Davidson River Campground provides streamlined tent, RV and cabin options for pet friendly camping near Tryon, North Carolina, located just outside Pisgah Forest. The surrounding terrain features elevations ranging from 2,200 to 3,000 feet, creating moderate temperature drops at night even during summer months. Weather in this region can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Access prime riding paths directly from Davidson River Campground, where trails start across the river from the camping area. "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. The mtb trails start literally across the davidson river from the campground," notes Travis S.
Water activities: Cool off during summer months at Orchard Lake Campground, which offers a pond with water features. "We stayed 2 nights. We went kayaking and swimming daily. There is a slide in the middle of the pond that my son loved. When it rained the game room had a movie on and lots to do inside," shares Amanda M.
Hiking explorations: Multiple trails surround Lake Powhatan with varying difficulty levels. "Walking trails surround the CG and high quality mountain bike trails nearby. Fire pits, picnic bench, some sites with bear boxes, warm showers, clean toilets, tent pads, very shady, firewood and ice available," explains one reviewer. Most trails are well-marked with moderate grades suitable for hikers of various experience levels.
What campers like
Natural features: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground. "We stayed here for a couple days to visit some friends who moved to Asheville. Once you get set up at your waterfront site you can't help but be in awe of the rapids. We hungout all night enjoying its ambiance and the moonlight shines," reports Keith R.
Pet-specific amenities: Dog owners appreciate the specialized areas at Four Paws Kingdom. "18 acres of wonder open areas fenced in to keep your furry friends from running away, there is agility park, puppy park, the main dog park, a private park (single or you can invite), a Lure run, a Ball Park, and a Pond for those watery dogs," describes Chris.
Facilities maintenance: Campers frequently mention the well-kept grounds at Paris Mountain State Park Campground. "We stayed here for a week and found this to be one of the quietest parks we have stayed at and used it for a base camp to hike Jones gap and table rock. The bathhouse was clean and there are lots of trails and a big pond," reports Creighton C.
What you should know
Site conditions: Some campgrounds feature challenging terrain for larger vehicles or uneven sites. At Paris Mountain State Park, "Some of the sites needed a little rehab and weren't very flat. The bathrooms were definitely older, but very clean," notes Matt R.
Reservation planning: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "This area has become over run with tourists and the 'free' campsites have mostly been comandeered by squatters who rotate from site to site every 14 days... This place is packed most all of the summer now so you don't want to show up without a spot," advises Anna R. about Davidson River.
Access considerations: Narrow roads can create challenges at some locations. At Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground, one visitor cautions: "BE ALERT TO TURN WIDE WHEN TURNING INTO THIS CAMPGROUND. VERY NARROW BRIDGE FROM THE MAIN ROAD MAKING IT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO TURN INTO THE OTHER LANE FOR LONGER RIGS."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Emberglow Outdoor Resort offers multiple family-friendly recreation areas. "Just spent the weekend here and loved it! 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 but ended up staying the entire time in the campground," shares Stacey.
Indoor alternatives: When weather turns bad, seek shelter at Orchard Lake Campground's game room. "This campground is wonderful! We found it out of an emergency stop and stayed for 5 nights. It is beautiful and has so much for the kids to do. To just let the kids be kids and have fun! My kids, ages 12, 11 and 8 didn't want to leave!" reports Michelle S.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature water access for cooling off during hot days. At Orchard Lake, "We went kayaking and swimming daily. There is a slide in the middle of the pond that my son loved," while Lake Powhatan offers a beach area described as "small, but looked pretty" by reviewers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose camping spots carefully based on rig size and needs. "We have a 25' C and have stayed here 3-4 times, mostly in the A loop and we love it every time. Very clean restroom facilities. Strong wi-fi (free too) connection, for those of us that work from the road," advises Amy M. about Asheville East KOA.
Leveling preparation: Bring leveling blocks for potentially uneven terrain. At Silver Creek Campground, "When we got to check in our spot we booked weeks in advance were changed and was given a smaller spot. The bathrooms weren't clean and the spot numbers were hard to find. The power and water hookups were close even though we only used the power," notes Kenneth R.
Hookup configurations: Check electrical requirements before arrival. At Hickory Nut Falls, "It's all 50 amp now!! You will need a converter for 30 amp if you don't have one," advises Bryan H., highlighting the importance of having appropriate adapters for different power setups.
Traveler
