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Dog-Friendly Camping near Hampstead, NC

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    Wilmington KOA campground accommodates pets at all sites with spacious, level spots that simplify RV setup and tent camping. Pets must remain leashed throughout the property, with a designated dog park area for off-leash exercise. The campground offers full hookup options for RV campers with pets, plus pet-friendly tent sites featuring covered picnic tables with charging stations and lights. Both cabin and glamping accommodations accept dogs with advance notification. Bathrooms remain clean and well-maintained with 24/7 access via security codes, though shower water pressure runs weak. The campground maintains walking paths throughout the property where dogs can be exercised on leash, and the central location provides convenient access to pet supply stores along Market Street.

    Carolina Beach State Park Campground permits pets at all campsites with proper documentation and vaccination records. Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than six feet while in the campground and on trails. The park features multiple hiking paths where leashed dogs can accompany owners through pine forests and along waterfront areas. Sites provide picnic tables and fire rings where pets can relax with their owners. Electric hookups accommodate RVs, and tent camping areas remain level and well-maintained. The bathhouses feature clean facilities with hot showers perfect for rinsing sandy paws after beach excursions. Several sites offer enough shade to keep pets comfortable during summer months, though the campground's proximity to waterways means mosquito protection for both humans and pets remains essential during warmer seasons.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Hampstead (57)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Wilmington KOA

      4.3(21)7mi from HampsteadRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The location is near just about everything. The main road turning into the place can be jammed with traffic at times."

      "Convient to Wilmington Downtown, Wilmington Beaches, Highway & Airport. Clean well maintained. Friendly Accomodating Staff. Love the Palm Trees throughout. Pet and Kid Friendly...."

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      2. Carolina Beach State Park Campground

      4.6(75)23mi from Hampstead89 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Carolina beach state park is one of my favorite places to go in North Carolina. Not only does it have an awesome campground, but it's right near one of the best beaches I've ever been to."

      "Had a great time camping and hiking around with my dog jinx. It was his first camping trip he seems to like it here as much as I did. be aware of the raccoons!!"

      from $27 - $75 / night

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      3. The Inlet Campground (Formerly Laniers Campground)

      4.3(6)11mi from HampsteadRVs, Tents

      "Nice pool and walking path around the edge of the sound."

      "Most incredible views with easy access to beaches, restaurants and groceries. Pier for fishing and water access for canoeing or kayaking! Beautiful sunsets!"

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      4. Surf City Family Campground

      4.9(7)15mi from HampsteadRVs, Tents

      "The owners are very nice and very helpful we campground was well in a good location right next to the beach literally walk 20 yards to go to the beach would definitely recommend"

      "Its quiet and easy access to beach. Owners are very nice and accommodating."

      5. Lake Linda

      5.0(2)10mi from Hampstead2 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Offering 2 sites that are located on the lake, this property  is a great place to birdwatch. Check them out and leave them some love."

      from $50 - $60 / night

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      6. Freeman Park

      4.0(9)21mi from HampsteadTents

      "Freeman Park is a beach area located in Carolina Beach. It's the place to take your 4x4 vehicle, your friends, kids, and dogs, and have some fun in the sand, wind, and waves."

      "With no more Beach than that we are allowed to drive on now the longer it happens the more of the beach will diminish. There should be no day passes only yearly."

      from $20 - $90 / night

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      7. Castle Hayne Farm Park

      5.0(1)13mi from HampsteadRVs, Tents

      from $40 - $85 / night

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      8. Oceans RV Resort

      5.0(2)16mi from HampsteadRVs, Cabins

      "We're just a few miles from the beach, walking distance to a restaurant and or convenience store; crawling distance to Dales Pub across the road."

      from $77 - $239 / night

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      9. Harbor Point RV Community

      2.8(4)17mi from HampsteadRVs, Tents

      "These sites are on top of each other and I don’t know that I’d use this campground during high season … and the doggie area was right behind us.. full summer heat would probably be a bit smelly for me…"

      from $75 - $100 / night

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      10. Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area

      4.2(12)27mi from HampsteadTents

      "No shade in this campground, but the location is everything! Basically a manicured field with cement pads and hookup poles."

