Waterside camping near Brevard, North Carolina

Where to Go

Pisgah National Forest

In the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, Pisgah National Forest has over 500,000 acres to explore. Make sure to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway to get incredible views as you travel, then dive into over 1,000 miles of trails, including hundreds of waterfalls. The mountain peaks and valleys provide the perfect terrain for mountain biking and rock climbing, while the Pisgah Forest has excellent fishing opportunities and whitewater sports too. There’s no park entrance fee, but some cultural sites have admission prices.

Asheville, North Carolina

Set among the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is the largest city in North Carolina. It’s well-known for its art scene and historic architecture, and it’s only a 40-minute car ride from Brevard. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway (dubbed “America’s favorite drive“) to see epic mountain views from the road, then opt for camping near Asheville for a homebase to shops, breweries, and museums. There are tons of local parks with picnic areas for lunch in the sun, plus nearby glamping.

Davidson River Recreation Area

Close to the center of Brevard (only three miles away), the Davidson River Recreation Area works for the whole family. Check out rivers and waterfalls, spend the day fishing for local trout, or take an educational program in the busier months (summer and fall). The state-run Davidson River Campground is a prime choice for tent camping with shaded spots, picnic tables, flush toilets, and parking, as well as access to hiking trails. Book reservations at least four days ahead or up to six months in advance.

Sliding Rock Recreation Area

Roughly an 18-minute drive from Brevard, Sliding Rock showcases a sleek 60-foot natural rock formation with water trickling overtop—the claim to fame is the opportunity to slide down before cascading into a deep pool. Although Sliding Rock is open daily, it’s weather-dependent and can close due to heavy rainfall that causes high water levels. Lifeguards are there during the busy summer months (May until mid-September). Find beach tent camping nearby or treehouse camping for snoozing among the forest canopy.

When to Go

Summer between June and August is prime time to visit Brevard, although the rainy season overlaps with the spring and summer months (May until late August), with July being the wettest. All this water (roughly 90 inches of rain annually) means it’s no surprise that Brevard is waterfall central. It’s a little cloudy all year-round, but summers are still hot and humid, with temperatures up to 83°F. Winters (especially February) are dryer, but snowfall is common between November and March.