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
Select a site to view details
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
David H
VerifiedJuly 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: SYCAMORE
We have been coming to Davidson River since the 1970's and have loved every minute we have spent there. We used to bring our two boys, and now we bring our grandchildren. To me, this is the nicest and most peaceful campground we have ever stayed at...truly Gods country!
Danny R
VerifiedJuly 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 054, Loop: APPL
We love coming to Davidson every summer. Only one request; the poison ivy on the connector paths from sites to main trail is a challenge to navigate.
Douglas C
VerifiedJuly 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 106, Loop: POPLAR
Beautiful campground in an incredible forested wilderness with a gorgeous swimming hole and river for tubing.
Brian O
VerifiedJuly 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 130, Loop: HEML
Great spot with rivers near and MTB trails across the street.
Lisa A
VerifiedJuly 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 127, Loop: HEML
Though the campground was quite full for 4th of July week, I must say that everyone got pretty quiet by 10 or 10:30. The highway noise could get loud but not their fault. The sites were pretty spacious. My site provided some privacy which was great. I felt safe there and would stay there again. But on a negative note, for as much as I paid for 2 nights - $94 for an electric site - but no water, the showers really should have been hot and cleaner! The water which you had to keep pushing a button to run, was not even warm. Luckily it was July. But that would not work in cooler weather.
Marg C
VerifiedJuly 9, 2024 • Stayed at: 051, Loop: APPL
Most campsites are generous, level, and near a hike and/a stream. The area is scenic with ample nature activities without leaving the campground. I found the staff friendly and helpful.
So why not a 5 rating?
The bathhouses are tolerable but definitely need to be rebuilt or completely renovated. They are old and impossible to keep looking clean. Showers are extremely uninviting. True this is a national forest and rustic is perfect but shabby isn't acceptable in a National facility.
Steve A
VerifiedJuly 7, 2024 • Stayed at: 129, Loop: HEML
beautiful campsites, warm, friendly staff
location near waterfalls and hiking trails
Wade M
VerifiedJuly 4, 2024 • Stayed at: 051, Loop: APPL
Great stay beautiful area
Morris M
VerifiedJuly 4, 2024 • Stayed at: 127, Loop: HEML
Enjoyed being in woods & the river
Rebecca M
VerifiedJuly 3, 2024 • Stayed at: 052, Loop: APPL
Very beautiful and peaceful campground. We absolute enjoyed our stay there and plan to be back soon!!
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.
