A
Alice W.
Scout
ScoutFS 289 Pull Off
Tranquil but out there!
Great spots out by a creek but be prepared to lose cell service driving through the park
Camping near Horse Shoe, NC
468 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Horse Shoe (468)
1. Davidson River Campground
"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 Availability2. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
"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 Availability3. Mount Pisgah Campground
"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 Availability4. North Mills River
"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 Availability5. Rutledge Lake RV Resort
"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"
6. Asheville East KOA
"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 Availability7. Table Rock State Park Campground
"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 . "
8. Black Forest Family Camping Resort
"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."
"When we arrived at our site we called the desk and asked if we could actually move to the one right next to it and they said sure no problem."
9. Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground
"**
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 Availability10. Jones Gap State Park Campground
"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!"
Drive Time
- 24 min from Asheville, NC
- 56 min from Greenville, SC
- 57 min from Spartanburg, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Horse Shoe, NC
940 Photos of 468 Horse Shoe Campgrounds
Valerie A.
North Mills River
David C.
The Bike Farm
Janelle P.
Boylston Creek RV Park & Cabins
Betsy W.
Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1
Myron C.
Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows
Katie C.
Bent River Equestrian
Tucker B.
Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5
Brenda L.
Red Gates RV Park
Jake C.
Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
Travis S.
Davidson River Campground
Bran P.
Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
ANGELA
Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground
Recent Reviews near Horse Shoe, NC
2108 Reviews of 468 Horse Shoe Campgrounds
- kkathy U.Scout
Buck Creek
Amazing
I’m thrilled to give this campground my highest recommendation! The owners and staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful and kind! We called that morning because the campground we were booked at turned out to be awful. They fit us in and then we ended up extending our stay. We had to keep moving sites because they had other campers coming in, but it was worth it! Our favorite sites was 54 and 27. Some sites are close, but all are on the creek so you don’t notice it at all! Nothing better than waking up to the sound of water! The campground location is perfect, 20-30 minutes from things to do like hiking and wineries.
Jim S.
GuideMount Pisgah Campground
Cool Change
Typical National Park Campground.Sites are small but spread apart.Not many that we could fit 28 foot Airstream .Clean restrooms and free showers. The rangers are very friendly. Very professional and helpful. The restaurant is great but you need to make a reservation.
Seth F.
TravelerConley's Creek Campground
A beautiful campground with wonderful hosts
The campground is in a great location and is beautifully maintained. The hosts, Anne and Chris, are very friendly and gave us great recommendations for local activities.
It is now one of my favorite campgrounds and I highly recommend it.
Colin R.GuideBalsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Nice and cool in the summer
A very nice and clean campsite. The toilets are clean, and they have a dish washing station. No showers or hot water. If using the toilet after dark, take a flash light, there's no electricity here.
The best part is because of the high elevation, it's about 20 degrees cooler up here than the surrounding areas. Also, it's very quiet too.
However, because of the small winding roads, you won't get a RV or Travel Trailer up here over 20 ft in length. Mainly tent and teardrop campers. Only one 18ft long travel trailer here during my visit.
Melinda G.ScoutPeaceful Cove Campground
Great little campground!
We rented Andy’s RV and had a great time! Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate until the end of our trip, but the camper was superb. Fully stocked with everything we needed - even the makings for s’mores. If you’re looking for a campground with lots of amenities, this is not for you. If you want a great, peaceful place to stay on the river, it’s perfect. Nearby attractions in Franklin and Cherokee. 5+ stars!!
