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New Bern KOA Holiday features two fenced dog parks and a dog washing station, making it one of the most accommodating pet-friendly campgrounds near Bath, North Carolina. The campground welcomes pets at its tent sites, RV sites, and cabins with full hookups. Goose Creek State Park Campground also allows pets throughout its camping areas, with spacious sites that provide ample room for dogs to rest beside their owners. ['The bathhouses at these campgrounds are kept clean and well-maintained, with heated facilities at Goose Creek particularly appreciated by campers with pets during cooler months.'] Most campgrounds in the area enforce standard leash policies, typically requiring dogs to be kept on leashes no longer than six feet when outside designated off-leash areas. Twin Lakes Resort and Tranter's Creek Resort both accommodate pets in their cabin rentals, offering alternatives for pet owners who prefer solid shelter over tent camping.
Hiking trails at Goose Creek State Park provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with several miles of paths winding through tall North Carolina pines and along boardwalks overlooking the water. The nearby Neuse River offers water access points where dogs can cool off, though owners should be vigilant about potential wildlife encounters including snakes and ticks in warmer months. Pettigrew State Park Campground features a 3-mile round-trip lakeside trail suitable for dog walking, passing through cypress swamps with large sycamore trees. Most campgrounds in the region provide waste disposal stations, though campers should bring their own waste bags. Veterinary services are available in Washington and New Bern, approximately 10-15 miles from most camping areas. The sandy terrain at some campgrounds can track everywhere, so bringing outdoor mats or rugs for tent vestibules helps manage pet-related mess.
"Goose Creek State Park campground is one of the newer state parks in North Carolina. The RV part of the park has a great layout with large sites."
"This campground is nestled in the tall North Carolina pines. There isn’t much shade though because the branches are mainly at the top."
from $17 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Small lakes, canals, access to bay to outer banks."
"There is a game room, a swimming pool and lots of space for walking or riding bikes. There is RV sites, tent sites and cabins."
"There is lots of space to walk and play, ride bikes, etc. There is a really nice pool with a store up front and they have cabins from what I remember."
"They had 2 fenced in dog parks and a dog washing station. We chose this campground for it’s location near historical downtown New Bern and we would definitely recommend it to others."
"Bathrooms: 5/5 Sites: 4/5 upgrades are nice but really expensive for just a concrete pad next to someone else
Pools: 3/5 they have one but it's pretty meh. Like a 70s motel 8 pool."
"Beside state boat ramp access to anywhere
Next to ferry to Ocracoke too..."
"The new owner has been making upgrades around the property. Customers come first here! Thanks."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $105 - $350 / night
"Really beautiful location on river with very nice peer and green space. Extremely nice and helpful owners. Full hookups and a cement pad for picnic table. Site was fairly level."
"We usually overnight there on the way to the NPS campgrounds on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, though it is nice enough to justify a stay if you find yourself in the area."
"The deepest part of the lake is 9’ so you are able to walk around most of the lake. My kids loved this."
from $27 - $47 / night
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TravelerOur first trip in our new to us camper and found the campground very nice. The bathhouses were the cleanest and best equipped. Some shade. Nice dog park. Plenty of amenities.
GuideWe recently stayed overnight at Wallace Meadows and it was one of the most lovely places we've ever been to! Rich was very friendly and welcoming and the hookup & amenities they offered for a fee were excellent. The bath house was spotless and we each enjoyed a nice hot shower! The property is surrounded by trees and it was very tranquil. There's even a guesthouse which could possibly accommodate fellow travelers who may not have an RV. There's also a laundry room but we didn't use it. They have a background in hospitality and it really shows. Before we left, we purchased some fresh eggs from their farm, beautifully packaged and delicious! We will return to North Carolina. There's so much to see here and we'll definitely return to Wallace Meadows Farm.
GuideThis was a very nice, well maintained campground. The staff were extremely polite and helpful. We stayed from Aug 11-14, 2020. The pool was nice on a hot humid day. They have gem mining. You buy the bags of dirt in the camp store. The bathhouses are all very new due to a recent hurricane and they were kept clean. The dock/pier was picture perfect as the sunset over the Neuse river. The playground and jump pad looked like they would be a lot of fun but were closed due to Covid 19 restrictions. They had horseshoes and Gaga-ball that were open. They had 2 fenced in dog parks and a dog washing station. We chose this campground for it’s location near historical downtown New Bern and we would definitely recommend it to others. They have RV sites, tent sites and cabins.
TravelerLarge gravel sites with full hookups in the North Carolina woods. 15 miles NW of New Bern NC. Fire wood included.
TravelerGoose Creek State Park campground is one of the newer state parks in North Carolina. The RV part of the park has a great layout with large sites. The park is very flat with full hookups and a large patio/picnic area. They also have cabins.
