Nestled in the Piedmont region of North Carolina at approximately 800 feet elevation, Clemmons offers a central location for accessing several pet-friendly camping destinations. The area experiences mild winters and warm summers with average July temperatures around 89°F, making late spring and early fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from April through November, though several operate year-round.
What to do
Kayaking on Yadkin River: Access points near Pilot Mountain State Park Campground make this a popular activity for campers. "We kayaked along the Yadkin River and camped at one of the canoe campsites. There was very little anemities at these particular sites but that was the point of our visit," notes one visitor to Pilot Mountain State Park Campground.
Fishing at stocked ponds: Cross Winds Family Campground offers fishing opportunities right on site. "A26 is a good spot if you wanna go fishing," shares one camper who enjoyed the "great little fishing pond" at Cross Winds Family Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Look for deer and other wildlife, especially in early morning hours. At Tanglewood Park, one camper observed "deer roam throughout the park and campground" while another mentioned "nearly tame deer all over the place" during their stay.
Playground access: For families with young children, many campgrounds have dedicated play areas. Cobble Hill RV Campground features "a playground for the younger kids, and a basketball court as well," according to visitors who brought extended family.
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Clemmons offer generous spacing between campsites. At Cross Winds Family Campground, campers appreciate the "lots of room between campsites" with sites described as "large and very level."
Hiking variety: The region offers trails suitable for all skill levels. One reviewer at Hanging Rock State Park Campground notes, "The trails were well-marked, maintained, and offered a good variety for all skill levels. Our kids (ranging from early elementary to preteen) managed the trails with some effort but plenty of enthusiasm."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature pools or lake access. "The lake has a swimming beach with mountains in the background, and there are also rowboats and canoes for rent," writes one visitor to Hanging Rock State Park.
Helpful hosts: Campground staff often go above and beyond for guests. At Jomeokee Campground, a reviewer shared that "the camp host leads you in and makes sure you are situated in your site. Another camp host delivers firewood to your site if you place order."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Clemmons have uneven terrain. At Tanglewood Park, campers report "unlevel lots (we had to lower ours by over 4" and still weren't level, but couldn't adjust anymore)" and advise bringing "very tall levelers."
Seasonal facilities: Some campgrounds limit facility access during off-season. "Showerhouses are not open year-round, even though the park is. So there are still 'outhouse style' singular pit latrines present," explains a visitor to Hanging Rock State Park.
Size restrictions: Several campgrounds have limitations for larger setups. One camper at Hanging Rock notes, "We stayed at Campsite 50, and while it was in a nice wooded area with plenty of shade and a decent amount of privacy, the tent pad was smaller than expected. We brought a 10-person tent, and it was a tight fit."
Weather considerations: The Piedmont region experiences seasonal thunderstorms. "Being known as 'the mountains away from the mountains,' we did not hike any flat trails. Trails either go up or down," notes one camper about terrain challenges during wet weather.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for varied terrain: Choose sites based on your family's mobility needs. At Jomeokee Campground, families appreciate that "the large grassy fields have lots of kids and adults playing ball and frisbee" offering flat play spaces near camping areas with more challenging terrain.
Consider shower access: Bathroom facilities vary widely between campgrounds. One family camping at Hanging Rock noted: "The bathrooms were a mixed bag. On the plus side, the showers had hot water, which was a very welcome amenity after a day on the trails."
Look for nature programs: Several parks offer educational activities. "From spotting salamanders near the creek to pretending they were mountain explorers on the trails, they were thoroughly entertained the whole trip," reported a family visiting Hanging Rock with children ranging from "early elementary to preteen."
Pack for temperature swings: The region experiences 20-30°F temperature variations between day and night. Campers at Pilot Mountain recommend "packing layers for hiking and sleeping as mountain temperatures can drop significantly after sunset."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some pet-friendly campgrounds have difficult entry roads. At Lake Myers RV Resort, RVers warn that it's "quite difficult to navigate the roads and sites if you have a larger rig" with "roads are the worst pot holes speed bumps that are curbs!"
Site selection priorities: Choose sites based on your specific needs. At Oak Hollow City Campground, RVers advise: "Only two drawbacks (1) noise from highway (2) many sites are not level so plan ahead and bring extra levelers."
Check hook-up distances: Power connections may require longer cords than standard. At Oak Hollow, one camper was "excited to have a lake view spot with electric but my 25 foot cord was not long enough so make sure you have at least 50 feet."
Consider reservation timing: Many dog-friendly campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. A Forest Lake camper recommends: "We have been coming here for about 6 years and we have always enjoyed our stay. I would recommend this campground to anyone as it is a fun place to stay!"
Traveler
