31 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Grandfather Campground's fenced dog park provides a dedicated space for pets to run off-leash while camping near Banner Elk. The campground welcomes pets at all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and cabins. Spacious Skies Bear Den, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, features a dog wash station alongside their pet exercise area, making it convenient for campers to clean their pets after outdoor adventures. Pets must be leashed throughout most campground areas, with designated pet relief stations positioned throughout the grounds. The campground is very large but doesn't feel that way, with sites next to streams near the entrance offering natural water access for dogs to cool off during summer months. Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Banner Elk charge no additional pet fees, though they typically limit guests to two pets per site.
Hiking trails surrounding the Banner Elk campgrounds offer excellent opportunities for dog-friendly outdoor activities, with the Blue Ridge Parkway providing access to numerous pet-accessible paths. Grandfather Mountain State Park allows leashed dogs on most trails, though some of the more challenging routes with ladders may prove difficult with larger dogs. The nearby Linville Gorge Wilderness area features dispersed camping options where pets can explore more rugged terrain. During summer months, the mountain climate provides cooler temperatures ideal for active dogs, though afternoon thunderstorms require adequate shelter for pets. Campers should note that wildlife encounters are possible, so keeping dogs leashed and supervised is essential for their safety. Several campgrounds provide designated dog walking paths away from camping areas to minimize disturbance to other guests during quiet hours.
"Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."
"Some RV sites are on the edge of the road. Clean restrooms and showers. Great hiking trails nearby beginning in the campground. Dog friendly. If you have a National park pass you get a discount."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"I camped here over the weekend with a friend and our dogs. We were in campsite 62. Our loop was very private and shaded. The only negative point was the street light right across from us."
"Fire pits you had to walk up to but were away from tents, which I liked. Bathhouse was clean, well lit, pretty warm showers. Campground was very clean and has a lot of amenities."
Available this weekend
"We were next to the stream near the entrance. The facilities were very nice and you can hike right around the campground.
The campground is very close to Grandfather Mountain entrance."
"If you love the Banner Elk, Grandfather mountain area, then I recommend this campground! You are surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains."
from $35 - $42 / night
"Located directly off Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 324.8 Spruce Pine N.C. Site are level well shaded with a little separation from neighboring sites."
"Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."
from $24 - $999 / night
"Check-in was easy at the office at the entrance of the campground."
"The campground is tucked away outside of Boone, but not so far that if you really need something you cant get it."
"It's not deep forest or fabulous views but has access to the river. There is water and some buggy bathrooms (if that bothers you) but no showers."
"Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $45 / night
"This is a wonderful family campground with amazing people running the campground close to Boone and Banner Elk. There is a beautiful creek that runs through the property. Campsites are level."
"It’s a short walk to the bath house, which was well maintained. The dog walking area was spacious and also very clean. They also have a washer and dryer on site for laundry."
from $31 - $63 / night
"Check your tour cd to verify it works before driving away from the gate. It is helpful as you drive through and not all function correctly."
"This is the most beautiful hiking trails in the world! A lot of climbing rock slopes and ladders with scenic views from 6000 ft plus elevation."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $37 / night
"It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."
"There is a place to wash dishes outside as well. Fantastic walking trails - some parts quite steep but we got a good workout through the woods on the property."
from $25 - $136 / night
"Very close to the falls to swim at and hike to (wear hiking shoes to get to the falls) over all great quiet little campground!"
from $20 - $45 / night
ScoutNobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
ScoutNice camp and staff friendly. We drive the Blue Ridge Pkwy which was a bit of drive but the ride up to Mt Mitchell was beautiful. Only negative was the laundry rooms were small for a large camp like this but I made it work. Probably a bit more challenging during busy season but all that said this is a nice campground
ScoutGreat camping spot! Road isn’t horrible going up but there are some rougher areas toward the end of the road. Gorgeous sunset and sunrise spot! Fire rings seemed fairly abundant at the pull offs.
TravelerAbsolutely one of the most beautiful campgrounds that we have visited, and super clean. Such a great location for hiking and viewing the Blue Ridge Pkwy!
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
Traveler3 stars only because it says water hookups but they are far and few between communal. No spigot at individual sites. Need long hose(s)to reach the connection. Good T-Mobile 5G but too wooded for StarLink. Quiet, shady, somewhat level sites were available. $20/night.
TravelerThe road was very bumpy but I got up on my 2WD Honda Odyssey. A couple people came during the day to take photos, but the night was peaceful. A couple campsites on the drive up, less secluded though. View was gorgeous and the sunset was amazing. Amazing spot for stargazing.
ScoutMy husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
GuideSeems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.
