Overview

Davidson River Recreation Area offers camping and outdoor activities for the whole family. The campground boasts several loops of shaded campsites, as well as access to hiking trails, fishing spots, waterfalls and several nearby attractions within Pisgah National Forest. It lies just four miles west of the town of Brevard and less than an hour from the city of Asheville. The facility is open year-round. Learn more here to prepare for your trip. 

Facilities

Natural Features

Recreation

Nearby Attractions

Contact Info

Important Notices

• 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.
• Note that check-in time is 2:00 pm. No campsite is guaranteed to be open and available for users until this time.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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)

• Campground hosts sites are clearly marked. Hosts are present to provide assistance to visitors should the need arise.

• Campground hosts are available for any questions. Campground office number is (828) 885-7557.

• 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.

• This campground is managed by Naventure.  

• Click here to learn more about the National Forests in North Carolina

Notifications and Alerts

• Davidson 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.

• Davidson 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 

Available Activities

• SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
• DAY USE AREA - Amphitheater
• WATER SPORTS - Tubing
• HIKING - Hiking
• FISHING - Fishing
• INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS - Educational Programs
• CAMPING - Camping

Directions

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. <br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> 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.

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellations must be taken care of directly with recreation.gov. Note that this facility does not provide refunds for No Shows or incliment weather.

Contact Information

Phone: (828) 785-5337

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip