How much does camping cost at Davidson River?

Camping fees at Davidson River are $35 - $80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Davidson River first-come first-served or reservation?

Davidson River accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Davidson River before I book?

Yes! Davidson River has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Davidson River?

Davidson River is open March 21 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Davidson River?

Yes, Davidson River has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Davidson River?

Cell phone service at Davidson River is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Davidson River have?

Davidson River has 160 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Davidson River?

Yes, pets are allowed at Davidson River. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Davidson River?

Davidson River offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Davidson River

Q: Can I have a campfire at Davidson River?

Fire policies at Davidson River: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.46

983 reviews

1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768, USA

BReport Card

Featured in:Swimming Camping North Carolina Best Campgrounds North Carolina Pet-Friendly Campgrounds North Carolina +3 more

Quick Facts

2,150 ft

Price

$35 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

160 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

2,150 ft

Price

$35 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

160 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Davidson River

$35.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Site: $70.00 (+$10.00 weekend); MANAGEMENT: $50.00 (+$5.00 weekend); STANDARD ELECTRIC: $44.00 (+$5.00 weekend); STANDARD NONELECTRIC-270470:...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 1 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(828) 785-5337

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Davidson River

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Campground Map

1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768, USA

Davidson River

1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest, NC, 28768, USA

Nearby places

Brevard (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Asheville (approximately 40 miles, under an hour drive), Hendersonville (approximately 30 miles, 45-minute drive).

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Weather at Davidson River

Current alerts(14)

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.
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.
Campground hosts are available for any questions. Campground office number is (828) 885-7557.
Campground hosts sites are clearly marked. Hosts are present to provide assistance to visitors should the need arise.

Best Time to Camp at Davidson River

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most dramatic experience at Davidson River: crisp, clear days (typically daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and nights in the 30s–40s°F) and peak hardwood color that transforms the Pisgah slopes into vivid gold, orange, and crimson. Hiking to nearby waterfalls, scenic drives and photography are at their peak, while cooler temps make long days on the river and singletrack biking far more comfortable than summer. Expect heavier visitor numbers on fall weekends—book sites early—but mid‑ Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Best season: peak hardwood color and crisp days; reviewers and overview highlight fall as top time.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 21 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Davidson River

Davidson River is a very large campground in the Pisgah National Forest foothills near Brevard, operated by Naventure with electric hookups, hot showers, and a camp store. The campground sits along the Davidson River with access to Pisgah hiking trails and swimming holes, popular with families for tubing and waterfall hikes. Fall brings peak hardwood color across the surrounding slopes, though highway noise carries into some sites.

Davidson River Campground caters to diverse camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping. Electric and non-electric sites are available, along with accommodations for large groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most dramatic experience at Davidson River: crisp, clear days (typically daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and nights in the 30s–40s°F) and peak hardwood color that transforms the Pisgah slopes into vivid gold, orange, and crimson. Hiking to nearby waterfalls, scenic drives and photography are at their peak, while cooler temps make long days on the river and singletrack biking far more comfortable than summer. Expect heavier visitor numbers on fall weekends—book sites early—but mid‑ Peak months: October, September, June, July Avoid: January, February

Elevation2150 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Davidson River runs clear and cold through the campground, its current steady enough for tubing on warm afternoons. Dense hardwood and conifer forest creates heavy shade across most loops. Beyond the campground boundary, Pisgah's mile-high peaks rise through morning fog, and dozens of waterfalls tumble down slopes covered in rhododendron and mountain laurel. The forest floor stays damp and green most of the year. Elevation keeps temperatures moderate even in summer, though humidity can settle thick in the valleys.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs focused on local wildlife and forest ecology are offered during summer and fall seasons.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single campsites are limited to 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground features paved roads, level campsites, and flush toilets, making it accessible for campers with mobility concerns. Certain loops, such as Sycamore and Dogwood, were noted for their accessibility.

Site SizeCampsites range from small to large, accommodating tents, pop-ups, and RVs. Specific sites like #14 and #147 were praised for their spaciousness.

PrivacyPrivacy varies widely; some loops, such as White Oak, offer more seclusion, while others have minimal barriers between sites, as mentioned in user reviews like 'the only thing separating us and the site next door was a log on the ground.

Total Campsites160 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose riverfront sites for tranquility (e.g., 147), avoid roadside sites due to noise.

