3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area campgrounds welcome pets at multiple locations including Poplar Point, Crosswinds, and Parker's Creek. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet, and owners are responsible for waste cleanup. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring, with most offering water and electric hookups suitable for tent camping and RVs. Crosswinds Campground even accommodates pets in their cabin and glamping options. The heavily wooded sites provide good separation between neighbors, creating privacy for campers with active dogs. Sites remain surprisingly quiet even during busy holiday weekends.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers additional pet-friendly options at multiple campgrounds including Holly Point, Rolling View, and B.W. Wells. The campgrounds feature designated dog-friendly hiking trails that wind through pine forests and along shorelines. Campers can access swimming areas where dogs can cool off during hot summer months. William B. Umstead State Park Campground provides another option with pet-friendly tent sites and cabins, plus miles of trails for dog walking. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular bathroom maintenance, though shower cleanliness varies by location. Many campsites offer generous spacing between neighbors, allowing pets to relax without disturbing other campers. The North Carolina State Fairgrounds provides a more urban camping option with full hookups for RVs, though it lacks amenities beyond the basics.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $37 / 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. "
Available this weekend
from $27 - $77 / 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."
from $45 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $75 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $77 / 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."
from $27 - $75 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $47 / night
"The lake is the true star."
"The only bad thing was the traffic noise, so I recommend getting a site near the lake."
"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."
from $17 / night
TravelerSpot was not far off the road, so there’s a bit of noise of traffic but not too bad. There were a couple other people camping. They were all quiet and kept to selves. There were plenty of other pull off spots available, Some with fire pits some without. Felt super safe and at peace here.
ScoutThis is not called vacation campground it’s north point rv resort
GuideStayed in the C loop right on the water. Bathrooms are up the hill at the entrance to the loop. Sites along the lake aren’t private but are spacious.
ScoutVery nice well maintained park with big pull through spaces. Bathhouse are clean and modern. Running a speed test on my T-Mobile phone I got 269mbps down and 6 up. We will definitely stay here again. With GoodSam discount it was $63 a night.
ScoutNice big park with large parking spaces and well marked level spots. Lots of long stay rvs with porches but they are all newer rigs. Decent WiFi
ScoutNew and clean rv campgrounds. 28 spots. Awesome camp host Ron.
GuideLike this campground. Was a tight fit with our 20 ft trailer but it is super quiet at night. Nearby road with some noise during the day but overall great place to camp. We have seen several people pull in for over nights but left the next day. Will be back. Also make sure you buy a NC hunting or fishing license before you camp here
GuideThe sites are very large, long and wider at the back, plenty of room for a big group or family. The bathrooms look new and they are clean. Here during the week so it's very empty and quiet.
ScoutWe were able to squeak in for Labor Day weekend. And they are always a great time. Well kept grounds, and really friendly people. The waffles are always a hit and much appreciated! If you can help it- plz don’t skip this spot! You won’t regret it.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area spans 46,768 acres with 14,000 acres of water surface, located just minutes from Cary, North Carolina. Winter temperatures average 40-50°F, making year-round camping possible at many sites. The surrounding pine forests provide natural sound barriers between campsites, maintaining privacy even during peak seasons.
Hiking trails along shorelines: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers several interconnected trails suitable for various skill levels. "Been here twice this summer with friends. Loved being able to just chill in the lake away from it all... it's a lovely spot, quiet except for passing boats, and beautiful," notes Joanna R.
Paddling opportunities: Eno River State Park provides multiple river access points for kayakers and canoeists. "Amazing spots for RVs on the water! There are options for boat or jet ski rentals VERY close," reports Andrew S. about the nearby waters.
Natural waterslides: Raven Rock State Park features unique rock formations along Cape Fear River. "I loved all the trails, mainly the one that goes from the campsite I was on to the river where there is natural waterslide," shares Sarah L. The rocks create natural water features during warmer months.
Spacious, level sites: William B. Umstead State Park features well-maintained campsites. "We camped at C-52. This site was very spacious, easy to back into, and level. This was a HUGE site, lots of space between neighbors," explains Martha S. about Jordan Lake's camping areas.
Waterfront access: Many campsites at Holly Point allow campers to pull boats directly to their sites. "This is such a pretty camp site. 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," shares Bailey R.
Low bug populations: Several campgrounds report surprisingly few insects. "Idk how....but we had VERY few bugs at our site the whole week we were there," mentions Andrew S. about summer camping conditions, making outdoor meals more enjoyable.
Gate closure times: Some campgrounds enforce strict entry rules. "They lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck," warns Debbie F. about Crosswinds Campground.
No alcohol policy: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area prohibits alcohol. "Rangers can be very ticket-happy if you bring beer so be aware," cautions Joanna R. Fines start at $50 per violation.
Water quality issues: Certain campsites experience poor water conditions. "When we got to the gate, we were told there was no water, but I had a water filter. When I went to the lake to filter water, the water was still brown," reports Myron C. Bringing bottled water is recommended.
Kid-friendly beaches: Rolling View offers dedicated swimming areas with shallow entry points. "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site," shares Wendy M.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment near camping loops. "Loved that there was a playground near the site. The site itself was gravelly and not super private but it was great- the hikes around were stunning," notes amanda L. about B.W. Wells campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours provide chances to spot local fauna. "Deer walked right behind our site," mentions Wendy M. about her family's experience, making wildlife spotting an educational activity for children.
Electrical options: Most campgrounds offer both 30 and 50 amp service. "This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so. Each site has water and electric hook-up," explains Paul H.
Level sites: North Carolina State Fairgrounds provides excellent conditions for larger rigs. "This is a very large campground that can accommodate any size RV. They do not allow tents. All sites are gravel, but are quite level. I pulled in, and didn't have to adjust anything," says Sheri K.
Pet-friendly considerations: Most campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash requirements. "Not crowded, nice selection of trails, plenty of fishing on the Cape Fear, woodland creatures abound," mentions dale W., describing the pet-friendly hiking options available at Raven Rock State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cary, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cary, NC is Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 54 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cary, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 51 dog-friendly camping locations near Cary, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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