Robert G.ScoutBlack Forest Family Camping Resort
Great for families
We absolutely loved our experience at Black Forest. The owners genuinely care about your stay. They were only about half full when we went so they suggested a couple different sites for us to be spaced out from other people for privacy. When we arrived at our site we called the desk and asked if we could actually move to the one right next to it and they said sure no problem. Even if you were right next to others there are trees for at least a visual barrier at most sites. And you are fully in the woods so it isn’t that RV park feel. The bathhouses are clean and well maintained. The store at the check-in has everything you may have forgotten and the prices are actually reasonable. This place is very close to the restaurants on cedar mountain, less than 10 minute drive to everything. This was our first trip with our new 29ft camper trailer and I was nervous about backing into the site, but the way they have them set up you have plenty of room so it’s easy. The internet was a little spotty so we weren’t able to work remotely as planned but for us it wasn’t a big deal and we had enough cell service to send texts here and there. I read that the pool is heated but it was pretty cold!! But the weather was very hot when we were here so we didn’t mind that at all, we loved the pool.
- SStephanie K.Scout
Riverside Motel and Campground
The creek is the best
The main road can be quite noisy. Though the local authorities do what they can to keep it down. The creek is by far the best thing about the campground.
Rachael F.Travelerwash Creek Dispersed Campsite #3
Be aware of your neighbors
If I was reviewing for just the location and how beautiful it was I’d give a 4 stars for a dispersed campsite however your neighbors do impact your experience.
The site itself I really loved. I was about 200 -300 feet from where you park your car right off the road (the roads by the way are definitely passable by most vehicles but keep in mind I was there in May). While there was alot of traffic going by (cars and bicyclists) the way it was set up it gave more privacy than most especially if you put your tent in the right place.
It was nice to have some distance between the car and the campsite with the large black bear population. Highly recommend keeping all food far from your site and washing any dishes as far from where you sleep as much as you can. Also keep all soaps, perfumes, or toiletries out if your tent. That also attracts.
Wash creek was close by. So accessing water for filtering for use was very easy. I used a 0.01 Micron, 6-Stage, portable BKLES (BKLES Camping Water Filter –... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGLHX2JK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) for the two weeks and had no health issues or otherwise. The water tasted great.
There was a hiking trail that was between the site and the path to the creek. I never saw anyone while I was there (2 weeks) but it’s something to consider if your a solo camper as other campers could easily travel it to access your site without you being aware. I had Portable Outdoor Perimeter Alarm... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXGJRD2K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) to keep me safe and alert at night which I can’t recommend enough. It ended up saving my life. Towards the end of my stay for the first time all four alarm sensors put in several different places yards apart were going off. It continued off and on for over an hour. I did not risk opening my tent to see what it was.
I decided to go to an air bnb the next night. when I returned my tent was riped in several places and my dewalt tool box I was using for storage had what looked like puncture marks and was opened (full disclosure - I forgot I had some dried chick peas in it). Pretty safe to assume I was visited by a bear. I went back to the air bnb waiting for things to dry up before packing.
Upon returning items were stolen. A few things were taken with a note from a nearby camper with his cell (no name ?) letting me know he was keeping them safe for me. When I was at the site inspecting things he showed up. Was nice enough and did return some of my items but my portable firepit and large propane tank were gone.
Granted I had left the site unattended for a few days after the seeing my tent ripped up and was waiting for things to dry (as it had been raining for several days) before packing. Having said this the stolen items could have been because the more permanent folks living in the area thought I had just abandoned my things. I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
So while the spot itself was profoundly beautiful the neighbors add an element that should be considered in your decision to come.
On a positive note, I did see blue ghost fireflies several nights during my stay. I Eastern Tiger Swallowtails two days in a row my site had maybe 50-100 right next to my tent. Then the Spicebush Swallowtail, and Azures decided to join. One day a cardinal sat right on the rock in the middle of the campsite 10 feet from me. If you love rocks like I do be prepared for some really truly beautiful gems (pun intended) if you go wading in the creek. I forgot to mention I accidentally caught a fish when trying to fill my bucket up in the evening (how did it taste? Well, unfortunately I don’t have the skills to prep fish like that so I quickly released it but tells you a bit about the water nearby 🌞)
Guide to Horse Shoe
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
What camping is available near Horse Shoe, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Horse Shoe, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 468 campgrounds and RV parks near Horse Shoe, NC and 39 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Horse Shoe, NC?
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?
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?
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