33 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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.
"The family campground is a short distance further inside the park on the left side(approx 2 miles) marked by a small brown sign...and is situated at 1400 ft elevation. "
"This campground is one way and exits into a trailhead parking area. There was one site that was in the parking area, would not be my first choice. Shaded sites with picnic tables and fire rings."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $32 / night
"A very friendly place for people and pets. A storm was coming in and they called to check our ETA to let us know set up might be critical. Plenty of hiking trails."
"The campsites are at the base of a mountain with tons of great hiking trails within the park."
"We were looking for someplace to stay near Hickory and we stumbled upon Indian Springs. "
"The only time I’d be concerned about the entrance would be in a driving rain. Beyond that there is a central area of RV spots with nice distance between them."
"Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."
"Many hiking trails. Pets are allowed here also which is a great plus. Friendly staff who can't do enough for you if needed & small camp store on property."
from $24 - $999 / night
"Plenty of room in spots for pets and children. We had a blast with out 3 year old daughter and our standard poodle."
"There are primitive campsites for those who only want to “rough it”, sites indicated for tent or pop-up with water and electricity, 30 amp and 50 amp sites. a large portion of the sites are located directly"
"Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."
"Some RV sites are on the edge of the road. Clean restrooms and showers. Great hiking trails nearby beginning in the campground. Dog friendly. If you have a National park pass you get a discount."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"This was our first stop on our first trip to North Carolina and now we don’t want to leave!"
"The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am)."
"Some walk in and some drive in. The spots are well spaced out so you do not see other campers. Though the spots are large, there is not room for a large trailer."
"We stayed at the second spot along the road on the left, then further back along the trail. It was only the two of us with our dogs but there was definitely enough room for a group."
"We stayed here for 12 days in the very first spot on the right , it was the most secluded and we had a bar of service near/ at the picnic table. We enjoyed our stay."
"One caveat: there is a relatively narrow turn near the top of the lot, past the camping sites, that would be difficult for larger RVs."
"Jacob Branch: Three sites arranged around a clearing. Two pit privies and a BEAR BOX! Woot!!"
"The hikes near the falls were quite busy on Memorial Day weekend, but the backcountry campsites were quiet and well-kept."
from $17 / night
GuideDriving 14 1/2 hrs I was cooked called and had the most easiest booking. There was a sites available so I booked it. Needless to say I got there in the dark and a kind person helped me to my site and got me backed in. Soo exhausted I hooked up electric only hit the bed passed out
ScoutNobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
ScoutNice camp and staff friendly. We drive the Blue Ridge Pkwy which was a bit of drive but the ride up to Mt Mitchell was beautiful. Only negative was the laundry rooms were small for a large camp like this but I made it work. Probably a bit more challenging during busy season but all that said this is a nice campground
TravelerAbsolutely one of the most beautiful campgrounds that we have visited, and super clean. Such a great location for hiking and viewing the Blue Ridge Pkwy!
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
ScoutMy husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
GuideSeems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.
ScoutWe brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back
ScoutOur group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.
Dispersed camping options near Connelly Springs, North Carolina include both free and low-cost sites with varying amenities. Old NC 105 offers primitive camping with mountain views at elevations between 2,500-3,000 feet where temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees below valley readings. Campers should prepare for rapid weather changes common in this mountainous terrain, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
Waterfall hiking: 2.35-mile trail at South Mountains State Park Family Campground leads to an 80-foot waterfall. "I searched 'best waterfalls in NC' and this park did not disappoint. Great trails. Great views," reports Sarah W. The hike gains nearly 1,000 feet in elevation with wooden boardwalks and steep steps down to the falls.
Fishing at mountain lakes: Spacious Skies Bear Den has a small fishing lake on property. "The campground has a small lake on site to fish or swim," notes Chris Y. The lake is stocked and requires no special permits beyond standard NC fishing license.
Creek swimming and exploration: Multiple creeks provide natural cooling options during summer months. "We tubed down the river, just plenty to do for a weekend trip," says Wayne Q. about Steele Creek Park & Campground. Most creek access points have gradual entry points suitable for all ages.
Mountain biking trails: South Mountains State Park offers approximately 16.5 miles of mountain bike trails that intermix with hiking and equestrian trails. These trails range from beginner to intermediate difficulty levels with some technical sections.
Creek-side campsites: Thousand Trails Green Mountain offers sites along a creek. "We stayed here because we are TT members. We really loved it. The very front part has paved sites with decks, benches and table and some are on a creek," reports one camper. These sites fill quickly during summer months.
No cell service retreat: "Very quiet with NO cell service which is a big draw for us. Far from a town, so don't forget anything," writes Stephen M. about South Mountains State Park. This digital disconnect creates a more immersive outdoor experience.
Mountain views from campsites: Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping provides scenic overlooks. "Headed up the road from Lake James to find this stunning view down into the gorge from our site," notes Tucker B. These free sites lack amenities but offer panoramic vistas of Table Rock Mountain.
Clean facilities: "Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen," shares Jessica L. about South Mountains State Park Family Campground. Multiple reviewers note the well-maintained facilities across several campgrounds in the region.
Gate closing times: Park gates at South Mountains State Park close promptly at 9 PM with no exceptions. Plan travel accordingly to avoid being locked out, especially when traveling with pets.
Steep access roads: Indian Springs Campground has a challenging approach. "I'm not going to lie, Indian Springs is not easy to get to. The road to the campground is easy to get to from I40, it's the turn onto Whitener Drive off of Costner Road that is not easy," explains Corby M. The gravel road has a 7% grade near the entrance.
Limited services at dispersed sites: "We were hesitant based on the reviews of 'steep grade' but found this entirely manageable (24' motor home RV). The grade is 7% and is managed through a long gentle slope in/out," notes Sara M. about Indian Springs Campground.
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations experience rapid temperature changes. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast.
Playground access: Linville Falls Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "They have a playground for kids," Becky H. points out. The playground is centrally located and visible from nearby campsites.
Best tent sites for children: "Sites 6-9 are best IMO," recommends Sarah W. about South Mountains State Park. These sites provide creek access where "the kids loved it" according to Jessica L.
Activity options: Bear Den provides diverse entertainment. "Campground has all the amenities you could want. It has a small lake on property to fish or swim. Has a pretty good market for the things you might have forgot," mentions Chris Y.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Connelly Springs: Multiple sites accommodate pets with specific rules. "We have a dog and love the dog park!" shares Jennifer J. about Linville Falls Campground, offering a dedicated space for pets to run off-leash.
Full hookup options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Connelly Springs offer full utility connections. "We were able to park there since we had campsite reservations but others were waiting in a long line to park for day-use, so be aware," notes Danielle T. about South Mountains State Park.
RV site challenges: "Some sites may be difficult to back in just depending on where you are and type of camper," warns Briggs B. about Thousand Trails Green Mountain. Many campgrounds have limited pull-through sites that require advance booking.
Water access without bathhouses: "I'm so glad I fixed my hot water tank the week before going because I didn't read the fine print that they do not have any restrooms! Full hookup though!" cautions SouthernGinger about Indian Springs Campground. Self-contained RVs work best at certain locations.
Alternative dispersed camping: Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites provide free alternatives for RVs under 25 feet. "There are a handful of sites, all of which are of different sizes and shapes... Small RVs will fit in most sites, possibly by backing them in," explains Jay R.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Connelly Springs, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Connelly Springs, NC is South Mountains State Park Family Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Connelly Springs, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 192 dog-friendly camping locations near Connelly Springs, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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