Davidson River Campground offers tent camping, RV sites, and glamping options within Pisgah National Forest at an elevation of 2,200 feet. Located 7 miles northwest of Horse Shoe, the campground sits alongside the Davidson River with direct access to hiking and biking trails. Weather fluctuates between cool 40°F nights in spring/fall and warm 85°F summer days with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August.
What to do
Fly fishing excursions: North Mills River Campground provides access to premium trout fishing spots within minutes of the campground. "Great campsite if you like fishing! We stayed here and were close to some amazing spots to fish! The campsite was great, not very crowded," shares one visitor to North Mills River Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Explore numerous technical trails directly accessible from Lake Powhatan Campground, situated just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. "Lots of hiking and mountain bike trails. Its part of the National Forest system so its super cheap. Downtown Asheville is only 15 mins away," notes a camper.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple waterfall hikes of varying difficulty levels are accessible within a short drive. "Looking Glass Falls (steps going down make this a breeze), Moore Cove Falls is a MUST and an easy trail that leads to the perfect waterfall for a good photo, Looking Glass Rock is a moderate to difficult hike and worth it," explains a visitor to Davidson River Campground.
What campers like
Seasonal rate reductions: North Mills River offers substantial off-season discounts. "Just 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. Usually starting at $22 per night, after November 1st the prices get cut in half, so I stayed for $11 (hard to beat)!"
Private campsites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites for greater privacy. "We have stayed at the White Oak Campground. The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations," reports a camper at Table Rock State Park Campground.
Hot showers year-round: Even in cooler months, facilities remain comfortable. "Bathroom and showers are cleaned well everyday—and are heated. Book ahead—the guy said they'd been completely full since June," mentions a Lake Powhatan visitor.
What you should know
Bear activity: Bears are active throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. "We saw a black bear and turkeys in the campground too! Be sure not to get there early—the one way road going up to the campground is steep," warns a visitor to Campfire Lodgings.
Limited cell coverage: Many campgrounds have spotty reception. "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," notes a camper at Lake Powhatan.
Seasonal closures: Not all campground loops remain open year-round. "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. Only one side of campground is open in winter," explains a North Mills River visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Slide Rock natural water features: Kids enjoy natural water slides in the warmer months. "Slide Rock is a natural water slide that is fun for the whole family. Yes… it's COLD and honestly worth every moment of chilly suffering," shares a visitor at Davidson River Campground.
Beach swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas. "My son spent hours hopping along the rocks in the creek," reports a camper at Creekside Mountain Camping. "Has a great beach and lots of hiking and mountain bike trails."
Game rooms for rainy days: Indoor activities provide backup options when weather doesn't cooperate. "The weekend we stated the pool was closed, the kids had a good time in the game room," notes a Creekside Mountain Camping visitor.
Tips from RVers
Dump station limitations: Check dump station access before booking. "I rated a 4 star because the dump site is very tight, and lacking. That was the only thing on this campground I feel needed some work," mentions a camper at Davidson River Campground.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited generator hours. "The only downside was that generator hours are very limited. If you are traveling during warmer months or must have AC, this is not the site for you," advises a camper about glamping close to Horse Shoe, North Carolina.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment. "Our site was fairly level for a small tent but did slope off on one side, which may not be ideal for larger tents. Parking spot was also quite slanted up on the hill, which was fine for my truck but may not be ideal if you are sleeping in your vehicle!"
