If you are hanging out around the Davidson River, tubing in Brevard in the summer months is the way to go! Pick up your tube for a small fee at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and a full day of floating fun awaits. If you’re looking to do a little summer tubing, Brevard, NC is a great place to be.
Before you pack up your water shoes, there is a major operational update for the 2026 season that you need to know to plan your trip logistics.
🚨 CRITICAL 2026 CLOSURE ALERT: The Davidson River Campground remains completely closed through late summer 2026 for a multi-million dollar infrastructure modernization project by the U.S. Forest Service and Naventure.
While the river itself is 100% open for tubing, you cannot park, use the bathhouses, or run a vehicle shuttle inside the campground loops right now. You must plan your launch and pickup points strictly using public river access areas outside the construction zones.
What to Expect on the Water
The Davidson River is incredibly family-friendly. The water is crisp and chilly (even in July!), the current is mostly calm, and the depth is generally shallow—frequently hovering around knee-deep. It is an ideal spot for first-timers and families with younger kids.
- The Terrain: Expect smooth river rocks, minor bumps, and a few spots where you might need to lift your bottom or get out to drag your tube past a shallow patch.
- River Conditions Post-Hurricane Helene: The river has bounced back beautifully. Debris on the main tubing stretches is minimal, and steady seasonal rainfall has kept water levels highly favorable for floating.
- Pro-Tip on Water Levels: If it hasn’t rained in weeks, the river can become quite low and rocky, resulting in a very bumpy ride. Always check local weather or ask the rental shop about current water levels before heading out.
Tube Rentals: Dolly’s Dairy Bar is Open!
Good news! You do not need to bring your own gear to enjoy the river. Dolly’s Dairy Bar & Gift Shop, a legendary staple located right at the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest, is fully open and operating its tube rental station for the 2026 season.
- Location: 128 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC (At the forest entrance)
- Hours: Open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM (extended to 9:00 PM during peak summer)
- Cost: $8 per tube
- Payment: Cash only! There is no card reader at the tube shack, so make sure to hit the ATM before you arrive.
- Options: They offer multiple tube sizes, including double tubes for parents with toddlers and specialized cooler tubes. Rentals are good for a full 24 hours.
Note: Don’t forget to grab a scoop of their famous camp-themed ice cream when you finish your float.
Navigating the 2026 Independent Float Model
Because you cannot use the campground as a traditional base or parking hub this summer, you will need to rely entirely on an independent “Bring Your Own Tube” (or rent-from-Dolly’s) strategy.
To execute a smooth float without campground access, use a two-car shuttle system parked at public spots along U.S. 276, or bring a bicycle/scooter to handle the return leg.
1. Park the Exit Car: Step 1.
Drive down to your planned exit point—Sycamore Flats Picnic Area is an excellent choice outside of the campground boundary. Park your “exit vehicle” here with dry towels and a change of clothes inside.
2. Drive to the Launch Point: Step 2.
Load your tubes and crew into the second vehicle and drive upstream. Excellent public launch spots that bypass the campground include the Art Loeb Trailhead area or the Coontree Picnic Area pull-offs.
3. Enjoy the Float: Step 3.
Hop into the crystal-clear water and enjoy the ride! Keep an eye out for construction fencing when floating past the campground stretch—do not exit the river or attempt to use the banks inside the campground loop, as it is an active, hazardous work zone.
4. Exit and Retrieve: Step 4.
Exit at your designated picnic area, pack up the gear, and use the exit car to drive the driver back up to retrieve the launch vehicle.
What You Need to Know About Tubing at Davidson River
Let’s talk logistics. Tubes come in several different sizes and options, including a cooler tube that has a bottom (great for a snuggly baby and parent) or a double tube (nice for a parent and a couple of kiddos, or two older kids). They can be rented at the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest near Dolly’s Dairy Bar & Gift Shop, and you can hop into the river wherever you’d like and take a trip for as long as you want. Rentals are for 24 hours. You can get their advice on tubing tips and the best point of entry because there are several that will give you shorter or longer rides.
It is best to take two cars – leaving one where you’ll start and one where you’ll end – to make shuffling people and rafts quick and simple. If you can’t take two cars, you could bring along a bike or scooter to leave at the bottom. That way, one lucky winner can bike their way back to the top and drive the car back down to do the shuffle.
Expect it to be wet and chilly – even in July! The mountain forest is already several degrees cooler than the Greenville area, plus it tends to drizzle. Bring along water shoes, plenty of towels, change of clothes, food & drinks, and Ziplocs or waterproof containers for your dry stuff. This will ensure your tubing trips are the best possible.
What to Pack for the Trip
Because the campground bathhouses are out of commission, you will want to come fully prepared to be self-sufficient at your vehicle:
- Water shoes or secure sandals (flip-flops will easily get lost to the current).
- Dry bags or Ziploc bags for your keys, phone, and cash.
- A change of warm clothes waiting in the car—the mountain air and shaded canopy can make the water feel icy cold after an hour of floating!
More Summer Things to Do in Brevard, NC
There is so much to do in the area while you’re out there! The river flows right through the Davidson River Campground. If you camp there, you can keep your tubes with you and hop into the river any time you’d like!
There are also hundreds of waterfalls, Sliding Rock, the Pisgah Ranger Station, and the Cradle of Forestry. Not to mention the delicious ice cream and dining options in neighboring Brevard, NC. Of course, we ended our trip with a stop at the ice cream shop, a memorable mecca we can’t wait to repeat.
Here are some interesting things to do in Brevard, NC on your next day trip!
Renting Tubes at Davidson River
Get your tubes at Dolly’s Dairy Bar & Gift Shop (Davidson River Rafting) at the entrance of Pisgah National Forest
Davidson River Tubing (opens Memorial Day weekend)
128 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC
Open daily 12 pm – 8 pm (9 pm in summer)
$8/tube, cash only
828.676.5383
Places to Stay in Brevard, NC
Look for places to stay near Brevard using this map from STAY22. Kidding Around earns when you book through these links.
Have you ever taken your kid’s Davidson River tubing for a float trip?
Author’s tip! We went again last week for tubing round 2. I have some more advice to add to the tubing article: check the water levels before you rent tubes! This time, the forest had not had enough rain and the water was very low. This made for a bumpy ride and lots of places where we had to get out and walk over rocks. If you were to ask the tubing place, I’m sure you could get the low-down on the water levels. It was still fun – but a lot more stop and go.
Do you know if the phone number in this article is still correct for Davidson River Tubing? I keep calling but no one is answering. I’m trying to find out what their hours/days of operation are? Thanks!
How much are the tube rentals? Is there a place to find that info online?
“Occasional need to get unstuck”. That made me actually laugh out loud. There are several areas, that just getting off and walking are the best option. There is a lot of debris (fallen trees, etc.) in the river, as well.
July 2020 Update: The tube rental place by Dolly’s Dairy bar is closed this year 🙁
Thank you for this.