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
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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
Clare B
VerifiedAugust 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 035, Loop: APPL
We loved this campground. Easy access to the River, clean, nice sites.
Michele H
VerifiedAugust 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 130, Loop: HEML
Been camping at this campground for many, many years. Even worked for the Forest Service at this location. This is my favorite place to go to relax. We camp here a couple of time a year at least. That said, I was really disappointed with the upkeep of the campground this time. After backing the RV into the site we got out and noticed all the small trash scattered throughout the site. Some wet dog food that smelled as you would expect, plastic silverware, bottle caps, etc. we had to pull out and clean the site before setting up(and we did not check in early). Throughout the campground weeds and grass seemed to be taking over and appeared not to have been cut for several weeks. We were lucky enough to get an electric site this time. My RV is uses a 30 amp service. Several times my Electric Surge/Watchdog protection device kicked off the power due to low voltage (104 volts or less it will shut down the RV to protect the electrical components). When leaving we stopped by the dump station to find there was not enough water pressure there to operate the onboard black tank sprayer. For some reason I didn’t notice as many Camp Hosts as I have in the past. This could account for the noticeable lack of upkeep throughout the park. I would tell you you were crazy if you told me I would ever be rating this campground anything but excellent. Please bring this wonderful location back up to the standards it has always maintained.
blair f
VerifiedAugust 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 151, Loop: Riverbend
Best campground we’ve ever tent-camped in. Lovely campsites, swimming and fishing onsite, so much to do in Pisgah forest and on blue ridge parkway! Favorite family vacation!!
Denise J
VerifiedAugust 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 102, Loop: POPLAR
This was the best place for us to tent camp. It was cool at night and the bathrooms were close. This campground was close to town because we are not experienced campers and definitely forgot things! This was close to all the places we wanted to see including Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls. I will have to say that the kids enjoyed the swimming hole and tubing on the river the most. All the staff we interacted with were very nice and helpful. Thank you for a wonderful vacation. We will definitely be returning.
Abby S
VerifiedAugust 2, 2023 • Stayed at: 105, Loop: POPLAR
The Riverbend loop is the only loop near the water. We stayed in Poplar and it was .60 mile to walk to the water. This was difficult with little kids. Also, there is only one, small designated swimming hole. Which is also where people fish, so that was difficult. The bathrooms are not the best, but they flush which is a plus. Everything is paved, so the kids enjoyed riding bikes.
Jp M
VerifiedAugust 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 096, Loop: LAUREL
Great area. Easy access to many hikes and swimming holes. Great staff who are very knowledgeable and helpful
Dawn E
VerifiedAugust 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 122, Loop: HEML
Beautiful campground! Nice, level campsites with good privacy. Kids loved the access to the river and swam and tubed the whole time. Newer bathrooms are nice, but seemed to have drainage issues throughout our stay-older bathrooms seemed fine. We did lose power one night after a storm, but weather was nice during the evening. Power was restored next morning. Lots to do in the area.
Scott B
VerifiedAugust 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: APPL
Beautiful campground. Warm shower water. No notes.
Lauren W
VerifiedAugust 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 158, Loop: Riverbend
This park was amazing! Lovely shady site, decent bathrooms, and so beautiful! The swimming hole was just perfect for a relaxing day in a tube. The location was stunning and the rangers were really nice and informative. Highly recommend!
Rebecca T
VerifiedJuly 31, 2023 • Stayed at: 159, Loop: Riverbend
Wonderful place.
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.