      "Very close to the beach. Great view of the river. Has shop, rental center, and fishing pier within walking distance of the camping area."

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Hampstead, NC

    35 Photos of 57 Hampstead Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Hampstead, NC

    310 Reviews of 57 Hampstead Campgrounds

    • Kristie B.
      Aug. 28, 2025

      In The Pines RV & Cabin Village

      Great place!

      New Park with all the amenities you need, clean well kept facilities and grounds. Dog Park and nice mowed lanes for walks. Owner super nice and helpful.

    • J
      Dec. 2, 2021

      Holden Beach RV Campground

      Everything we need

      This place has everything we need. Decent size sites, water, 30Amp, sewer, great WiFi (repeaters positioned at every other site, especially in the new section). There is also a playground, dog park, camp store, nearby grocery and other stores, etc. spent 5 nights, Sun - Thu night and really enjoyed it. Some monthly campers around who were friendly and helpful. We were a 5 minute drive to the beach and not far from other sites that we were looking to visit. The staff was also very nice and helpful. We were led to our site and the guide made sure we were OK and would have stayed had we needed help. Will do this again when visiting that area.

    • Lisa K.
      Apr. 3, 2026

      Holden Beach RV Campground

      Would stay again

      We spent 2 months at HBRV campground in spring of 2026. The staff is amazing. Our campsite was a little tight, as many of them are. But they also have some spacious, private spaces. There are only 2 washing machines for the whole campground, so laundry can get tricky on busy days. Several showers (5) including a handicapped shower. Nice clean, hot, high pressure showers. Not much climate control in the bath houses, so it can be hot or cold, depending on outside temps. Great walking trail around the park, as well as a small dog park. Grounds are well maintained & is located about 2 miles from the beach with a free shuttle back & forth. They do charge $3 per package for any deliveries. Very quiet, friendly park & we would recommend staying there.

    • s
      Aug. 12, 2020

      Wilmington KOA

      Near the beach.

      Wilmington  Koa is a nice campground with full hookups and all the "stuff" for the family to enjoy. It has a large pool, but no kiddie pool. They are working on the bathhouses so its a work in progress. Even so they are nice. The showers are very small, but useable. The location is near just about everything. The main road turning into the place can be jammed with traffic at times. The state has been building a bypass for the past 10 years and its still not finished. The camp spots are very spacious and the hookups are easy to get to. The workers are always friendly and willing to help. They have a nice dog park. We have stayed there numerous times and always have a good time.

    • @HomegrownRV 😎.
      Nov. 28, 2023

      Holden Beach RV Campground

      Great Stay!

      We loved our time at Holden Beach RV Park! The staff is so friendly, and the campground is beautifully maintained. It’s in a perfect location too.

      Upon check in we were escorted to our site, and they even helped us back in. The bathrooms and laundry were clean and kept up well during our stay. There’s a small playground and a pretty big dog park. We were there during Thanksgiving, so they had a potluck meal for all of the guests in the park. We really enjoyed that!

      The gift shop is super cute, and they have the biggest DVD library for free rentals!

      The only negative was that our site seemed to be one of the few that directly faced another site even though it did not show that on the park map. We ended up being super close to the other campers (so much so that we were basically all around the same fire pit) which was a little uncomfortable since they were strangers.

      Overall we really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back! We will just make sure to pick a different site number next time.

    • Sam M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 24, 2018

      Carolina Beach State Park Campground

      beach + camping = awesome

      Carolina beach state park is one of my favorite places to go in North Carolina. Not only does it have an awesome campground, but it's right near one of the best beaches I've ever been to. The sites are nice and secluded, just how I like them. Most of the sites are tent sites, but they have a few full hookup sites for RVs and some cabins to rent too. All of the sites have picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water.

