Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Croatan National Forest

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Croatan National Forest, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Croatan National Forest. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Croatan National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Croatan National Forest (375)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    97 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "There’s a river that runs a long the outside of the campground. Good swimming holes. A store that sells food (the best ice cream), firewood & camping supplies."

    "Pros:

    • beautiful and scenic
    • Near great trails
    • lots of wildlife - saw a bear!"

    2. Indian Boundary

    28 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-8400

    $20 / night

    "The 3.5 mile trail around the lake is a good little walk for the dogs. Highly recommend this campground."

    "The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."

    3. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."

    "Pets are allowed in the campground, but not on the trails.

    This campground has great access to hiking and fishing, as well as wildlife viewing."

    4. Abrams Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    24 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "We were in site 11, nice but next to a group site so a little louder than I like. There are trails near by but I was unable to experience. Bear boxes and trash bins. Centrally located water."

    "Sites are close to one another, but arranged great. My family of 5 had plenty of room for two tents, chairs, picnic tables, etc."

    5. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    13 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    8 miles

    "Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."

    "We arrived around 8am and got the first campsite we saw. This is the most established dispersed campsite that I’ve stayed at as it has a fire circle, a grill and a picnic table."

    6. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    27 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $50 - $94 / night

    "My dog and I enjoyed 4 nights here. The sites are well spaced and the tent pad is even. The bathrooms could use an update but I was just happy they’re flush toilets! There are no showers."

    "There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."

    7. Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    "Nice lakeside side with good lake views. Park next to site. Toilet facility available, site next to marina on north side. Cellphone service with Verizon ok 1or 2 bars."

    "This campground is absolutely gorgeous, the views of the lake are breathtaking. Especially, in the early morning. We ended up staying an extra night here because it was so peaceful and laid back."

    8. Horse Cove

    9 Reviews
    Croatan National Forest, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    "This cute little national forest roadside campground is situated in the Nantahala National Forest, just due south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park."

    "If you drive the Cherohala Skyway from Tellico plains, make a left onto Joyce Kilmer Road. "

    9. Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "There are a handful of Lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance."

    "It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private."

    10. Fontana Village Resort and Campground

    11 Reviews
    Fontana Dam, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 498-2211

    "But driving a stake more than 4 inches is almost impossible. There are very few trees actually on sites for hammock campers."

    "The best way to experience Fontana Lake is to kayak to the north side which is the border for the great Smoky Mountain National Park. You can park and put in at the marina and pack in food and water."

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Showing results 1-10 of 375 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Croatan National Forest

2786 Reviews of 375 Croatan National Forest Campgrounds



Guide to Croatan National Forest

If you're looking for a great getaway with your furry friend, there are several pet-friendly camping options near Croatan National Forest in North Carolina. These campgrounds offer a mix of amenities and activities that cater to both you and your pet.

Pet owners like the amenities at these campgrounds

  • The Cades Cove Campground allows pets, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with their dogs.
  • At the Townsend-Great Smokies KOA, pets are welcome, and the campground features spacious sites with electric hookups and clean facilities.
  • The Little Arrow Outdoor Resort offers a variety of accommodations, including cabins and glamping options, all while being pet-friendly.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Croatan National Forest

  • Enjoy hiking with your pet on the scenic trails around the Indian Boundary, where you can explore the beautiful Cherokee National Forest.
  • The Look Rock Campground provides access to trails that are perfect for walking your dog while enjoying the stunning views of the Smokies.
  • Take your pet for a swim at the Whispering River RV Resort, which is located along a river and offers a half-mile trail for leisurely walks.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great features

  • The Abrams Creek Campground is known for its peaceful setting and allows pets, making it ideal for a quiet retreat in nature.
  • At the Big Meadow Family Campground, you can enjoy spacious sites and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for families traveling with pets.
  • The Turkey Creek Campground offers a charming environment with well-maintained facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Croatan National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Croatan National Forest is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 97 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Croatan National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 375 dog-friendly camping locations near Croatan National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.