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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hickory, NC

1,072 Reviews

Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat offers a dedicated dog camping experience near Hickory, with multiple large dog parks for different breeds and a pond where dogs can swim and splash. This adults-only campground provides various accommodation options including sites with fully fenced yards, cabins with private gated yards, and RV rentals with fire pits. Lake Norman State Park Campground and South Mountains State Park Family Campground also welcome pets with designated pet-friendly areas. Campgrounds typically require dogs to be leashed when not in designated off-leash areas, and many provide amenities such as dog washing stations and waste disposal facilities. The dog parks at Four Paws Kingdom are well-maintained with separate areas for large and small breeds, allowing pets to run freely and socialize.

Hiking trails near Hickory provide excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures with dogs. The Blue Ridge Parkway's Julian Price Park Campground offers wooded, shady sites near a lake with pet-friendly trails. Stone Mountain State Park features beautiful terrain for dog walking, though summer visitors should be aware of seasonal bugs. Many campgrounds in the region have implemented convenient features for pet owners, including fenced dog parks with benches and fire hydrants. Mountain Stream RV Park even provides a specialized dog wash station alongside their dog park. Campers report the rushing streams at several campgrounds provide perfect white noise for restful nights while dogs enjoy exploring the natural surroundings. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities and enforce quiet hours to ensure a peaceful experience for all guests.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Hickory, North Carolina (165)

    1. South Mountains State Park Family Campground

    26 Reviews
    Casar, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 433-4772

    $27 - $32 / night

    "The family campground is a short distance further inside the park on the left side(approx 2 miles) marked by a small brown sign...and is situated at 1400 ft elevation. "

    "This campground is one way and exits into a trailhead parking area. There was one site that was in the parking area, would not be my first choice. Shaded sites with picnic tables and fire rings."

    2. Lake Norman State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Troutman, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 528-6350

    $27 - $75 / night

    "Unfortunately during the night or cat got out and we didn't realize it until morning. The staff there went out of there way to look for our cat unfortunately we didn't find him."

    "All cabins are in walking distance to the bathrooms and showers. Those as well were pretty clean for a camp ground, I was pleasantly surprised."

    3. Indian Springs Campground

    6 Reviews
    Connelly Springs, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 397-5700

    "We were looking for someplace to stay near Hickory and we stumbled upon Indian Springs. "

    "This place is tucked away near a river, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, plus a nice laundromat. One of the quietest RV parks I've ever been to!"

    4. Thousand Trails Green Mountain

    18 Reviews
    Lenoir, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "A very friendly place for people and pets. A storm was coming in and they called to check our ETA to let us know set up might be critical. Plenty of hiking trails."

    "The campsites are at the base of a mountain with tons of great hiking trails within the park."

    5. Spacious Skies Bear Den

    65 Reviews
    Spruce Pine, NC
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-2888

    $24 - $999 / night

    "Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."

    "Many hiking trails. Pets are allowed here also which is a great plus. Friendly staff who can't do enough for you if needed & small camp store on property."

    6. COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground

    18 Reviews
    Wilkesboro, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 921-3190

    $20 - $85 / night

    "My wife and I biked/ ran the trails nearby. Our dogs loved walking around the campground. Some nice wooded tent sites that a very large areas. Our spot was a two level site."

    "Swimming, kayaking, boat launch, small hiking trail. Sites have a fire pit, picnic table (it’s really heavy!) and a grill. I loved how each site is fairly unique."

    7. Statesville RV Park I-77

    18 Reviews
    Statesville, NC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 873-5560

    $50 - $95 / night

    "You will hear the road 24/7 due to proximity of the interstate but its convenient to run chores or pull during your travel. The sites were fairly spacious for this type of place."

    "I have seen a complaint about highway noise. Well, when you stay at a campground with close, easy access to the Interstate, you can expect to hear it."

    8. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    47 Reviews
    Blowing Rock, NC
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 963-5911

    $30 / night

    "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."

    9. Cross Country Campground

    3 Reviews
    Denver, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 483-5897

    "Close to a pretty busy road, but The traffic noise doesn't seem bad. Most roads are paved and some are packed gravel."

    10. Warrior Creek

    11 Reviews
    Purlear, NC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 921-2177

    $22 - $85 / night

    "Warrior Creek Campground is located on the Kerr Scott Reservoir. It's beautiful and peaceful, at least Monday through Friday."

    "Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Hickory, NC

184 Photos of 165 Hickory Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Hickory, NC

1072 Reviews of 165 Hickory Campgrounds

  • Aimee B.
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway

    Huge!

    Campground is huge & within walking distance of the raceway. Camping world is across the street if you forgot anything! Win! We parked across from the playground for the kids and it was so nice. They have a sand volleyball court there too. Dog park in the far back corner. Different vibe off of racing season. Very affordable & nice quiet stop! Off season, they turn two sites into one so you get 100' to yourself. All gravel. Grassy areas around for pets. Some sites have a grass backyard area. Fences & picnic tables separate the sites.

  • C
    Mar. 29, 2023

    Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat

    Adult and Dog campground wonder

    From the moment we arrived at the campground the manager "Larry"  ( a workamper) signed us in, show us our site on Wagging Tail Dr.  We arrived on their opening weekend the Owners provided BBQ meal and live music "Jose Wales" band.   It was a wonderful time.  As for the "Dog Retreat part - 18 acres of wonder open areas fenced in to keep you furry friends from running away, there is agility park, puppy park, the main dog park, a private park (single or you can invite), a Lure run, a Ball Park, and a Pond for those watery dogs.