      Within the park, there are tons of hiking trails through a really beautiful area. I hear the fishing is also really good within the park, but I've never done it myself. The only downside is you can't swim within the park, because the currents can get dangerous. The beach is only like 5 minutes away though, so not really a big deal.

      As for the beach, it's my favorite one to go to in the states. I like it because it's not really touristy like the outer banks or myrtle beach. Not a whole lot of people come to it, so it's always pretty secluded and clean. In July, the water temperature is perfect, the waves are nice, and it's great all around.

      Awesome spot in NC.

    • M
      Apr. 27, 2021

      Wilmington KOA

      Convenient Location Roomy Sites

      Very nice Roomy Sites. Convient to Wilmington Downtown, Wilmington Beaches, Highway & Airport. Clean well maintained. Friendly Accomodating Staff. Love the Palm Trees throughout. Pet and Kid Friendly.... Please Spay or Neuter Both lol. Big Negative for us was the POOR WIFI. STAFF TRIED TO GET IT RUNNING IN OUR AREA BUT ALTHOUGH CONNECTED, VIRTUALLY USELESS TO VIDEO. RELIED STRICTLY ON OUR CELL PHONE CONNECTION.

    • J
      Apr. 15, 2017

      Carolina Beach State Park Campground

      Two night stay

      Had a great time camping and hiking around with my dog jinx. It was his first camping trip he seems to like it here as much as I did. be aware of the raccoons!! They will get close to you at nighttime. Bathhouse was clean and close by. Picked a sight on the waterway side. Throughly enjoyed walking back behind my camp site to the water!! Trails weren't as great as I'd expected. But still a nice day hiking around. Can't wait to go back again!!!

    • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 31, 2019

      Maxwells Mill Campground

      Campground in the Deep Country

      This campground is out in the middle of a farming community miles away from the nearest large city. Decades ago, it was a popular destination for folks for miles around. There was a store and a mill, but more importantly, it was a social gathering place. We took our Cub Scouts there to camp and to have ceremonies a few times. The worst thing about this campground that I have found is that there are venomous snakes that come from the millpond. As far as activities, it does have a swimming pool and a trail or two to explore; but the main attraction is the fishing. Fast forward to the present. A previous owner turned the campground into a cat rescue, and in the past, I have seen dozens and dozens of cats around the campground, sometimes gathered together as the owner is feeding them. This time I only saw five. With that said, you have to watch out for cat droppings. Because of several hurricanes coming through, the pond has washed over the banks a few times, and the dam has broken on more than one occasion. Unfortunately, the dam is still broken and is in need of repair. The millpond is the main attraction for this campground, but with the pond being completely drained, you cannot fish in it or boat on it until it is repaired. In the past, most people launched their own boats instead of renting them, and since it is a millpond, there were lots of places to fish among the cypress trees and stumps. You could see plenty of turtles and geese. There was a peaceful beauty there. My favorite part about the campground is taking pictures of the old mill and store, although it has deteriorated and has“no trespassing” signs. There was once a dock for fishing, but that has also deteriorated and has“no trespassing” signs. The campground did have a store that sold live bait, but with the pond drained, there is no need for it to be in business anymore. Most of the people at the campground are seasonal or permanent residents. The campground has RV sites with cable/internet connections, an in ground pool, a fishing pier, and a pavilion for gatherings. Even with it needing a lot of work and updating, it is a place where you can camp without the sounds of traffic all night long. At night, you could hear owls, geese, and frogs, but this time, it was quiet since the geese aren’t around anymore. The campsite was a little soft because of all the rain, so staying in the back of my SUV seemed like a better option. During the day, you will hear an occasional piece of farm machinery since it is surrounded by farms. Overall, it’s a good place to camp if you just want to get away from the sounds of traffic, and the owner was very nice. As I talked to her, she said she was trying to get help from the federal government to get the dam/embankment fixed so the pond can fill up again. I would like to go back there when the pond is back to its normal level.

