Are you looking for the best place to camp in the Pisgah National Forest? We visited the Davidson River Campground near Brevard and think that you should consider it for your next camping trip! This campground offers not only hiking but also easy access to tubing.
For even more great camping choices see our list of 12+ Campgrounds Near Greenville that Are Perfect for Kids.
What is the Davidson River Campground
The Davidson River Campground is located in the Pisgah National Forest (off 276) just outside Brevard, NC. It is about an hour and 15 minutes from Downtown Greenville, moments from major grocery stores and dining, and yet seems an entire forest world away. Campers can enjoy wading in the knee-deep Davidson River, diving into the brisk swimming hole, hiking on beautiful mountain trails, tubing down the lazy waterway, fishing for trout, biking through the forest, or simply enjoying the quiet serenity found in the park’s many shaded campsites.
What to do at Pisgah National Forest
Throughout the summer and fall, the Pisgah National Forest offers many fun weekend events like firefly discovery, free s’mores, and bicycle parades – to name a few! Our family has had a blast camping at this wonderful getaway! We have rented tubes (just up the road and just $5/tube!) and spent the afternoon on the river with our 4 and 5-year-olds, we’ve hiked the gorgeous North Slope Trail, played kickball in the camp field, and used our campsite as a launchpad for exploring the MANY accessible waterfalls in the area (including Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls – both just up the road). Be sure to read my review on tubing Davidson River too!
How to Dress and Pack for Davidson River Campground
This region is actually home to a temperate rainforest, so expect cooler temperatures and some drizzly skies. Even on rainy afternoons, there has been so much to do and explore like the Cradle of Forestry, the Ranger Station, and the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. Come prepared with ample shelter, rain jackets, water shoes, and extra towels – this campground is still sure to please.
What is Camping Like at Davidson River
There are 160 well-shaded and nicely spaced gravel campsites for tents and rv’s. Reservations can be made ahead of time for 70 of the sites, while the other 90 sites are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Simply call ahead and ask how many sites they’ve got available, then show up early and take your pick! Some of the sites have direct access to the river (others are a short bike/scooter/walk away), all have large picnic tables, fire rings, tent pads, and lantern poles. Some offer electric, but most do not. All are close to restroom and shower facilities. The campground also offers firewood, ice, and even a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Always an adventure, the Davidson River campground had my kids exclaiming, “This is the best day ever!”
Where Is Davidson River Campground
1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest, NC
828.862.5960
Visit the Davidson River Campground website
Have you ever visited Davidson River with your family?