    Price for Fire wood - a little expensive and 10 lbs of Ice was reasonable.  There are fully fenced sites, a couple of sites with a fenced area.  The larges rig I saw in there was a Solitude at  38 ft.

    Over all, if you want the peace and quiet in the North Carolina foot hills with your furry friend and have a good time.  This is the place to be.

    One other note:  It is the only park in NC that is a dedicated dog campground.

  • Kelly R.
    Feb. 23, 2021

    Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat

    Awesome for dogs and people!

    We camped here back in August and had a blast! We brought our two dogs and they also had a great time. This site is very dog friendly (obviously), with many sites having their own fenced in yards. We opted for a site without a fence, which we regretted once we got there. The gravel at our site was painful for our dog’s feet and they had a hard time walking on it. The dog parks made up for this! There are multiple large dog parks located at the campground. The restrooms were awesome, but are single person use only. We felt like we were the only ones using them (that’s how well maintained they were). Campsites are close together but we didn’t mind. The staff was great, they helped us find our site and even helped us back our camper in. There was power and water hookup at each site. There is tons of stuff to do around the area too. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are right around the corner and SO FUN.

  • Kirsten J.
    Jun. 4, 2019

    Mountain River Family Campground

    Pristine, friendly, communal, peaceful campground on the river!

    This campground was pristine - from the moment we turned the corner, until the moment we left!  

    We met Kimberly within seconds of pulling on the property.  She was incredibly kind and made us feel at home immediately.  As tent campers, she told us our best choices were a 30 amp site on the river ($50) or a 30-amp site off the river ($44).  These prices are steep for tent camping, but include 2 adults, kids and pets.  Additional adults come with a fee, but we were happy the kids were included.  Not only were the pets included, but they have a dog park area that they can run free and stretch their legs!  

    We came into the cute little office where Kimberly gave us a campground map (which was painted by a resident camper glass blower) and told us about her property. Several items were on sale inside the store, including many shirts, sweatshirts, hats, etc. They also sell kids fishing poles, stickers and even a fresh coffee cup machine.  They have recently renovated the bathhouse (wait until you see it!) they have a library with books and games, an outdoor sink to wash dishes etc. and even a laundry room that operates on the honor system.  How great is that!  I thought it was wonderful that we could wash a wet sleeping bag or a quick load of stinky hiking clothes if necessary!  Kimberly explained that they have a pretty good mix of short and long term campers (primarily RV's) and even a cute little cabin that can be rented.  

    Kimberly said that they choose not to allow on-line bookings to maintain the atmosphere that they desire.  You can call, or submit a request, but they want to have a conversation with you before booking.  The campground was calm, friendly and so so clean.  Campers were friendly, the campground host was as kind as could be, and so proud about her new bathrooms.  (See below).  This is the kind of campground we would feel good about our kids biking around in the evening as they chase fire flies and meet new friends!  

    The campground was located on the river, but the slope was challenging from several sites.  With kiddos, I may prefer a site closer to the road because it was nearly a flat walk out to the river.  We will surely be back!

  • Lisa S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    Getting better & better

    Our favorite for weekend getaway. Clean and well kept. Owners are fantastic. They have upgraded playground. Dog park is so nice to have on site.

  • R
    Aug. 10, 2021

    Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway

    It’s okay…

    This campground is more for a temporary place to stay and not a place to hang out. There is a playground and a dog park, but there is no grass near where the RV’s park. It’s mostly gravel. Good for temporary staying.

  • Riley R.
    May. 29, 2019

    Down by the River Campground - 55+

    Everything you need in a campground

    I’m not even sure you can call this a campground! A majority of those staying here were in top of the line campers. It truly felt like a community. There are two bath houses, a dog park, an activity center, and a river flowing behind the sites. It was beautiful and had a cheery atmosphere. They even had WiFi! I was definitely spoiled here.

  • Katrin M.
    Aug. 26, 2018

    Wagoner — New River State Park

    Beautiful campground.

    We camped at the Wagoner access with our dogs over the weekend. The campground is very beautiful. You have to walk in but the park provides little carts and wheelbarrows. The sites and the bathhouse are very well maintained. The park host, Tom Keller, was just fantastic. Really helpful and super nice. There are also 2 beautiful hiking trails starting at the campground. I would definitely camp here again even if I have to say there are much more scenic places in this part of North Carolina.

  • Jennifer J.
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Loved it!

    Great campground! We are tent campers and loved our time here! There are A LOT of spots in a small area. That would be my only complaint if you want to call it that. The campgrounds clean and the owners are super nice and helpful. We have a dog and love the dog park! The bathrooms are very clean and nice! I would definitely recommend this campground!

Guide to Hickory

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Hickory, North Carolina, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. Here are some excellent campgrounds that welcome pets and offer a variety of amenities and activities.

Tips for camping with dogs near Hickory

Dog owners appreciate the variety of activities available

  • The South Mountains State Park Campground provides access to beautiful hiking trails, allowing you and your dog to explore the scenic surroundings together.
  • At Cross Country Campground, families can enjoy a range of activities, including basketball and fishing, ensuring there's something for everyone, including your pet.
  • Indian Springs Campground is nestled near a river, offering both indoor and outdoor activities, perfect for keeping your dog entertained.

Pet owners like the welcoming atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hickory, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hickory, NC is South Mountains State Park Family Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 26 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hickory, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 165 dog-friendly camping locations near Hickory, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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