We stayed at one of the full hook up RV sites with our Riverside Retro 199FKS and it actually looked small in the site. We had more than enough room.
You are far enough away from Washington, NC that you don't get great cell coverage so, it is almost like going off the grid. I think I had service if I sat outside with my left leg propped up (just kidding).
Since this park is so new, there are not many trees or vegetation to provide privacy between sites. I think this park will be great once the plants grow in - don't skip for this reason - still go, just know that you won't have a lot of privacy.
GuideThis campground is nestled in the tall North Carolina pines. There isn’t much shade though because the branches are mainly at the top. The camp sites are long and have plenty of room between camp sites. The campground has been recently redone and includes some cute cabins. We went on a boardwalk hike there. It said that red wolves and bear live on the area. We only saw deer.
LegendThis place is a gem of a state park!!!!
Since it's not right next to the coast it's relatively quiet and not crowded. I went here on the tail end of a mid September weekend and found the entire campground to myself! That is unheard of on the West Coast! There is a beautiful sound access.
This is boutique car camping! There are only 14 camping spots all nicely spaced from each other and in a wooded location. Sites 11-14 are around a little peninsula on the sound so all have some water view. There are a handful of water spouts around the campground, and each site has a parking spot, campsite, table and a lamp hanger. The lamp hanger took me a while to figure out since we don't have these on the west coast it is a suspended hook that looks a bit medieval on first glance.
Bring your paddle boards or canoe to float around the sound. There is a great outline of a 3 mile canoe trail mapped out by the put in. (see my photos)
Ohhhh and it goes without saying near the North Carolina sound BRING BUG SPRAY. This is serious deet country.
ScoutFull timers and long term on business campers beware! This campground has nothing to offer. The owners of this 1 year old campground are very strict with their rules and regulations. They are very nice in person and when checking in but soon you will find yourself receiving passive aggressive emails from them about rule violation they’ve spotted on the 6 or more cameras throughout the park. They have a very strict leash law here but offer no dog run/park area for your K-9 to play. They claim a dog park is on the list of things to come, but the second half of a drain field will come first. There are no amenities here, other than a very small fishing pond and some poorly maintained walking trails at the rear of the campground that have piles of post construction material scattered about. The campground is on well water and very brown in color so I would not drink or cook with it. Over half of the sites have your living side of the RV facing west and there is not a tree in sight, so in the summer be prepared to bake in the sun. The entire campground is gravel parking lot with 10 foot slivers of grass between each site and god forbid don’t let Sean the owner see you put anything(rug, vehicle, etc…) on his beloved grass. I gave this campground 2 stars… 1 for being dark and quiet at night and the other star for the free and decent wifi. So if you don’t want spied on via cameras, harassed, a dusty rig and a place for Fido to play, I would suggest going 8 miles down the road to an awesome campground called Whispering pines you and your dog will be much happier!
LegendWe stayed here six years ago and when I knew we’d be returning to the area, I tried to find it on The Dyrt but it wasn’t there (and I could not remember the name). When we were there in 2018, the campground was in transition and our stay was less than optimal, so I figured maybe it was no longer there. I was surprised when we arrived at the ferry terminal to see it was there, open, and looking quite improved. I stopped in at the office to speak to the owner/manager and she was very surprised to find it was not on the Dyrt’s map so I’m glad that now that I finally had a chance to post my review, it had been added!
There are 60 sites, including walk-in tent sites, back-in W/E, pull-thru W/E, and FHU pull-thru sites. The prices range from $20-$75. You cannot get any closer to the Cedar Island-Ocracoke ferry terminal from this campground. There is also a motel. The bathrooms are much improved since the last time we were there and there are hot water showers.
Activities/Amenities: Playground, dog park, horseback riding, SUP rentals, beach volleyball, community fire pit, boat ramp, dump station, post office.
Had we known this campground was still here, we would have stayed!
Bath, North Carolina sits at the junction of Bath Creek and the Pamlico River, with elevations rarely exceeding 15 feet above sea level. The area's humid subtropical climate brings hot summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and mild winters averaging in the 40s and 50s. Most campgrounds near Bath have sandy soil that drains quickly after rain but can track easily into tents and campers.
Water activities on Lake Phelps: Pettigrew State Park Campground offers access to Lake Phelps, the second largest natural lake in North Carolina. "The water is amazing! The deepest part of the lake is 9' so you are able to walk around most of the lake. My kids loved this," notes a camper at Pettigrew State Park Campground. The shallow depth makes it ideal for families with young swimmers.
