Davidson River Campground provides a convenient base for exploring the many outdoor attractions near Fletcher, North Carolina. Located in the Pisgah National Forest at an elevation of approximately 2,150 feet, this region experiences mild springs and falls with summer temperatures averaging in the high 70s. Many glamping spots near Fletcher remain open year-round, though some forest service campgrounds close seasonally from November through March.
What to do
Mountain biking from camp: At Davidson River Campground, trails connect directly to the campground. "Can't beat location, mountain bike trails easily rideable from campground. Plus The Hub, Ecusta Brewing just down the road," notes Robbie B. The Art Loeb Trail provides extensive riding options, making it a premier destination for cyclists.
Fly fishing in pristine waters: The North Mills River Campground offers excellent fishing access. Jonathan N. describes it as "a stone's throw from the bustle of Asheville, yet secluded enough to forget it all, this little gem is conveniently located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest." The river running through the campground provides excellent opportunities to catch trout.
Waterfall exploration: Within 15-30 minutes of most Fletcher area campgrounds, you'll find numerous waterfall hikes. "There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside. The staff was very helpful and friendly," reports Heather C. about Lake Powhatan. For more challenging waterfall hikes, venture to Looking Glass Falls, accessible within a 40-minute drive.
What campers like
Clean bathrooms and showers: Many glamping sites near Fletcher prioritize clean facilities. At Lake Powhatan, Brittany S. appreciated that "bathrooms + showers (both are single use, not stalls, which I suppose could be inconvenient if there were a lot of people waiting, but it's nice to have the privacy!)" The campground also maintains heated bathroom facilities during cooler months.
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention the spacing between sites as a key benefit. One Lake Powhatan visitor noted, "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations." At Davidson River Campground, Amy G. reported, "The sites are spread out just enough to give you some privacy but close to make a quick trip to your neighbor in case you forgot something or need some help."
Convenient location: The proximity to both wilderness and urban areas makes glamping near Fletcher particularly appealing. Phil L. praised Lake Powhatan: "Great campground hosts, park is super clean and quiet. Has a great beach and lots of hiking and mountain bike trails. It's part of the National Forest system so it's super cheap. Downtown Asheville is only 15 mins away."
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: While premium glamping resorts operate year-round, many forest service campgrounds have limited seasons. North Mills River operates from "March 29 to December 28," according to its listing. At Table Rock State Park, Julie T. found winter camping peaceful: "We were the only campers there. It was very quiet. The stream ran right by the campsite so listening to the stream as we went to bed was wonderful."
Wildlife precautions needed: Bears are active in the area, requiring proper food storage. At Davidson River Campground, Amy G. reported, "During our visit, our hosts spent the good part of one morning chasing a bear away due to someone leaving trash on their site." Most campgrounds provide bear boxes, but some glamping sites require storing food in vehicles.
Limited cell coverage: While luxury glamping sites typically offer WiFi, many campgrounds have spotty cell service. Neil T. noted about Lake Powhatan that "even though it's only 10 minutes or so away from the edge of Asheville, it has the feel of being much further away - including no Verizon service."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Emberglow Outdoor Resort offers numerous family amenities. Stacey raves, "Great place for kids with jump pad, swingset, slides, climbing dome, pool, a creek to explore, hiking trails, and more! We planned to explore the area (Chimney Rock, Lake Lure) but ended up staying the entire time in the campground."
Kid-friendly water features: Many campgrounds near Fletcher feature streams or lakes where children can play. Anna R. shares about Creekside Mountain Camping: "Snag a tent site by the creek and enjoy fishing and hopping in the clear water. My son spent hours hopping along the rocks in the creek."
Tent-only areas for family bonding: Some campgrounds offer tent-only sections away from RVs, creating a more rustic family experience. For those seeking this experience, North Mills River offers excellent options. Shannon K. notes, "There are also primitive sites up two different roads. One heads back to the reservoir for some amazing fly fishing."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the mountainous Fletcher area require leveling equipment. Jeremy D. from Emberglow Outdoor Resort advises, "All camping sites are gravel so make sure you have some leveling blocks." At Asheville West KOA, Crystal C. found their "deluxe pull-through with patio was large and mostly level."
Dump station logistics: Some campgrounds have limited dump station capacity. William H. at Creekside Mountain Camping noted, "It just bothers me sometimes when I see a place like this that could be so great, if there was just a bit more love and care put into the place." When staying at Davidson River, Sarah N. appreciated the "good RV dump/fill station."
Highway noise considerations: While many glamping locations near Fletcher are secluded, some have road noise. Crystal C. explained about Asheville West KOA, "The only reason for the four star rating is due to the highway noise from I-40, which is located adjacent to the campground. Otherwise, the campground is very well-kept with friendly staff." For those sensitive to noise, the campground provides earplugs at check-in.
