Paddlers Paradise Cottage-Glamping on the River!

Our hearts are broken. Our beloved camp was demolished by Hurricane Helene 2024 from the "1 in 1000 Year Flood" in Western North Carolina.

Devastation to Camp Driftwood has left us with almost a total loss, except for 1 property standing, but severely damaged. (See before and after pics below.)

We are needing to clean up, rebuild, and reclaim this special destination so that it's stunning riverbanks can be enjoyed by our friends and family for years to come. As you can imagine, our rebuild requires funding for materials, labor, and large equipment.

If you share our love for this magical place and want to be a part of this recovery, please donate to Camp Driftwood via Venmo(*) at @CampDriftwood

All of the funds donated will go directly towards infrastructure, clean up, grounds, roads, structures, etc.

Paddlers Paradise Cottage was named after watching the paddlers play in the rapids that are right in front of the cottage, just off the river's edge. You can see the river thru 18 feet of windows! Open those windows, and let the fresh air and river sounds in, they fill the space with life and it really does feel like paradise. This studio-style Glamping Cottage features an open space with high ceilings, a kitchenette(* dry unit-no water), a comfortable queen-sized bed, dining table, and a cozy sofa. Enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon happy hour from the covered side porch. Facing the river, but raised up you will find this lovely porch to be a favorite spot. Offering a pub table for two, a proper porch swing, and privacy, it's the perfect outdoor location to watch the river and listen to it as it meanders by.​

Paddlers Paradise is in the center of camp and access is easy, you park right in front of the unit and The Bathhouse is located just on the other side of the parking spot.
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Amenities
One queen-sized bed, well-appointed linens.
Bath towels are provided (not for outdoor use)
Dry Kitchenette-microwave, coffee maker, mini fridge, plates/cups/utensils **no water
Coffee/creamer/sweeteners provided
Cozy Loveseat pulls out for possible 3rd person to sleep
Little table for writing and dining
Mini split for heat and AC. Ceiling Fan.
TV with Satellite
Wifi for internet. Most cell carriers have decent reception
Covered side porch with river views
Porch swing and outdoor pub table
Fire ring and picnic table by the waterside
Charcoal grill (charcoal not provided)
Up to 2 well-behaved dogs welcome ($25 non-refundable fee each) **see pet details ​

​Camp Driftwood Asheville is a rustic riverside retreat, just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Our family-owned and operated vacation hideaway spans a third of a mile directly on the banks of The French Broad River, rumored to be the third oldest river in the world!

​Built around the ruins of an old Grist Mill, Camp Driftwood Asheville honors that time in history by maintaining the stone wall fragments that used to encompass the storehouse. Clarks Driftwood Cottage is actually built over the 'mill race' that was used to divert the river into the mill. The place used to be a popular stop on the Buncombe County Turnpike-which was part of the Drovers Road, which is now Old Marshall Highway. "The turnpike was finished in 1827 and was the main thoroughfare from the state line, through the Saluda Gap, by way of Flat Rock and Hendersonville, across the Asheville plateau to the Buncombe County Courthouse in Asheville, down the gorge of the French Broad River to Warm Springs(now Hot Springs), and just north at Paint Rock where it joined the Tennessee Road. The entire road was seventy-five miles in length. It was considered one of the finest roads in the East."

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This site was a popular stop on the Turnpike because of its proximity to Asheville and its easy access to the River. Weary travelers would spend the night enjoying the sounds of the rapids, while they waited for their products to process.

​Camp Driftwood carries on the tradition of providing riverside respite and currently offers travelers a variety of vacation options. We have; 8 primitive riverside tent sites, 3 Glamping Cottages, and 3 Vacation Homes. Whichever you choose you will have direct access to the river, a fire ring, a picnic table, and space to relax next to the water.

​All guests are welcome to stroll the length of the property and enjoy the Community Areas, including; the Swimming Beach, a Fishing Beach, the Tree Swing, the Rapids, and the large Community Fire Pit.

We offer a passive campground experience, more geared toward adults, as there are no fences or safety measures in place along the river. We don't have a camp store, there is no office-no playground surrounded by mulch. But..we do have direct access to an incredible ancient river, the best kind of playground!

​Camp Driftwood Asheville is located on Old Marshall Highway-AKA River Rd. The Camp spans a third of a mile of river frontage along the French Broad River and allows guests access to unique spaces on the river-right from the property. Swim, fish, paddle, or tube the Ancient River. Enjoy one of the most popular road biking sections in the area-right from the property. Ride for miles with the River as your guide! We only offer tent camping-we cannot host Campers or RV's. Camp Driftwood is not appropriate for small children. Guests 12 and under need prior management approval.

Our Glamping rentals are dry units and do not include full kitchens or baths but are appointed so you can eat comfortably. We have a shared bathhouse with endless hot water in the shower.

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Rates & Availability

Cancellation Policy: One hundred percent (100.00%) of the total booking charges (less $35.00 cancellation fee) will be refunded if the cancellation is made more than 14 days prior to the arrival date of the reservation. For cancellations made within 14 days prior to the arrival date, no refund will be issued.

Location

Alexander, North Carolina

Amenities

Guest Reviews