Jordan Lake State Recreation Area campgrounds accommodate pets with designated pet-friendly sites at Poplar Point, Crosswinds, and New Hope Overlook. Dogs must remain leashed throughout these campgrounds, with a maximum leash length of six feet required on all trails and campsites. Each pet-friendly campsite includes standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to shower facilities. Spring Hill RV Park provides spacious, shaded sites for campers with pets, maintaining quiet surroundings ideal for nervous dogs. The sites are well-spaced apart, offering privacy for both pets and owners. Eno River State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area's Rolling View and Holly Point campgrounds, and William B. Umstead State Park also welcome pets with similar leash policies.
Hiking trails at Eno River State Park offer excellent pet exercise opportunities with multiple pet-friendly paths following the river. The park's primitive campsites require a 1-2 mile hike to access, so pet owners should consider their dog's hiking abilities before booking. Water access points along the Eno River provide cooling spots for dogs during summer months. Most campgrounds require proof of current rabies vaccination upon check-in, and quiet hours are strictly enforced to prevent excessive barking disturbances. Visitors consistently mention the ample space between sites at Spring Hill RV Park as ideal for reactive dogs. Jordan Lake's multiple access points allow for swimming opportunities where pets can cool off under supervision. Year-round availability at several campgrounds provides camping options regardless of season, though summer reservations should be secured well in advance due to high demand for pet-friendly sites.
$27 - $37 / night
"Poplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina!"
"Poplar Point is located on the banks of the lake in the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area."
$27 - $77 / night
"This area is such a short drive from the triangle area of North Carolina, yet this park feels quite remote. Like many state parks, this one excels in the services department. "
"Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve. "
$17 - $47 / night
"This is one of my favorite camping spots in the North Carolina triangle area. There is a tremendous amount of hiking and trails to do around here. "
"Love hiking here with the family and friends plenty of beautiful family and pet friendly trails."
$27 - $77 / night
"Tucked away and nestled off of 98 highway, Rolling View campground is a great, secluded spot."
"I spent a night in Shinleaf walk in campground in April as part of a backpacking trip along the Falls Lake MST trail, sections 8-12."
$27 - $77 / night
"If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm peace & quiet that"
"The North Carolina State Park campgrounds are typically very nice, and this one is no exception. My site is adjacent to a large, clean, working bathhouse and a 2 minute walk from a swim beach."
"The park is nicely hidden in the trees; it's only about 10 min to Chapel Hill/Carrboro stores, restaurants, etc. The spaces are far enough apart that they aren't on top of each other."
$27 / night
"We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."
"Umstead is conveniently located in the heart of Raleigh, NC. It seems to be an outdoor oasis as you can get lost in the woods with the hustle and bustle of the city all around you."
$45 - $50 / night
"Super Walmart 5 miles away along with Dollar Tree, Chick-fil-A, Zaxbys, Arbys, McDonald’s and various other restaurants Easy access to/from Interstate 40
CON
Our itinerary only permitted us an"
$45 / night
"Pets are welcome, but as everywhere, dogs must be on a leash (not more than 6' long). If you put the address into your GPS, it will take you to the main fairgrounds."
"Restaurants and downtown Raleigh are within short driving distance. Public bathrooms and showers (cold water) are a 2 minute walk to Horse Complex H6, Barn B Very little tree cover."
$17 / night
"Great hiking trails or you can just read and cook by the fire. Have been going there for years with my kids. An excellent, little known spot."
TravelerThis is one of my favorite camping spots in the North Carolina triangle area. There is a tremendous amount of hiking and trails to do around here. The Eno River is more than safe to swim or paddle in. Dogs are welcome here! If you can camp close to the river, I recommend, it's great to fall asleep to the sounds of the river. Bring bug spray!
LegendPoplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina! Yes, I know, that’s quite a statement to make, considering all of the amazing places in the great state of North Carolina. So let me explain why I reached this conclusion:
• Some of the most outstanding hiking trails
• Heavily wooded forest paradise that delivers privacy and solitude
• Perfectly maintained amenities such as picnic tables, fold-up fire ring and grills
• Bathroom facilities are some of the best I’ve experienced with state-run facilities
• Direct access to a fantastic lakeside experience, complete with boat launches
• Designated swimming area complete with life vests
• On-site park staff were nothing short of amazing, helpful and incredibly friendly
• Close access to purchase anything that might be needed
Insider’s tip? Be sure to get down to the lake from wherever your campsite is just after sunset and bring a couple of folding chairs and a telescope (pre-planning here is needed!) to catch a glimpse of one of the most amazing star-studded night skies you’ve ever seen in your life!
Happy Camping!
LegendI’m not sure if this campground is correctly named Holly Point Campground, which after my experience, I would rename it HOLY Point Campground, as this outdoor nature preserve is truly a slice of heaven carved out in the middle of North Carolina’s finest camping paradise. If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm peace & quiet that only nature can offer, then make your way here to Holly Point Campground@ Falls Lake SRA, where you will not be disappointed.
