Campground Amenities
-
Showers
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
132 Sites Available
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Site Details
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132 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (575)
What Guests Are Saying
Davidson River Campground is highly praised for its stunning natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff, making it a favorite among campers. Visitors appreciate the variety of outdoor activities available, including hiking, fishing, and swimming, as well as the peaceful atmosphere. Some reviews note areas for improvement, particularly regarding bathroom maintenance and site accessibility, but overall, the campground remains a beloved destination that many return to year after year.
What Guests Are Saying
Davidson River Campground is highly praised for its stunning natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and friendly staff, making it a favorite among campers. Visitors appreciate the variety of outdoor activities available, including hiking, fishing, and swimming, as well as the peaceful atmosphere. Some reviews note areas for improvement, particularly regarding bathroom maintenance and site accessibility, but overall, the campground remains a beloved destination that many return to year after year.
Review Summary
Taneita K
VerifiedJuly 21, 2024 • Stayed at: 161, Loop: Riverbend
Site 161 next to the swimming hole was great during 90 degree days.
Wish we had electric
We'll be back
Marie S
VerifiedJuly 20, 2024 • Stayed at: 129, Loop: HEML
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this campground. We have been coming back for at least 35 years now. Reservations are difficult to get in the summer because we now have a family group of 4 campsites instead of just one! We love to hike the trail behind the ranger station across the street. The Cradle of Forestry is another one of our favorite day trips. When we hike to Moore's Falls, that is the day that we go to Dolly's Ice Cream for lunch!!
Sammy W
VerifiedJuly 19, 2024 • Stayed at: 075, Loop: DOGW
Always a very enjoyable camping experience. Support staff amazing as well.
Matthew G
VerifiedJuly 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 128, Loop: HEML
Davidson River offers so much! It’s a great location with lots of activities and close to good restaurants and local breweries. For the last 9 years we’ve stayed 2 times a year and continue to come back for nature and the overall experience.
Cindy P
VerifiedJuly 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: SYCAMORE
One of our favorite places!
Robert D
VerifiedJuly 16, 2024 • Stayed at: 109, Loop: POPLAR
Very quiet. Spaces were not too crowded together. Had to move the last night but no one occupied our vacated space. Weather was great, fishing was good, people on the trails were friendly.
J Michael C
VerifiedJuly 16, 2024 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SYCAMORE
We’ve been camping at Davidson River Campground for over 50 years. It’s a very special place, that’s for sure. There are so many things to do. Here’s a short list of great activities (in no particular order): DuPont Forest hiking, Sliding Rock (a must for kids), The Cradle of Forestry, Tennent Mountain/Black Balsom Knob hike, Looking Glass Falls hike, Pisgah Inn (restaurant & overlook), Dollys Ice Cream, Ingles Supermarket, Food Matters Market, Brevard Music Center concerts, Asheville drum circle, etc, etc.
Jefferson D
VerifiedJuly 15, 2024 • Stayed at: 154, Loop: Riverbend
The absolute best family campground in the southeast. The location is amazing with many opportunities for day trips or just tubing, biking and hiking around the facilities. The sites are far cooler than the surrounding region. We kick off our summer at Davidson each year.
Kate H
VerifiedJuly 14, 2024 • Stayed at: 098, Loop: LAUREL
We have stayed here for years, the energy has changed. There are no longer walk in campsites and you need to book 6 months in advance or more to secure a site. Camp staff are helpful and accommodating.
Ashtan P
VerifiedJuly 13, 2024 • Stayed at: 155, Loop: Riverbend
This was our first time and we can't wait to get back! Clean, quiet campground perfect for families! We have a 9 and 10 year old and they loved the swimming hole! The workers at the front gate were very friendly. Will definitely be back for many years to come...with family and friends!
Location Davidson River
Address:
1 Davidson River Circle
Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768
United States
From Asheville, North Carolina, take I-40 West to I-26 East to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to the campground.
From Spartanburg, South Carolina, take I-26 West to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to the campground.
From Charlotte, North Carolina, take I-85 South to Gastonia and exit at U.S. Highway 74 West. Merge with I-26 West to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to the campground.
Latitude & Longitude: 35.2808 / -82.7225
Elevation: 655 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm - 7:00 am. Gates may be closed but not locked from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. |
| General |
Note that check-in time is 2:00 pm. No campsite is guaranteed to be open and available for users until this time. |
| General |
Check-out time is 12:00 pm. Please make sure to plan your departure day to provide adequate time for staff to prepare the site for the next group of visitors. |
| General |
A number of first-come, first-serve sites are offered during the winter only. Availability is extremely limited during peak season, weekends, and holidays. It is recommended that visitors reserve other sites ahead of time. |
| General |
Single campsites are limited to 2 vehicles per site and double campsites limited to 4 vehicles per site. Additional vehicles wishing to park at the site are subject to a $5.00 per vehicle fee. |
| General |
All campsites must be occupied the first night of a reservation. Any unoccupied site on the first night will be released for other users and reservations will be cancelled without opportunity for refund. |
| General |
Pets are allowed on-site and must be supervised for the duration of your stay. Dogs must be kept on-leash or contained for the duration of your stay. Dog fences are not allowed in the campground. |
| General |
Davidson River is located in black bear territory. Visitors are expected to keep all smellable items locked away inside a camper, vehicle, or provided bear box. Visitors who do not comply with this rule may be asked to vacate the facility due to an increased risk of public safety. |
| General |
Generators may be used up to 4 hours per day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; generators not allowed on Poplar Loop (sites 99-113) |
| General |
Campground hosts sites are clearly marked. Hosts are present to provide assistance to visitors should the need arise. |
| General |
Campground hosts are available for any questions. Campground office number is (828) 885-7557. |
| General |
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more. |
| General |
This campground is managed by Naventure. |
| General |
Click here to learn more about the National Forests in North Carolina |
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralDavidson River Campground — Closure Update: Now Reopening July 1, 2026 To enhance the guest experience, the U.S. Forest Service and Naventure are collaborating to modernize Davidson River Campground with new bathhouses, upgraded utilities, and fresh pavement throughout. Due to severe winter weather conditions that impacted construction, our anticipated reopening date has been extended from May 1 to July 1, 2026. We appreciate your patience as these important improvements are completed, and we look forward to welcoming you back to a campground that is better than ever. For questions, please visit www.naventure.com/closures
Warning
GeneralDavidson River Campground Closed November 2025 - May 2026 for Bathhouse Renovations:
To enhance the guest experience, the US Forest Service and Naventure are collaborating to modernize the campground’s bathhouses with upgraded facilities designed for improved comfort and privacy. The campground will be closed from November 2025 through May 2026 to complete this work. We look forward to welcoming you back when renovations are complete.
