Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Fontana Dam, NC

Fontana Village Resort Campground is a small campground right next to Fontana Dam. You can’t enter the water here, but there is water access nearby. The drive to the area is cool, if you drive on Hwy 129, you’ll drive through the 11 mile section known as “The Dragon”. The iconic drive is a popular route for bikes and sport cars, due to the number of curves and switchbacks, and you can pick up souvenirs at local shops around. The campground was basically deserted when we were there on a Sunday evening. There are water and electric hookups at most sites. There’s not much privacy between sites, it’s pretty much wide open, with only a few trees scattered throughout the campground. I expected to have more trees in the North Carolina Mountains. I went in the restrooms, they were awful. I can’t imagine showering in that place. I chose to just use nature’s facilities. I was overall disappointed in this campground, as the area is so pretty, I expected better.

Near Fontana Dam and along the Appalachian Trail, there is the most modern trail shelter that I have ever seen.  I have stayed at a few trail shelters, but this is the first one I have seen that has a solar charging station for electronic devices.  There is a reason it is called the “Fontana Hilton.”  I had been to this shelter before in years past, and it was much more rustic.  Now it is clean and modern.   Although mainly for through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail, the road to Fontana Dam runs beside it, and there is a parking lot close to the camping area.  You don’t have to worry about road noise at night, however, because the road ends at Fontana Dam less than half a mile down the road.  I use the term “camping area” because there are also tent pads close to the trail shelter, so you can choose to stay in the shelter or sleep in a tent.  I preferred to stay in a tent.  Also unlike the other trail shelters where I have stayed, this one has a bath house, complete with running water, flush toilets, and hot showers.  Next to the trail shelter, there is a gathering area with picnic tables, a place to hang your lantern, and a fire pit.  I got a chance to meet some other campers—most of them were thru-hikers.  It was interesting to see what gear they were using.  I was curious and asked, and as I suspected, a couple of them were using alcohol stoves because of their light weight.  Among other things about this camping area, you are beside Fontana Lake, so the view is pretty special, especially at night when the moon reflects over the water.  When you are not at the camping area, you can go to the dam and visitors center.  Being the highest dam east of the Mississippi River, seeing the dam with your own eyes is pretty awesome.

Double Island Remote Campground Fontana Lake in the Smoky Mountain National Park is available by watercraft only. There are boat ramps in the surrounding area that provide access.

Campground use is via the Check-in Stations, there is one at Fontana Dam Boat ramp.

I have camped there on three occasions. More fun while boating when the water level is up prior to Labor Day. We did see more wildlife including bear when the level was down as they had to travel down to the low level shore.

There is plenty of downed driftwood firewood in the area you have to leave the Island though and forage the shore.

This is a pack it in, pack it out type location. The Rangers typically stop by in the Summer to check your papers. Make sure you have plenty of ice. It's a long way back to Fontana Dam or a local Marina...unless you are in a power boat.

A family owned and operated, 11 acre full service, pet friendly camping facility. We are conveniently located just 20 minutes outside the historic town of Murphy North Carolina, at an elevation of 1850 feet, surrounded by mountains! Closer to the natural beauty the area is known for. We are nestled in the center of a peaceful valley with a 360 degree view of the mountains that surround us. The campsites border the many bubbling streams that pass through our valley.

_A Full Service Campground, w_e have 2 separate bath houses with private individual bathing facilities, 3 _Bunkhouses as well as Primitive sites.  _We have a large pavilion for your group meetings, family reunions, fully lighted with electricity available.

Convenient location just off Interstate 75. Quiet wooded area with plenty of activities for the kids. Swimming pool, fishing pond, playground, jump pad. We don't have pets, but there is a small dog park area. Lots of planned weekend activities. Bathrooms are very clean and well-maintained. My husband is disabled and we are very appreciative of the separate handicap facilities. You don't have that in a lot of campgrounds. We like the sites best towards the front of the park close to the pool. The owners are very hands-on and involved and you can tell. We have camped all over the country but this is our favorite local getaway when we have a free weekend.

 Greenbriar campground is located in Pittman Center, west of Gatlinburg, adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains. The campground is certainly one of the nicest camping spots I’ve n the area. The campground is very large, and has multiple camping options. They have tent and rv spots, as well as cabins, but I also saw some teepee style tent cabins. The campground is very wooded, so you feel like you are getting a legitimate Smoky Mountain camping experience. The pigeon river runs through the campground, and is great for fishing, or swimming/tubing in summer. There is a dog park also, and the campground is pet friendly. This campground has so many things to do, and it is very popular, so if you want to camp here, I would suggest booking early, because spots are booked months in advance. The campground is very quiet at night, with just the sounds of nature. There is a camp store, with firewood, and you’ll want to enjoy a campfire, even in the middle of summer. I Highly recommend Greenbriar Campground for camping in the Smokies.