462 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Pisgah National Forest region surrounding Horse Shoe, North Carolina provides a range of camping options within the Blue Ridge Mountain landscape. Davidson River Campground, located in Pisgah Forest, offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and water access. Lake Powhatan Campground, situated about 15 miles north near Asheville, features tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and yurts with full hookups. Several campgrounds in the area maintain spacious sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails, while others provide more primitive options for those seeking a rustic experience.
Camping season in this region typically runs from March through November, with Davidson River operating from March 15 to November 1 and Mount Pisgah Campground available from May through late October. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer and fall weekends when autumn colors attract visitors. The area experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with summer temperatures generally moderate due to the higher elevations. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near Asheville and more limited connectivity in remote forest areas. A camper noted, "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."
Campers consistently highlight the natural water features as primary attractions in the area. The Davidson River provides opportunities for tubing and fishing, while Lake Powhatan offers swimming access during warmer months. Several visitors mentioned the creekside camping as particularly memorable, with one review stating, "The sound of the creek at night melts all of your worries away and takes you off to peaceful slumber." Campgrounds in the region typically feature clean facilities, with many offering showers and flush toilets. The proximity to Asheville (approximately 20-30 minutes from many campgrounds) allows campers to enjoy both wilderness experiences and urban amenities. Forest shade is abundant at most sites, providing natural cooling during summer months while still allowing for stargazing opportunities in designated areas.
"We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."
"Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."
from $37 - $84 / night
Check Availability"The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."
"PROS Discounted camp fee with senior pass
Reserved 169 days prior to arriving
Friendly and helpful gate attendant
Nearly 100% shade at each site
Excellent dark sky viewing
Private sites with"
from $37 - $135 / night
Check Availability"We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the “cooler” campgrounds in western North Carolina for a weekend. Mt Pisgah Campground is at an elevation of roughly 5300’."
"Pisgah National Forest on the outskirts of Asheville, NC is a must stop for all ages."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."
"State stocked river is close by for trout fishing, and the bathrooms are always clean being for what they are."
from $31 - $62 / night
Check Availability"Easy off the highway but far enough to be quiet. Lots of dining options close by"
"campground was decent Fishing pond has a lot of ducks and seaweed
Laundry room was nice and large - easy and quick to get 3 loads done
Waterfront site was fairly level and loved being able to walk"
"As typical of a KOA, they shove you in there so you are very close to your neighbors. The stars of the park are the riverfront sites."
"My only gripe (and I know it’s not a huge deal) is the trailer park situated right by the fence that separates from the KOA."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"The alternatives #5 and #6 were close to the entrance and therefore exposed to the road, and #49 was next to the restrooms, but similar to #60, so stayed with #60."
"One drawback is that from the campground there is no easy access to the lake- you can either drive and park (and hope to find parking) or walk on a busy road . "
"The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one."
"Very clean,natural, beautiful trees , and a nice location. It is run by a very nice family. We were close to amazing waterfalls and hikes in DuPont forest."
"**
The location is incredible!""A little close to neighbors but not too bad. Some sites in Riverbend offer more privacy. Can’t beat location, mountain bike trails easily rideable from campground."
from $32 - $71 / night
Check Availability"This campground has 19 trail side sites that are all great and not far from the Middle Saluda River which runs through the middle of the park."
"I used site 7 because an oncoming storm made me bug out of my trailside plans. Gorgeous site, a bit chilly by the river but beautiful and close enough to still use the park bathrooms!"
GuideJust outside of Asheville and right by the parkway and other beautiful attractions. This campground is a good place to stay if you love having a place to swim and Mtn bike. The sites are clean and really there isn’t a bad spot in the place.
ScoutWe stayed for 1 night in campsite #1. The campground is small, quiet, and had a nice bathroom/shower set-up. I would recommend bringing your own firewood. They have wood to purchase but a few pieces in every bundle were punky and didn’t burn well.
ScoutThis place has an amazing view there's one more campsite earlier up on the road it has an even better view but this is still an 8 out of 10, it's perfect for a hammock setup it might be a little bit harder if you're trying to put a tent up in here. Clean site.
ScoutWe stayed for 5 nights and loved it! Someone was watching over us because the fire ban had been lifted the day we go there. Enjoyed the site by the creek and as promised, it was very peaceful and quiet. Showers and restrooms were very clean! Highly recommend this place!
ScoutHad the best time at this campground! got a spot by the creek and was able to just relax! our water ended up not working out in the rv but we were right across from the bathhouses and they were clean and the water was HOT! Definitely will be back!
ScoutLoved this campsite. The hosts were so nice and accommodating and the site was so relaxing. From the sound/view of the creek. To having the free range chickens come say hello. This place was a great escape with trails in the Smokey mountains only minutes away. Highly recommend!
ScoutVery clean and beautiful campground. Brand new toilets and showers. Camping sites are fairly small. I would camp here again.
ScoutEasy walk in from parking lot to meadow with free dispersed camping spots along the Sam Knob Trail
ScoutWe stayed on Thursday and Friday night. There is noticeably more traffic on Friday night, but nothing that ran late. We had to pick up trash on our arrival from previous campers so a good reminder to bring gloves a shovel and dig a hole for your poop or pack your poop out! It was a private site with the shade and some sunshine. There are a lot of sites with shade, some small some large. There are some sunny sites. A lot of the sites are very close to the road. Some of them are back further into the woods for more privacy.
