Pet friendly camping near Highlands, North Carolina offers a mix of designated national forest sites and state parks within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located at elevations of 3,000-4,000 feet, the region stays considerably cooler than surrounding areas with summer temperatures typically 15-20 degrees lower than nearby cities. Many campgrounds in this area feature unique terrain with terraced sites due to the steep mountain topography.
What to do
Waterfall exploring: 5 miles from Highlands. Nearby Sarah's Creek Campground offers access to several small cascades and swimming holes. "There is a trail marked by a bright green circle spraypainted onto a pine tree shortly before the first few sites where there are some small falls and a nice little swimming/bathing hole," notes Twan M.
Mountain biking: 35 minutes from downtown. Davidson River Campground serves as an ideal base for cyclists. "The bike trails start literally across the davidson river from the campground. Bike shops, coffee and supermarkets all within," writes Travis S. The campground is popular among mountain biking enthusiasts with rentals available nearby.
Hiking Whiteside Mountain: 15 minute drive. This moderate 2-mile loop trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. "Best nearby hikes are Whiteside Mountain, Glen Falls, and Chattooga Narrows trails (all shortish half day hikes)," suggests Paul T. from his experience staying at campgrounds in the area.
What campers like
Natural swimming: Cool off in mountain rivers. The Cullasaja River near campgrounds provides refreshing spots during summer months. At Ammons Branch Campground, "There is also a trail from the site directly down to the river which is a plus," mentions Justin S. Several campgrounds feature creek access ideal for dogs needing to cool off.
Secluded tent sites: Privacy among trees. Many campers appreciate the separation between sites at Tallulah Gorge State Park, where Ashley C. found "a really sweet, quiet, clean campground. I was so pleased with the site we were on, site 13, was centrally located, relatively easy to back our trailer into, and a perfect partial shade site."
Cooler temperatures: Relief from summer heat. The elevation provides natural air conditioning. "The temperature here in the hot summer is outstanding... it's 15-20 degrees cooler than elsewhere in the state due to high elevation," shares Jenni P. This makes the area particularly popular for summer camping with pets that might struggle in hotter climates.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Plan communications accordingly. Most campgrounds have minimal or no reception. At Black Rock Mountain State Park, "There is no TV or cell service. I drive into Highlands, (about 4 miles) to get a cell signal," reports Tom C. Download maps and information before arriving.
Steep terrain: Challenging for some campers. Many sites require climbing steps or navigating uneven ground. "Some sites require climbing steps to reach from parking areas, an important consideration when traveling with dogs or pet supplies," notes one reviewer. At Oconee State Park, "Campsites are often uneven with alot of tree roots running throughout. It does require consideration before parking your trailer or RV."
Weather preparedness: Rapid changes possible. Mountain weather can shift quickly. "Just as we were finishing up our time here the sky opened up as it often does in this area and we made it to the car just in time," shares one camper about their waterfall visit. Pack rain gear even on sunny days.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Sliding rocks and swimming holes. Devils Fork State Park offers clear lake water perfect for families. "So much for family's to do here. We stopped by to check it out on our way to another site and wished they had a spot available. We will be booking this for another time. Water is so clear. Site is so clean," says Marlene V.
Wildlife education opportunities: Ranger programs available. Several parks offer guided nature walks and wildlife talks. "We were lucky enough to catch a raptor show there. The kids love this campground. They can ride their bikes around and they play all day long," explains Rick B. about his family's experience camping near Highlands.
Beginner-friendly hiking options: Short trails for little legs. Many campgrounds connect to trails suitable for children. "The campground's proximity to the hiking was about as close as you could get, and though we didn't make it to the beach, it was walkable distance as well," shares Ashley C., highlighting how accessible trails are for families with varying hiking abilities.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Plan for smaller rigs. Most campgrounds near Highlands accommodate smaller RVs and trailers rather than big rigs. At Keowee-Toxaway State Park, one camper notes, "This is a decent campground with a small RV loop and a handful of sites with water and electric." Larger vehicles may find access roads challenging.
Leveling requirements: Bring extra blocks. "It does require consideration before parking your trailer or RV," warns one reviewer about the uneven terrain typical of mountain campgrounds. Many RVers recommend bringing additional leveling equipment as mountain sites rarely offer perfectly flat parking spots.
Campsite selection strategy: Research before booking. For RVers with pets, selecting the right site matters. "Wonderful little campground that is well suited for tent camping, or if you have a small trailer like us - a Casita. Large campers and RVs will not fit," shares Darlene R. about her experience camping with a pet-friendly small trailer near Highlands.
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