All of the basics are provided in spades – from picnic table, fold-up fire ring / BBQ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice small pebble-strewn flat patch of well-maintained nature that offers pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer North Carolina sunshine from the tall matchstick-like long leave needle pines. While there’s not a terrible amount of brush between the campsites, you will have semi-privacy unlike many other nearby campgrounds.
The on-site facilities (bathrooms& showers) are just slightly north of passable and only a smidge better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this campground gets its only mediocre marks on this front. But that said, there’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful and positive folks that want to ensure you have a great time, but the best amenity on this property is the access to Falls Lake itself, where there is a perfectly sectioned off swimming area, as well as boat launching areas for those that want to fish or simply drop a kayak or canoe in the water and take enjoy a lakeside cruise.
Insider's tips? Here's a handful: (1) While IMHO there is no bad spot here in all of Holly Point Campground, there are obviously some that are better than others. Given this, I would highly rank Loops 4 (#118-119, #121-123) & 5 (#141-147; #149, #150, #152-155) as well as the southern and eastern side of Loop 2 (#36-39; #55-71; #73, #75), given their proximity to and views of Falls Lake itself. Of course, the sites that are located closer to the water are those more preferred; (2) If you're an angler, you'll be looking to catch some large-mouthed bass, yellow perch, blue gill, channel and flathead catfish and I recommend the areas that are heaviest shadowed around the lake edges; (3) When you grow weary of having to fix up that next campsite meal and simply want to error on the side of ease and comfort, then check out nearby Buffalo Bros who serve up some pretty might wings and amazing pies (there's also burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and other basic Americana foodstuffs) or Nantucket Grill for some pretty outstanding Jambalaya and seafood diablo pasta; and (4) If you love extreme outdoors adventures, then check out Xtreme Park Adventures for indoor and outdoor courses for paintball and laser tag.
Happy Camping!
LegendThis area is such a short drive from the triangle area of North Carolina, yet this park feels quite remote. Like many state parks, this one excels in the services department.
Bathrooms and showers were clean and comfortable, as were the campsites.
Each camping loop felt tucked away into its own little neighborhood, and the large campsites offered space so that you aren’t stacked right next to your neighbor. We camped in the nonelectric loop (we always bring our solar panel) for 3 nights in mid-February and there were very few campers around, but the neighboring loop with electrical hook-up sites were 3/4 full with large rigs.
Hiking, biking, paddling, are all great things to do during your stay. There is also a boat launch within the park in case power boating or fishing is your thing, but kayaks and canoes can easily launch from the lakeside campsites. It was a bit too chilly to get on the water in February, so we opted for hiking and biking.
The closest services for gas or a few extra snacks are within 5 minutes of the park.
RangerCedarock Park, located in Burlington, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for all sorts of outdoor activities. The park offers hike-in camping with a handful of sites scattered along Rock Creek. The sites are well spaced and can accommodate large groups (you only pay $1 for each additional person for groups larger than 10). The park is also home to 6 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of equestrian trails. There are two fantastic disc golf courses (I personally enjoy the Wellspring course) and even a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina.
GuideThe North Carolina State Park campgrounds are typically very nice, and this one is no exception. My site is adjacent to a large, clean, working bathhouse and a 2 minute walk from a swim beach.
My cell reception outside the camper is excellent, and of if I had a cell booster it would be adequate for streaming inside the camper. I don’t have one as I depend on Starlink for internet access when traveling. Unfortunately Starlink isn’t going to work in my specific site or in most of the others. This is a wooded campground and all the sites are completely shaded
My site has water and electric. About half of the available RV sites have water and electric, it there is no sewer. There is a dump station in the campground. Unusual for NC State facilities, there are no trash bins placed around the campground, but there is a large dumpster station co-located with the dump station.
It’s about a 15-20 minute drive to shopping, but there are several convenience stores a few minutes away.
The campground is clean and well maintained. It meanders around a very large lake, with several beaches and boat launch areas.
TravelerPoplar Point is located on the banks of the lake in the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area has several campgrounds with plenty of lakeside sites, if you make your reservation early. We happened to camp in Poplar Point during the busiest time Labor Day weekend. Even then it was surprisingly quiet, because campsites are generously separated among the pine forest. And after the weekend we were practically alone. So, If you love to be alone in nature, this is a great place for that experience. We have a video about this campground on our YouTube Summertime RV Rovers channel- 4 Great Campgrounds in North Carolina. We stayed there in our Super C Dynamax DX3. We camped at Poplar Point Campground- Jordan Lake SRA in a Motorhome.
ScoutWe stayed at this rv campground while visiting the many things to see and do in Greensboro North Carolina. visitgreensboronc.com
The rv sites are all pull thru nearly level, big gravel sites. We had plenty of room for ort 45' plus toad. There is a nice large K9 park. Playground. The best WIFI we have experienced and many free antenna tv channels. The restrooms and laundry were both neat and clean. The hosts were wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable. Will return for a longer stay.
GuideI have stayed there twice over the past couple years. The only changes to this Campground are the Prices !! ..which keep going up (to $35 day now). For this, you get a parking space with full hookups.. that's it, no Amenities whatsoever!
It's pretty much a "Camper Trap", because there are so few options in the North Carolina Piedmont. Spaces are tight, a lot of the people there are long-term workers, that totally ignore any "Dust" decorum, speeding through the area as if they were on public streets!
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers campgrounds within 8-10 miles of Carrboro, providing accessible pet-friendly camping options. The recreation area features multiple campgrounds spread across 14,000 acres surrounding the 14,000-acre reservoir. Most campsites sit under mature hardwood forests with varying terrain that creates natural separation between sites.
Kayaking and fishing access: At Crosswinds Campground, sites are located near boat launches and fishing areas. "Very close to the boat ramp! We had a great time and will definitely be back!" notes Jessie N. The campground provides direct lake access for water activities.
Hiking trail systems: Eno River State Park offers extensive trail networks leading to swimming holes. "We hike and swim Eno nearly weekly and are so thankful this resource is so close to us! We also backpack into the primitive sites frequently," shares Sarah W. The park includes multiple access points to the river for cooling off.
Biking opportunities: Paved and unpaved routes wind through the camping areas at Falls Lake State Recreation Area. "Great campground for biking," notes Martha S. at Jordan Lake. The recreation area's interconnected roads and trails make it possible to explore extensive areas without driving.
Spacious campsites: Sites at Poplar Point Campground provide ample room for multiple tents and vehicles. "This site was very spacious, easy to back into, and level. This was a HUGE site, lots of space between neighbors," reports Martha S. The campground's layout takes advantage of rolling terrain for privacy.
Lake views from sites: Many campsites offer direct sightlines to water. "Even if you aren't on the water you still have a beautiful view of the lake. The spots are well spread out so you don't feel like you are on top of each other," explains Bailey R. about Poplar Point. Waterfront sites allow campers to enjoy sunsets directly from their campsite.
Quiet surroundings: Spring Hill RV Park provides a peaceful setting despite proximity to Chapel Hill. "We stayed here during the week, on short notice, and were really happy with it. The spaces are far enough apart that they aren't on top of each other," notes Mike C. Many campers mention the park's peaceful atmosphere being surprising given its proximity to town.
Variable bathroom facilities: Maintenance quality can differ between campgrounds. "The bathhouse has a lot to be desired. Beach is nice and the sites are spacious," reports Cindy S. about Crosswinds. Some campgrounds have recently upgraded facilities while others remain more rustic.
Seasonal crowds: Summer weekends fill quickly, especially at waterfront sites. "Summer reservations should be secured well in advance due to high demand," confirms one ranger. Holiday weekends often book 6+ months in advance.
Gate closing times: Security measures include nightly gate closures at some locations. "They lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck," warns Debbie F. Most campgrounds lock entrance gates between 9 PM and 7 AM.
Beach access options: Holly Point Campground offers sandy swimming areas with gradual entry points. "Nice secluded camping sites with space between. Large sites made it easy to set up multiple tents or camper and tent. Beautiful beach we didn't get to take advantage of but would love to go back!" shares Michelle M. The beach areas include designated swimming zones marked by buoys.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide best chances to spot local wildlife. "Deer walked right behind our site," mentions Wendy M. about camping at Jordan Lake. Bringing binoculars helps spot birds including osprey and bald eagles that frequent the lakes.
Playground locations: Several campgrounds include play structures for children. "Swim area and playground," notes Wendy M. about facilities at Crosswinds Campground. Most playgrounds are located near beach areas rather than within camping loops.
Leveling requirements: Site terrain varies significantly throughout the region. "Our site was level. I pulled in, and didn't have to adjust anything," reports Sheri K. about the State Fairgrounds. At Jordan Lake, some loops require more extensive leveling than others.
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds provide dump facilities near the entrance rather than at individual sites. "Dump stations are not far from any of the circles, and were not too busy (we were even there on 4th of July)," notes Andrew S. about Poplar Point. Early morning tends to be the busiest time for dump stations.
Cell service coverage: Reception can be spotty in forested areas. "For those that care about working on laptop or streaming TV while camping, our cellphone hotspots worked great. We got anywhere from 30-55mbps with our Verizon cell coverage," reports Andrew S. about Jordan Lake. Coverage varies significantly between carriers, with Verizon typically providing the most reliable service in dog friendly campgrounds near Carrboro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Carrboro, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Carrboro, NC is Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Carrboro, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 52 dog-friendly camping locations near Carrboro, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