We drove a Traverse which doesn’t have super high clearance and it was a steep grade gravel road. There are sites that will require a high clearance vehicle but also plenty of level spots to get in. No disturbances; no animal sightings. No safety concerns. Near trailheads for convenient hiking.
The Pisgah National Forest region surrounding Horse Shoe, North Carolina sits at elevations between 2,000-5,000 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping months. Winter camping options remain available at lower elevations, with several campgrounds near Horse Shoe operating year-round or with extended seasons. The area receives significant rainfall throughout all seasons, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months.
Mountain biking at Davidson River Campground: Access top-rated trails directly from your campsite near Horse Shoe, North Carolina. Davidson River Campground connects to numerous biking routes that range from beginner-friendly paths to technical terrain. "Located right inside Pisgah National Forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures. If you're looking to see the sights of the forest and take a drive the scenic parkway then youve come to the right campground... if you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground," notes Travis S.
Fishing in North Mills River: Cast for trout in one of the area's premier fishing destinations, with both stocked and wild fish populations. North Mills River offers accessible riverfront camping with excellent fishing opportunities. "We live not too far from this campground, so it's more like our backyard outdoor playground. One heads back to the reservoir for some amazing fly fishing. We've enjoyed this campground mainly for the fly-fishing," explains Shannon K. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online or at local outfitters in Horse Shoe and Brevard.
Waterfall exploration: Discover numerous cascades within 15-30 minutes of Horse Shoe camping areas. "There are several waterfalls in the area and many places to hike. There are a couple of small towns not far away and Greenville isn't a long drive. If you like to hike there are two strenuous hikes in the park from 4-8 miles long and steep climbs that offer breathtaking views," writes John B. about nearby Table Rock State Park Campground.
Riverside campsites: Many campsites near Horse Shoe position campers directly alongside mountain streams and rivers. "The sound of the stream ran right by the campsite so listening to the stream as we went to bed was wonderful. Bathroom was clean. Site was clean," shares Julie T. about her winter stay at North Mills River Campground. Sites with water access typically fill fastest during reservation windows.
Campground accessibility: Despite feeling remote, many camping areas maintain convenient proximity to towns. "The campground is 15 minutes from downtown Asheville and 5 minutes from the North Carolina arboretum," notes Heather C. about Lake Powhatan. This accessibility allows campers to enjoy both wilderness experiences and urban conveniences without lengthy drives.
Seasonal weather considerations: Fall brings moderate temperatures and colorful foliage, making it ideal for camping. "It was foggy and cold when we arrived mid September. When the fog cleared there were amazing views across the street from the campground," reports Caleb C. about Mount Pisgah Campground. Fall weekends fill quickly, requiring reservations months in advance for most campgrounds.
Campground capacity limits: During peak season (May-October), campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "This place is packed most all of the summer now so you don't want to show up without a spot," warns Anna R. about Davidson River Campground. Reservations open six months in advance through Recreation.gov for most National Forest campgrounds.
Bear safety measures: Many campgrounds provide bear boxes at individual sites. "There was a steel box to secure food and wood. Not very big, but nice," explains Jodie K. about Mount Pisgah Campground. Always store food, cooking equipment, and scented items in these boxes or in your vehicle.
Variable bathroom facilities: Shower and bathroom availability differs between campgrounds. "Bathrooms are clean and there's hot showers. Firewood and ice are available for purchase by the gate," reports Roselyn T. about Lake Powhatan. Some facilities close during winter months, while others maintain year-round bathroom access with limited or no shower service.
Kid-friendly water activities: The Davidson River and nearby streams offer safe wading areas for children. "The mountain streams offer fun for kids and kid-wannabes. There are equestrian trails and a riding stable nearby," shares Meridith M. about Davidson River Campground. Water shoes are recommended as stream beds can be rocky.
Campground amenity options: Choose campgrounds based on desired amenities for family comfort. "They have a heated swimming pool and they do lots of things for kids like ice cream socials. They have a little shop in case you forget some necessities," explains Jodi B. about Black Forest Family Camping Resort. Family-oriented campgrounds often provide organized weekend activities during summer months.
Trail difficulty considerations: Select hiking trails appropriate for children's abilities. "There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside. The staff was very helpful and friendly," notes a camper about Lake Powhatan. Many campgrounds offer ranger-led programs teaching children about local ecology and wildlife.
RV site size variation: Many campgrounds have limited large RV sites. "Sites are all gravel. You will likely need to level anything you bring. Most sites have electric and water," advises Adam V. about Black Forest Family Camping Resort. Measure your rig length (including tow vehicle) before booking to ensure proper fit.
Hookup availability: Electric access varies between campgrounds, with limited full-hookup options. "No Water/Sewer Hookups on Any Site. Electric Hookup Sites Limited," explains Angela about Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground. Generator use is restricted at most forest service campgrounds, with permitted hours typically between 8am-8pm.
Dump station considerations: Several campgrounds offer dump stations, but access can be challenging. "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," notes Amurican L. about Davidson River Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Horse Shoe, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Horse Shoe, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 462 campgrounds and RV parks near Horse Shoe, NC and 39 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Horse Shoe, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Horse Shoe, NC is Davidson River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 82 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Horse Shoe, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 39 free dispersed camping spots near Horse Shoe, NC.
What parks are near Horse Shoe, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Horse Shoe, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest.
Keep Exploring