Banner Elk's location in the Blue Ridge Mountains provides camping at elevations around 3,500-4,000 feet, creating significantly cooler summer temperatures compared to surrounding lowland areas. The region typically experiences 15-20°F lower temperatures than nearby cities, making it a popular summer destination for pet owners seeking relief from heat. Most campgrounds in the area sit on mountainous terrain with varying degrees of slope, requiring leveling equipment for many sites.
Hiking with dogs on the Blue Ridge Parkway: Julian Price Park Campground offers access to numerous hiking trails including the Boone Fork Trail, a 5-mile loop right across the parkway. "Cushy campsites with electric and water. Rent a canoe here and take it out on the lake! Or hike the Boone Fork Trail, a 5 mile loop right across the parkway. Beautiful anytime of the year," notes Jolie L.
Fly fishing with pets: The Banner Elk region offers multiple water access points for fishing enthusiasts and their dogs. At Roan Mountain State Park Campground, campers can try their luck at the Doe River. "Doe River runs through so fly fishing is available. Husband did catch a rainbow trout near group tent sites. Several small brookies near the history center," reports Tracy D.
Mountain exploration with dogs: The wilderness areas surrounding Banner Elk provide rugged terrain for adventurous dog owners. Multiple trails offer different difficulty levels for varying abilities. "There are a lot of things to do in the area. Some of the hiking trails even start in the campground. You can also explore the grist mill with a nature trail or an old homestead. You have access to the AT about 10 miles away," according to Katrin M.
Fenced dog exercise areas: Spacious Skies Bear Den provides dedicated pet facilities that go beyond standard pet relief areas. "Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and activities for all ages, it's perfect for camping enthusiasts," writes LewisTurner.
Creekside camping with dogs: Many campers appreciate the natural water features that provide cooling spots for pets during hot days. "We were in campsite 62. Our loop was very private and shaded. The only negative point was the street light right across from us. It was pretty bright at night. Our campsite had a picnic table, a fire pit, a water spigot and electricity. There is also a little creek nearby, which was perfect for the dogs," shares Katrin M.
Pet-friendly cabins: For those seeking more comfort with their pets, several campgrounds offer cabin options. Grandfather Campground provides various accommodation types. "The camping cabins are really nice and spacious. You have to be careful to book the correct kind of tent site if you want to be in a more wooded area," mentions Julie L.
Weather considerations for pets: The mountain climate brings sudden weather changes that affect pet camping. "In late July it was cool in the evenings. Some of the fire rings have 'flip over' grills which were super convenient. My 95 lb dog was welcome also," explains Nicole L.
Trail difficulty with dogs: Not all trails are equally accessible when hiking with pets. At Grandfather Mountain State Park Campsites, some routes present challenges. "Plenty of hiking trails but some close in the winter months. Picnic and play areas. Educational spots for the little ones," notes Casey W.
Campground noise levels: Some campgrounds experience road noise that might disturb sensitive pets. "The worst part I discovered about sites in the A loop is that you can hear traffic from the Blue Ridge Parkway all day long except for two to three hours in the middle of the night (about 1:30 to 4:30). On average, you can count on about twenty-five vehicles every five minutes," reports Myron C.
Dog-friendly activities for kids: Flintlock Campground offers natural play areas where children and pets can enjoy together. "Flintlock is easy to get to but you'll still feel like you are camping. Staff is friendly and facilities are clean. There's a beautiful mini river running through the campground with a lot of rocks to jump on. My children spent hours every day exploring," shares Robyn C.
Playground proximity for monitoring pets: Select sites that allow supervision of both children and pets simultaneously. "We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. No noise issues, but it was dark by 6:30pm. May be different in the Summer. My daughter had a blast and we could keep an eye on her while we worked/played at the site," explains Charles S.
Family-oriented pet events: Some campgrounds organize activities that include pets. "My two teenage boys and I stayed in a 'Cozy Cabin'. They are bigger than they look in the picture. There is a countertop next to the front door and plenty of room for all of our gear. The resort is kind of small but there are a few playgrounds and a small pond to go swimming and fishing in, and several hiking trails," reports Timothy H.
Pet relief areas accessibility: When choosing RV sites with pets, consider distance to relief areas. "Semi private sites for tents. Some RV sites are on the edge of the road. Clean restrooms and showers. Great hiking trails nearby beginning in the campground. Dog friendly. If you have a National park pass you get a discount," advises Gary C.
Site spacing for pet containment: Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping offers more room for pets that need space. "Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you're coming from the south google tries to take you through private property. Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It's a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester," notes Justin L.
Hookup considerations with pets: RV sites with pets require planning for climate control. "We stayed up the hill, where there are three lanes of diagonal pull thru sites sloping up the hill. The sites are fairly level, long but a little narrow. Because of the slope, there isn't much 'yard' space, just a platform with a picnic table," explains Erin S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Banner Elk, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Banner Elk, NC is Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway with a 4.6-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Banner Elk, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 246 dog-friendly camping locations near Banner Elk, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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