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
No sites found matching your criteria.
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.
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
Tim P
VerifiedJune 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: WOAK
Absolutely fantastic campground. Nice spots on most loops. Great mix of electric and non-electric sites. Reasonably clean restrooms given they are shared amongst many people and small kids. Been visiting this campground for 15+ years and overall great experience.
karen m
VerifiedJune 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 124, Loop: HEML
Several trailheads are close by and it’s right on a bike path into town
Brooke A
VerifiedJune 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 127, Loop: HEML
It’s been almost 25 years since I’ve been to Davidson River. It is a nostalgic place for me and was amazing to be back with my children, my siblings, and their grandparents. So much was just as I remembered but I could see improvements were in place. We stayed in hemlock 127. Great if you you need electric and close to the river. Also close to improved restrooms and showers. There was one new facility and an older one we didn’t visit. We rented an rv and only had availability 3 nights. With no water hookup for the size we rented and only took “military showers” and dishes and mid night use of restroom this was the max. It was nice to have updated clean facilities to use to offset. We had family stay in tents in the poplar loop and had to use their facilities a few times that were not as clean and up to date. We noticed there were containers going in to protect your food from wildlife but they missed it by a day or two so had raccoons help themselves to their car and tents when the accidentally left food out or windows open. My Florida kids that had never camped said this was their favorite vacation. Can’t wait till next time for more memories!
James C
VerifiedJune 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: WOAK
I'm a huge fan of US Forest Service(FS) campgrounds and the Davidson River Campground is another example of the excellent campgrounds provided by the FS. Nicely spaced campsites with tent pads, lantern poles, firepits and now bear safes. There are plenty of bathroom facilities and they are spotless. The staff are always friendly and helpful. Firewood and ice for sale right at the entrance ranger station. Outstanding, will be back many times.
Anthony B
VerifiedJune 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 061, Loop: DOGW
Great destination for family and friends camping. Extra activities within short driving distances from the campground. Young children love riding bicycles, older kids love the river and its swimming and tubing, and older adults just enjoy the quietness and laziness of a good vacation.
Rex H
VerifiedJune 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SYCAMORE
50 amp service didn’t work, had to use 30 amp
Becki G
VerifiedJune 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 098, Loop: LAUREL
Beautiful setting- campsites are large- very clean.
Robert P
VerifiedJune 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 080, Loop: LAUREL
Always a good camp here. Wish there were a way to turn over no show spots to people who had to settle for a spot not quite as good and then watch them unused during the stay
Daniel B
VerifiedJune 6, 2023 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: WOAK
Very nice, clean campground. We enjoy it every year.
Sally M
VerifiedJune 6, 2023 • Stayed at: 159, Loop: Riverbend
As always, had a great time camping for a week at Davidson River Campground. I have made many wonderful memories here over the years. It is the most beautiful place, great location, close to many other beautiful places for day trips. Thanks again for making my birthday special!!
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.