Camp With Beautiful River Views At This Eastern US National Forest

If you want to unwind amidst nature's splendor, camping alongside the beautiful scenery at Pisgah National Forest will definitely fit the bill. Spanning over 500,000 acres across North Carolina's Central Western and Northern regions, this East Coast gem offers nature enthusiasts the perfect getaway. Throughout the park, you'll find awe-inspiring Appalachian mountains, natural waterfalls, and enchanting hardwood forests. Throughout the park, there are over a dozen campsites to choose from. However, we recommend you opt for the campground at Davidson River Recreation Area.

For more reasons than one, the Davidson River Recreation Area is one of the most visited destinations within the Pisgah National Forest. Not only is it easy to access from the highway, but is apt for hiking, mountain biking adventures, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, tubing, and more. At the Davidson River Campground, you can build your camp right alongside the Davidson River, spend the day enjoying riverside activities, and spend the night lulled to sleep by the soothing sounds of flowing water.

The Davidson River Campground offers everything an avid camper could ask for. It's easy to access, has plenty of convenient amenities, and is near a plethora of things to do. Situated just a mile from the National Forest entrance on Highway 276, you'll come across 144 campsites for both tents and RVs, many of which offer incredible river views and are available all year long. Whether you're looking for winter activities, fall foliage, or some summer fun, this campground is the perfect place to retreat.

With flush toilets, showers, grills, picnic tables, and even wifi available, you'll have everything you need and more for a seamless, exciting trip outdoors. However, because this camping spot is so desirable, the peak seasons are pretty packed with guests, and reservations are required at least four days in advance during the spring, summer, and fall. In the winter months, however, the campground becomes available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Davidson River Recreation Area offers the perfect opportunity for your favorite outdoor activities, especially during the warmer months. When the Southern humidity and heat of North Carolina are in full force, you'll be eager for anything and everything to do with water. With such easy access to the Davidson River, you'll have plenty of water activities at your fingertips to cool yourself down. So bring inflatable tubes and float across the river's stream for a fun-filled afternoon. Visitors are also permitted to swim in the river's refreshing currents.

If you love to fish, the Davidson River is an absolute must-visit destination. In fact, it was named one of the top 100 hotspots in North America for trout fishing. However, it's important to note that only wade and fly fishing are permitted on the river. For more land activities, you'll also find a handful of wonderful hiking trails nearby. There are plenty of great options, but we highly recommend you trek the 5.6 miles along the Looking Glass Falls trail for its picture-perfect scenery.