    Guide to Hampstead

    Carolina Beach State Park Campground and Wilmington KOA offer popular pet-friendly camping options near Hampstead, North Carolina. Located along the Atlantic coast, the Hampstead area sits at sea level with sandy soil and maritime forests. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s with high humidity, while winter camping remains mild with nighttime lows rarely dropping below 40°F.

    What to do

    Hiking trails for all abilities: Carolina Beach State Park Campground features multiple trails where visitors can observe native carnivorous plants. "Within the park, there are tons of hiking trails through a really beautiful area. I hear the fishing is also really good within the park, but I've never done it myself," notes Sam M.

    Beach exploration with vehicles: Four-wheel drive enthusiasts can access Freeman Park for a unique camping experience directly on the beach. Katy S. advises, "First and foremost, make sure you know how to drive in the sand and what to do when your car gets stuck. Also, be aware of the tides, it's dangerous to be driving near the water when the high tide comes in."

    Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide fishing access, with some offering specialized facilities. "Laniers campground has a fishing pier, playground great for kids, close to shopping and other stuff," according to Troy K. Many campers bring their own gear to fish the Cape Fear River and Atlantic coastline.

    What campers like

    Seasonal flexibility: Winter camping provides a quieter experience at many dog-friendly campgrounds near Hampstead. Ms P. shares about Carolina Beach State Park: "I've been here at different times of the year. I really enjoy camping here in December and January. Less people and the park is so nice."

    Beach proximity: The primary draw for many campers remains the easy access to shorelines. Robert D. notes about Castle Hayne Farm Park: "Less than a few miles to downtown Wilmington," making it a convenient base for both urban and beach adventures.

    Facilities and convenience: Clean bathhouses and well-maintained grounds consistently receive positive reviews. Amanda S. remarks, "Great showers and clean campgrounds. The price was the best around." Several campgrounds maintain facilities during all seasons, with some offering heated bathrooms during winter months.

    What you should know

    Tide awareness: Coastal camping requires understanding tidal patterns. Wanderer shares about Freeman Park: "CRITICAL to be educated about beach weather and TIDES!!!! Super high tides were present during my visit. A high Queen tide came near the camp spots at night while a super high king tide COMPLETELY COVERED the camp sites in the morning!"

    Off-season advantages: Many campgrounds offer better experiences outside peak summer months. According to Kelley E., "It's very hot and busy during the summer but if you go in spring, fall or warm winter days it's absolutely amazing."

    Site spacing considerations: Campground density varies significantly across the region. Eric W. notes about The Inlet Campground: "Be advised, we only used our site to eat and sleep. There is only one bathhouse and most sites are close together. Many permanent sites, but are extremely friendly."

    Tips for camping with families

    Entertainment options: Wilmington KOA offers structured activities for children. "The kids were very happy with the little pool and we found good facilities to do the laundry," shares Werner S. Some campgrounds maintain play equipment and organized recreation.

    Beach alternatives: When weather prevents beach visits, nearby attractions provide backup options. Bridget H. mentions, "We camped here when we went to Wilmington for a 5k. The playground was awesome and included a cool wooden pirate ship. The grandkids loved it!"

    Safety measures: Beach camping requires additional safety considerations. One camper emphasizes the importance of teaching children about tides and currents, as swimming areas within parks can sometimes be limited due to safety concerns.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection strategy: RVers recommend calling ahead to request specific sites. VSG T. advises about Harbor Point RV Community: "We had a site with no neighbors, and nearly no dogs while here so it was quiet, the campground is clean and the bathrooms are exceptionally clean and heated. If you're not so keen on tight neighbors or dogs, I'd recommend off-season stays."

    Hookup placement: Some RV parks have unusual utility arrangements. One camper notes, "The sites themselves are extremely long, but for some reason the hook-ups are all near the front of the site, so you can't take advantage of the length."

    Low clearance awareness: Larger rigs should be mindful of tree branches at some locations. Jennifer A. cautions, "We have a 38ft rig and some of the trees are very low and scrape the top."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hampstead, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hampstead, NC is Wilmington KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hampstead, NC?

    TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near Hampstead, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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