Best CampsitesSite 147 gets consistent praise for size and spacing. White Oak loop offers better privacy than other areas, with sites 12 and 13 mentioned specifically. Riverbend loop also provides more seclusion. Sites near the river get you closest to the water, but they also catch more road noise. Some sites have only a log separating them from neighbors, so check spacing if privacy matters.

Need help booking Davidson River?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Davidson River Campground offers an array of amenities catering to diverse camping preferences. Sites are mostly shaded with picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts, and campfire rings with grills. Flush toilets, hot showers, potable water stations, and a dump station enhance convenience. Firewood and ice are available for purchase. Many reviews praise the cleanliness of facilities and the convenience of on-site amenities. Some users noted issues with maintenance, such as 'dirty bathrooms' in certain loops, and inconsistencies in shower temperature control.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Davidson River

Davidson River Campground provides a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and biking. The campground's proximity to natural attractions like Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls enhances the outdoor experience. Some visitors also enjoy tubing on the Davidson River and participating in summer and fall educational programs.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to Pisgah trails including the Art Loeb, North Slope and many nearby waterfall hikes.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5

Water Sports2.0/5

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Waterfalls, clear river, fall hardwoods and mountain fog provide excellent photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at many sites.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities, including dumpsters, are available in each loop. Users appreciated the convenience and adequate placement of these facilities.

Cell CoverageCell service is very limited across most of the campground. Verizon users reported sparse service, and some areas near the entrance have better connectivity. Wi-Fi is not available at the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

983 reviews

Recommended

Davidson River is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Davidson River Campground receives generally positive reviews, with many campers praising its scenic location, proximity to trails and natural attractions, and well-maintained facilities. However, some visitors expressed concerns about noise, lack of privacy, and maintenance in certain loops.

Review Summaries

Based on 983 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praises include clean and spacious campsites, friendly and helpful staff, access to hiking trails, and family-friendly activities such as tubing and swimming. The site's proximity to Brevard...

Based on 983 reviews

Common Concerns

Visitor complaints highlight crowded loops, inconsistent restroom cleanliness, loud neighbors, and high firewood prices. Limited cell service and lack of water or sewer hookups are also noted.

Based on 983 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews include mentions of #147 as a top choice for its proximity to the river and #14 for having more privacy. Loops like Sycamore and Dogwood are recommended for spaciousness.

Based on 983 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend booking early, choosing less crowded loops like White Oak or Riverbend for privacy, and bringing bikes or tubes. Tubing on the Davidson River and hiking local trails are highly...

Based on 983 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and fall receive the most favorable reviews due to educational programs and outdoor activities. Winter camping is less crowded but offers fewer amenities. Some visitors noted maintenance...

Based on 983 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Wonderful amenities and tons of trails to access without even having to leave the campground.' - Review by P Perez. - 'The Davidson River offers excellent trout fishing, plus tubing and swimming,...

Based on 983 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews regarding accessibility are minimal, but the paved roads and level sites make it suitable for visitors with mobility concerns.

Based on 983 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is dog-friendly, but pets must be leashed. Visitors appreciated the cleanliness and well-placed dog waste stations.

Based on 983 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Davidson River

$35.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double Site: $70.00 (+$10.00 weekend); MANAGEMENT: $50.00 (+$5.00 weekend); STANDARD ELECTRIC: $44.00 (+$5.00 weekend); STANDARD NONELECTRIC-270470:...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 1 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(828) 785-5337

Go if

You want easy access to hiking and the Davidson River, don't mind a busier campground, and pick sites like #147 or #14 or the Sycamore/Dogwood loops for space.

Skip if

You need total quiet and privacy, since some loops run noisy and cramped with less upkeep.

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Davidson River

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 71% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 616 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Getting there
Grade A-.Safety
Grade B+.Things to do

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Booking
Grade C.Crowds & noise
Grade C+.Scenery

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how North Carolina grades overall

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Davidson River

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Davidson River

Campground Map

Weather at Davidson River

Current alerts(14)

Best Time to Camp at Davidson River

Planning Tips

About Davidson River

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Davidson River?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Davidson River

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Nearby alternatives

Kuykendall Group Camp

Lake Powhatan

Jones Gap State Park

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Davidson River

Current alerts(14)

Best Time to Camp at Davidson River

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Davidson River?

Amenities available

Things to do at Davidson River

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Nearby alternatives

Kuykendall Group Camp

Lake Powhatan

Jones Gap State Park