Fishing from dedicated piers: Tranter's Creek Resort provides pier access for anglers wanting to catch bass and other freshwater species. "There is a fish cleaning sink and a pier to fish from also," reports one visitor to Tranter's Creek. Many campgrounds stock basic tackle, though serious anglers should bring specialized equipment.
Historic site exploration: Visit the Somerset Place State Historic Site near Pettigrew State Park. "There is an out and back 1.5 mile trail, for a total of 3 miles, that follows the lake, taking you through the Somerset Place State Historic Site. The walk passes through the swamp with many large cypress and sycamore trees."
Downtown New Bern trips: Campgrounds like Twin Lakes Resort serve as good base camps for exploring nearby historic towns. About 35 minutes from Bath, New Bern offers colonial architecture and museums. "The New Bern KOA is about the best campground at which I have stayed, but my buddy had never been to New Bern. There was more to see."
Private, wooded tent sites: Campers consistently praise the spaciousness and privacy at Goose Creek State Park Campground. "Site: private. large. wooded," notes one reviewer, while another mentions "The camp sites are well maintained with a picnic table and fire pit area. Small gravel used on a dedicated tent area."
Clean, heated bathhouses: While not all campgrounds offer shower facilities, those that do maintain them well. "This campground has one of the cleanest pools I have ever been in. Very well kept bathroom facilities with a laundromat as well," reports a visitor to Tranter's Creek Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife. A camper at Pettigrew State Park notes, "Columbia is the closest town that has groceries or anything to eat. There is a back route to the campground from there along the refuge called Newlands Road. We traveled through there on the way back from a grocery run and saw a lot of wildlife including a baby black bear."
Waterfront camping options: Twin Lakes Resort receives positive reviews for its water access. "The lots are spacious with a good view of the water," one camper notes, while another mentions "Liked our stay so much we became seasonal renters now on our third summer! Has everything you need. Small lakes, canals, access to bay to outer banks."
Limited supply access: Many campgrounds are remote with minimal on-site stores. "Columbia is the closest town that has groceries or anything to eat," reports a Pettigrew camper. Stock up before arrival, especially for weekend stays when small-town stores have limited hours.
Insects can be problematic: The coastal location means bugs are abundant, particularly in warmer months. "Bring bug spray. We had some citronella and mosquito coils but we still had to spray some off," advises a visitor to Pettigrew State Park. Sand flies and mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.
Varying hook-up availability: Riverside Campground and other smaller operations offer limited services. "Very helpful and friendly owners that live just off the camp grounds if you need anything. I stayed in a spot nestled in the woods. Very quiet. Good spot for a night or two," notes one camper.
Seasonal weather considerations: The region experiences distinct seasonal changes affecting camping conditions. "The bathhouse was decent. Very clean and warm showers," reports a winter visitor to Pettigrew State Park, highlighting the importance of heated facilities during cooler months.
Shallow swimming areas: Lake Phelps at Pettigrew State Park Campground offers safe swimming for children. "The swimming area is still closed on Phelps lake, But we were able to swim everywhere because the lake is so shallow," notes a family camper. The lake's maximum depth of nine feet makes it more approachable for families with younger swimmers.
Campground recreation amenities: Some parks offer dedicated recreational facilities for children. "There is a little store where you can buy drinks and snacks & don't forget ice cream! There is a game room, a swimming pool and lots of space for walking or riding bikes," reports a visitor to Twin Lakes Resort.
Easy hiking trails: The terrain around Bath features mostly flat, accessible trails suitable for children. "The trails were super easy, wide and flat. PERFECT for young families or those looking for a stroll rather than a hike," reports a family who visited Pettigrew State Park.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences for school-age children. "The plantation is a neat part of history and I learned a ton about this area and park," notes a visitor who brought children to Pettigrew State Park. Many sites offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional leveling equipment. "Site was fairly level," reports an RVer at Rivers Edge Family Campground, but notes that sites are "very tight with no landscaping for aesthetics. Just a big gravel lot." Bring leveling blocks and chocks.
Access road conditions: Narrow approach roads can challenge larger RVs. "Park is very secluded from the area. As soon as you pull in the driveway it kinda looks scary but after you pass all the trees you get this very big open land that is well maintained," notes an RVer who visited Rivers Edge.
Year-round availability: Several campgrounds remain open throughout winter. "We've been here 3 days so far out of 5 and it has been a great stay. The lots are spacious with a good view of the water. At this time of year, December, there weren't too many people here so it was very nice," reports a winter visitor to Twin Lakes Resort.
Mixed temporary and seasonal populations: Many campgrounds house both transient and permanent residents. "The only downside is that most people at the site are permanent residents but that's more of a preference for myself," mentions a visitor to Rivers Edge Family Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bath, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bath, NC is Goose Creek State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Bath, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 dog-friendly camping locations near Bath, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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