General: 159 site campground in eight loops along the (duh) Davidson River. There are a variety of sites: some have electric hookups, some are double sites, some are reservable and some are first come, first available and, in the Poplar Loop, generators are prohibited. Most are back-in but there are some pull-thru sites. Upon check-in, we were instructed that we had to back into our site unless we had a pull-thru. While the sites along the river might be more desirable, they are also closer to the road so you will hear road noise. 

Site Quality: We camped in the Poplar Loop and most of the sites appeared level. Each had a tent pad, and the drive was paved. Lots of trees created a sense of separation and privacy between sites. We didn’t know when we reserved that this loop did not allow generators but was thrilled when we discovered this! 

Bathhouse: Basic (in the Poplar Loop, two stalls, one sink, and one shower) but clean enough. Some of the bathrooms in other loops (Hemlock) appeared newer but I didn’t check out the inside. 

Activities/Amenities: Mountain biking, fishing, and a small swimming beach. A couple of hiking trails from the campground and others nearby plus many others in the area. The English Chapel (a United Methodist Church) is accessed from the Hemlock Loop or a pedestrian bridge on US 276. Services are held Sunday mornings at 9 am. Firewood and ice are available 8 am – 8 pm and the Ranger Station across the street is open 9 am– 5 pm seven days a week. Since cell service was extremely limited (to non-existent), it was helpful to chat with the rangers for recommendations on hikes. It was appreciated that there were aluminum and plastic recycling bins 

While we would have liked to have stayed here two nights, we were lucky to secure a one-night reservation here on a Friday in late October, especially since there was a big mountain biking race nearby.