Davidson River Recreation Area


Area Status: Open

Davidson River Recreation Area offers camping and outdoor activities for the whole family. The campground boasts several loops of shaded campsites, as well as access to hiking trails, fishing spots, waterfalls and several nearby attractions within Pisgah National Forest. It lies just four miles west of the town of Brevard and less than an hour from the city of Asheville. The facility is open year-round.

Natural Features: The campground is located in Pisgah National Forest at an elevation of 2,150 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes thickly forested with hardwoods and conifers. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful Davidson River.

Recreation: The forest is known for its hiking trails, several of which are near the campground. Hikers can challenge themselves with the 12.3-mile Art Loeb Trail, the 3.7-mile North Slope Trail or a 1.5-mile walking trail. The Davidson River offers excellent trout fishing, plus tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs in summer and fall.

Facilities: Campsites are organized into eight loops and some are adjacent to the water. Sites are mostly shaded and equipped with picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills. The facility also provides hot showers and restrooms with flush toilets in each loop. Campers can purchase ice and firewood on-site and rent bikes nearby.

Nearby Attractions: Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity to the campground. Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are among the more popular sites. The small town of Brevard offers various amenities and services, and visitors can take a trip to Asheville to visit art galleries, shops and restaurants.

The Cradle of Forestry offers regular interpretive programs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with limited programs through October 31.

Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Fly; ADA accessible fishing access with fishing pier

At a Glance

Reservations: Reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov.  Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Area Amenities: Interpretive Site,Tent camping,Camping trailer,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Fees: Fees for campsites range from $22-44 per night. This is a fee campground, operated by Adventure Pisgah. See Adventure Pisgah website.
Open Season: Year-round
Usage: Heavy
Closest Towns: Brevard, NC
Water: Drinking Water
Restroom: Flush toilets and showers
Operated By: Adventure Pisgah
Information Center: Gate closes at 10 p.m. and opens at 7 a.m. Generators may be used up to 4 hours per day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.; generators not allowed on Poplar Loop (sites 99-113) First-come, first-served sites available Campground host or security on duty 24 hours from Apr. 1 to Oct. 31; Campground office number is (828) 862-5960.

General Information

Directions:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
35.28083, -82.7225
35°16'51"N, 82°43'21"W

From Asheville, North Carolina, take I-40 West to I-26 East to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to the campground. 

From Spartanburg, South Carolina, take I-26 West to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to the campground. 

From Charlotte, North Carolina, take I-85 South to Gastonia and exit at U.S. Highway 74 West. Merge with I-26 West to Exit 40 (Airport Road/Asheville Regional Airport), onto State Highway 280. Continue south 15.5 miles on 280 to Pisgah National Forest. Turn right at the intersection of Highway 280/64/276. Go north on 276 for 1 mile. Follow signs to the campground.


General Notes:

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Campground Camping

River and Stream Fishing

Day Hiking

Interpretive Areas

Swimming

Tubing

Amenities

Interpretive Site: Weekend family programs run Memorial Day - Halloween
Camping trailer:
Picnic tables: Picnic tables, tent pads, fire rings & lantern poles
Tent camping: 144 campsites for both tents and RV's - most of which are well shaded
Parking: Wi-Fi hot spot in parking lot area with plug-in station
Toilets: Hot showers and flush toilets
Drinking water: