Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Carthage, NC

Looking for the best campgrounds near Carthage, NC? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Carthage camping trip.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Carthage, North Carolina (72)

    1. Sycamore Lodge

    9 Reviews
    Pinebluff, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 420-3843

    $55 - $138 / night

    "Store , restaurant, pool, dog park, kayak on lake,putt putt, cornhole, shuffleboard, horseshoes just to name a few"

    "Nice lake with walking trail. The main lodge is beautiful."

    2. Airport RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Carthage, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 695-5216

    3. Moonshine Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Balsam, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 586-6666

    $54 - $1250 / night

    "It is for those with no pets or kids and is limited to 2 people per site. It’s a quiet zone. There is one tent cabin and 4 tent sites with water and electric. You CAN park at your sites."

    "The campground is conveniently located between Sylva and Waynesville and very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway."

    4. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    51 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $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."

    5. The Heritage Camping & Recreation

    1 Review
    Carthage, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 949-4663

    6. Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park

    21 Reviews
    Mamers, NC
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 893-4888

    $27 - $75 / night

    "We brought our dog on our hike. The trails are easily followed and they include long and short Trails for your enjoyment. great day trip."

    "The campground is walking distance to Raven Rock trails and you get a free walk up pass to get in. We had a very good time and will definitely go back."

    7. Uwharrie National Forest

    15 Reviews
    Troy, NC
    27 miles

    "This area was one of my favorite ares for dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest while living in North Carolina. The area can be accessed by boat on the Little River, or by hiking in."

    "It should be no shock to those familiar with North Carolina’s geography that if one is seeking higher altitudes and breathtaking overlooks, Uwharrie is not the place he should go."

    8. San-Lee Park

    3 Reviews
    Sanford, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 776-6221

    $15 / night

    "There are hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and other water sports on the lake there."

    "Contrary to what has been written, I would highly recommend San-Lee Park to anyone looking for a short and easy escape from the nearby Raleigh-Durham area."

    9. Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park

    10 Reviews
    Wagram, NC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 628-4564

    $17 - $47 / night

    "It was a little tricky finding the entrance to this campsite, but when we managed to Google map our way in into the park, we were very happy with our selection!"

    "There was a path walkable to the river, and each campsite was clean, had plenty of space on level ground to set up camp, a fire pit, and very clean toilet. I would definitely go back!"

    10. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $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. "

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Carthage, NC

424 Reviews of 72 Carthage Campgrounds


  • Kathie M.
    Jun. 2, 2018

    Sycamore Lodge

    Membership offers 4 day 3 night camping free if you tour the campground

    Beautiful campground, meticulously maintained. Store , restaurant, pool, dog park, kayak on lake,putt putt, cornhole, shuffleboard, horseshoes just to name a few

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Outdoor Perfection @ Jordan Lake SRA Poplar Point Campground

    Poplar 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!

  • Travyl Couple !.
    Dec. 31, 2019

    Spacious Skies Sandy Run

    Close to Fort Bragg,NC

    I lived in Fayetteville, NC for over 10 years and just recently stopped by to visit friends as we travelled up north.

    We picked this campground because it only 1 mile off I-95 and closest RV park we could find near Fayetteville .

    Dirt road to campsite is packed white sand and well maintained (it had rained 2 days prior so it was not dusty)

    There were full hookup and lots of big rigs/TT and class A’s in park. The park is well maintained and the owners clearly care about creating a nice atmosphere. The sites themselves are hard packed sand and you have a very nice patio and fire pit.

    During the right season Memorial- Labor Day there is a nice size pool. They have a Catch and Release fishing pond and a cute walking trail The campground is close to Walmart and other eating places

    ⛺️other camping in the area-while I did not visit these locations recently- when I lived here I used to camp at Waldo’s Beach Campground In Fayetteville but it is not near the interstate. There is also a military/gov only campground on Fort Bragg you can check into.

    Fun things to do in Fayetteville/Fort Bragg Area:

    Fun things to do: 📌Airborne and Special Operations Museum (downtown). You may also enjoy the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum is located on Fort Bragg(call this museum directly for details)

    ❤️Paraclete XP skydive center (in raeford,N.C. close to Fayetteville) -One of the largest skydive centers in the world! so worth it!!! Just going and watching is pretty awesome 🥾Cape fear river trail 10.6 mile round trip multi use trail 💐 🌳 Cape Fear Botanical Garden 🐶giant dog park (near Botanical Garden) 📌Zip quest waterfall and tree top adventure zip line 🧗‍♀️ The Climbing Place (rock climbing)- downtown.
    📌Defy Fayetteville Trampoline park ⚾️ Minor league baseball team Fayetteville Woodpeckers are hosted here in town and a new stadium was built.
    🎥 🍿 Cameo Arthouse Theater- Indy theater- sit upstairs in the LOGE!

    Cape fear botanical garden (Big dog park near the gardens)

    Happy Camping! Pamela and Keith

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Spacious Skies Sandy Run

    Longleaf Pine Shaded Roadside Campground Enclave

    Shooting up or down I-95 (exit 44) to make it to your ultimate destination and simply need a spot to layover for a night … but tired of all those nondescript roadside concrete RV parking lots and still want to enjoy a bit of nature? Well then, look no further than Spacious Skies Sandy Run Campground (formerly Lazy Acres) surrounded by an endless amount of native longleaf pines located in the heart of Cumberland County. Here, you’ll almost feel like you’ve exited the concrete jungle for a slice of nature just a smidge off of I-95. Of course, the additional upside here is that you don't have to drive clear out in the wilderness in order to enjoy a small slice of heaven with a good helping of nature.

    With 2-3 dozen or so elongated long-leaf pine shaded drive-through parking lanes with packed white sand parking pads (some were concrete) for your parking pleasure, all of the pull-thru sites come equipped with the typical 30 / 50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections. While the campground’s website attempts to fool you with generic stock photography that is not representative of their actual site (why don’t sites simply invest in some really great photography when they actually have a fantastic site to showcase is beyond me), this campground really is quite attractive for being a highway roadside RV campground.

    That said, while their imagery suggests cabins and tents, there were none while we visited, so do take note. That said, the restroom / shower / laundry facilities are exceptional (albeit a bit on the small side - this campground should definitely invest in a second or even third bathroom / shower facility) and, of course, there’s the standard picnic table, fire ring / grill, garbage receptacles, dog park, basic kid’s playground, WiFi, cable and even a community BBQ that are interspersed throughout the property. I was surprised to discover a pretty amazing pool (opened in the Summer between Memorial and Labor Day weekends) that the kids enjoyed during the day – nothing too over-the-top, but a cool spot to drop into during the midday NC heat is definitely an advantage! Oh, and the laundry facilities, camp store and other amenities like fresh cut wood for fires and s’more roasting was a huge bonus. Cathy at the front desk was very warm and inviting.

    The hosts are incredibly nice and offer pricing by the night, week and month. Overall, I found the community to be quite inviting and as nearly everyone there is in-transit, there’s a really nice sojourner vibe to be had, where everyone is welcoming and also curious as to where you’re coming from and where you’re headed to, but in a non-invasive manner. Near this RV parking lot, you do have access to Fayetteville Motor Speedway, Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, Clark Park Nature Center and a good number of state and county parks bursting with outdoors adventures for the family.

    Insider’s tips? Here's a few: (1) There’s a great little pathway on this property that encircles a small pond that is perfect for a short meandering through the area that you’re in called Sandy Run. Here, we discovered squirrels, all sorts of endemic birds, a few stray turtles, a couple deer and a group of industrious beavers who had built quite the dam. The pond itself isn’t too well-stocked and so you will note the ‘catch & release’ warning signs around this watering hole; (2) There's a hint of 'Coming Soon' and 'Under Development' signs on both the website as well as on-property that would suggest that the campground is in the midst of some upcoming enhancements. Apparently, from the owners, there’s plans for a dog park and even a camp store, which will add substantially to the bolstering amenities already being provided; (3) If you'd like to get off property and head somewhere nearby to stretch your legs and get a decent hike in, then I would recommend checking out nearby Clark Park & Nature Center, which has some pretty great trailheads and other wonderful nature trails to explore; (4) If you are into outdoor adventure and looking to zip amongst the treelines, then check out Zipquest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure; (5) When you grow tired of roasting franks & beans fireside and are looking for some local fare, then head outside camp, cross I95 and make your way over to Go Chew Grill, which is one part morning cafe with jumbo cinnamon roll and perfectly poured Americano as well as afternoon continental eatery, where this spot serves up some pretty amazing freshly made gourmet sandwiches, which I would recommend the turkey, bacon, creamy brie and orange chutney wrap.

    Happy Camping!

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    A Short Drive, Yet a World Away

    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. 

    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.

  • Kelsey L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2018

    Cedarock Park

    Hidden gem for a quick outdoor getaway

    Cedarock 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.

  • S
    Jun. 5, 2022

    Spacious Skies Sandy Run

    Clean and quiet!

    Great campground, very clean nice bath house. Staff is very friendly. Only wish there were a few more amenities. The website has a lot of “coming soon” ameneties (upgraded playground, dog park, etc). During our visit the play set was only a set of swings and a tether ball and the pool wasn’t open yet despite it being after Memorial Day and 90 degrees.

    Sites are well kept, large and shaded. Plenty of space!

    Over all I highly recommend! Especially if you’re not traveling with kids!

  • SummertimeRVrovers J.
    Dec. 5, 2022

    Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Great Campground for Nature Lovers

    Poplar 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.

  • Wyatt M.
    May. 22, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Little River National Forest Area

    This area was one of my favorite ares for dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest while living in North Carolina. The area can be accessed by boat on the Little River, or by hiking in. Me and my friends would always float our kayaks down the river to a place we called "Bird Dog" and camp for the night. If you are looking for a place that has very little traffic, this is the place you want to go! This area would be limited to dispersed camping due to no campsites. It is a National Forest so be mindful of rules and regulations while visiting!

    link: 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd485941.pdf

     There is a boat ramp where PEKIN ROAD crosses the Little River.  PLEASANT GROVE CHURCH ROAD pretty much cuts right through the area on the PDF.


Guide to Carthage

If you're looking for pet-friendly camping options near Carthage, North Carolina, there are several great spots where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and amenities

  • At Sycamore Lodge, you'll find large, clean sites that are perfect for pets to roam around.
  • Moonshine Creek Campground offers a beautiful creek and natural landscaping, making it a great place for dogs to explore.
  • Pine Lake RV Resort features a pond and trails, providing plenty of space for your pets to enjoy.

Tips for camping with dogs near Carthage

  • Always keep your dog on a leash at San-Lee Park to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.
  • Bring plenty of water and a portable bowl when visiting Airport RV Park since there are limited amenities.
  • Make sure to pack waste bags to clean up after your pet, especially in shared spaces like Heritage Camping & Recreation.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Carthage

  • Enjoy fishing and hiking with your dog at Pine Lake RV Resort, where there are plenty of trails to explore.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the creek at Moonshine Creek Campground, which offers scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Visit Sycamore Lodge for a picnic at one of their reservable sites, perfect for enjoying a meal with your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Carthage, NC is Sycamore Lodge with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 72 dog-friendly camping locations near Carthage, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.