With a river flowing behind the sites and full hookups available, Down by the River Campground caters to RV enthusiasts aged 55 and older seeking a community atmosphere. The campground operates from May through October and requires reservations for its premium sites. Access involves navigating rough roads, so larger rigs should plan accordingly.
The facility features two bathhouses, an activity center, and a dedicated dog park spread across forested and open terrain. Most guests arrive with high-end RVs, creating what one reviewer described as feeling "like a community" rather than a traditional campground. WiFi reaches throughout the property, and the river provides a constant water feature for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Dawn V. notes the campground is "very clean and quiet."
The age restriction eliminates the typical sounds of children and bicycles, contributing to the subdued atmosphere many guests appreciate. Electric, water, and sewer hookups come standard, along with dump station access. Cell service reaches the property consistently. The $70 nightly rate reflects the full-service amenities and adult-only environment.
Campers wanting a different experience can explore Tranquil Highlands Campground, located just southwest of the area.
Description
Make Down by the River Campground your home away from home as you enjoy all of the outstanding attractions and breathtaking scenes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Large trees and beautiful landscaping frame sites in our campground. All sites are flat, paved, spacious and most are pull-through. We are open May 1 to October 31.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
RV ParkDown by the River Campground - 55+ is located in North Carolina
Directions
From Greensboro/Winston Salem/Hickory, NC: From I-40W take exit 188 to merge on US-421N. Turn left onto NC-105S. Turn right onto NC-181N/US-221S. Turn left onto NC-181S/US-221S. Turn left onto NC-181S. Turn right at River Campground Rd. From Elizabethton, TN: Continue to follow US-19E. Entering North Carolina 24.5 mi. Continue on Elk Park Hwy/NC-194. Continue to follow NC-194 through Newland to the 221 intersection. Turn left at NC-221. Turn right at Jonas Ridge Hwy/NC-181. Go 1/4 mile turn right at River Campground Rd. From Blue Ridge Parkway: Off MP 312. Right on Hwy 181 North. 1 mile down on left.
Address
292 River Campground Road
Newland, NC 28662
Coordinates
36.0271518 N
81.89533667 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/25/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/25/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/25/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/25/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly










