Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Connelly Springs, NC
South Mountains State Park Family Campground welcomes dogs at both the main family camping area and the backcountry sites. The campground features designated pet-friendly tent pads, RV spots with electric hookups, and a creek-side setting where many campers enjoy letting their dogs cool off during hot summer months. Pet owners must maintain their dogs on a 6-foot leash at all times while in the campground and on trails. The family campground is quiet and well-maintained with a strict no-alcohol policy that rangers actively enforce. Indian Springs Campground provides another pet-friendly option with full hookup RV sites and a path to the nearby river where dogs can spend time in the water. No bathhouses are available at Indian Springs, making it best suited for self-contained RV camping with pets.
Hiking trails throughout South Mountains State Park connect directly to the family campground, allowing convenient access for daily dog walks without driving to trailheads. The park features multiple trail options ranging from easy creek-side paths to strenuous routes like the 2.35-mile climb to High Shoals Falls with nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Pet waste must be properly disposed of in designated receptacles. Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites and Old NC 105 offer free dispersed camping alternatives where pets are permitted, though these areas have minimal facilities. Both locations provide more seclusion for dogs that may bark at night. When camping with pets, bring supplies for all weather conditions as temperatures in the mountains can fluctuate significantly. The park gates close at 9 PM, so plan accordingly when traveling with pets to ensure you're inside before closing.
