Best Dog-Friendly Camping near J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Mistletoe State Park Campground and Ridge Road Campground permit pets throughout their waterfront sites on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. All established campgrounds in the area maintain pet-friendly policies with standard leash requirements. Campers can select from various accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and pet-friendly cabins at Mistletoe State Park and Pointes West Army Resort. Elijah Clark State Park Campground and Bussey Point Wilderness Area offer additional pet-friendly options with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Petersburg Campground provides electric hookups and water access for pets and owners. Most campgrounds enforce standard pet policies requiring leashes and proper waste disposal, though specific restrictions vary by location. The campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean facilities with roomy sites spaced well apart from each other.
Bussey Point Wilderness Area features primitive waterfront campsites ideal for pets who enjoy swimming, with all sites positioned right on the water with clear lake access. The 12-mile horse trail provides excellent dog walking opportunities throughout the peninsula. Ridge Road's spacious waterfront sites offer plenty of room for pets to relax while still maintaining appropriate distance between neighboring campers. Pointes West Army Resort accommodates pets in both their cabin and camping areas, though some visitors note proximity to neighbors can be close in certain sections. Most campgrounds provide easy lake access for dogs who enjoy swimming, with Mistletoe State Park offering particularly good water entry points. Temperatures during summer months can become extremely hot, so campers should ensure pets have adequate shade and water. Wildlife encounters are possible, so keeping pets leashed protects both the animals and local wildlife populations.
