Davidson River Campground - Closed

  • Updated: December 28, 2025

The closure began in November 2025 and stretches through May 2026.

Davidson River Campground Will Close for Major Renovations

If you were planning a winter or early-spring camping trip to Pisgah National Forest, particularly to the beloved Davidson River Campground, here’s an important update: the campground is closed for six months as it undergoes significant renovations.

Closure Details & What’s Changing

  • The closure began in November 2025 and stretches through May 2026.
  • The work funded by the Great American Outdoors Act will modernize the campground’s bathhouses, as part of a collaborative upgrade effort between the United States Forest Service and Naventure.
  • The closure affects all campground loops, bathhouses, and related facilities – essentially the entire campground.
  • According to the official notice from the Forest Service, the campground is listed as “Closed until May 1, 2026 for bathhouse reconstruction
  • Replacing the bridge to the English Chapel United Methodist Church, located right inside the Davidson River Campground

Officials cite safety as a main concern: the construction zones will be hazardous, and public access is restricted to keep both visitors and workers safe.

The exercise trail will remain open to access the North Slope Trail. 

Why This Matters And What Makes Davidson River Special

For many campers, Davidson River Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent:

  • The campground lies along the scenic and trout-rich Davidson River, offering fishing, tubing, and swimming, a draw for families and outdoor enthusiast groups alike.
  • It’s a hub for outdoor adventure: with multiple hiking trails, access to waterfalls, and proximity to major attractions in Pisgah.
  • With year-round operation, shaded campsites, and a mix of tent, RV, and group-camp options, it has long been a go-to for popular camping.

Given all that, this closure is a big change for many, though the promise of updated, improved facilities has many looking forward to future trips.

Where to Camp Instead? Recommended Alternatives During the Closure

Luckily, you still have good camping options nearby while the Davidson River Campground is closed. Some of the recommended alternatives suggested by Naventure and the Forest Service include:

  • Lake Powhatan Campground – Offers lakeside camping with swimming, hiking, and glamping sites; still open during the closure.
  • North Mills River Campground – A rustic, wooded campground near Asheville, with options for tent or RV camping, plus access to hiking and fishing.
  • Group-camping areas such as Cove Creek Upper Group Campground & Lower, Kuykendall Group Campground, Wash Creek Group Campground, and White Pine South Group Campground – viable alternatives for larger groups or those who enjoy a communal camp experience.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect When It Reopens

By May 2026, Davidson River Campground is expected to reopen with refreshed, modernized bathhouse amenities that reflect a renewed commitment to public-land stewardship and an enhanced visitor experience.

For longtime fans of the campground, that’s excellent news – and for new visitors, it may offer an even better camping experience than before.

Steel truss pedestrian bridge under construction over a creek at Davidson River Campground, with concrete abutments, exposed rebar, and construction materials visible near the future crossing to the English Chapel.

New Years Update Photos

Temporary modular office building for the Davidson River Campground reconstruction project in Pisgah National Forest, with stairs and signage at the entrance and trees in the background.
Concrete block foundation for a new bathhouse under construction at Davidson River Campground in Pisgah National Forest, with framed rooms visible inside the foundation and leafless trees surrounding the site
Road construction underway at Davidson River Campground in Pisgah National Forest, showing heavy equipment parked along a gravel road lined with leafless trees and autumn-colored foliage.