10 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Eno River State Park Campground welcomes pets on primitive campsites accessible via hiking trails. All campsites require a 1-2 mile hike from parking areas, with dogs permitted throughout the trail system and camping areas. Leashed pets can accompany campers across the suspension bridge to the Fews Ford primitive sites, though owners should be prepared to pack in water for themselves and their animals. The campground features clean, well-spaced sites with fire rings and tent pads, though no picnic tables are provided at most locations. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area's Poplar Point and Crosswinds campgrounds also accommodate pets with spacious sites that include picnic tables and fire rings. The primitive sites at Eno River provide enough distance between neighboring campers for privacy while allowing dogs to enjoy the natural surroundings without disturbing others.
Multiple hiking trails near pet-friendly campsites allow dogs to explore alongside their owners, with the Mountain-to-Sea Trail section offering excellent walking opportunities. The Eno River flows near several campsites, providing water access for dogs to cool off during warmer months, though owners should bring containers to filter river water for drinking. Both Falls Lake Recreation Area campgrounds—Rolling View and Holly Point—permit pets with standard leash requirements and provide larger sites suitable for families camping with dogs. Most campsites near Hillsborough require advance reservations through park offices or recreation.gov, especially during peak seasons when pet-friendly sites fill quickly. The sound of the Eno River rapids creates peaceful background noise for both humans and pets, particularly at the Fanny's Ford sites where the water remains consistently clean enough for filtering.
"This is one of my favorite camping spots in the North Carolina triangle area. There is a tremendous amount of hiking and trails to do around here. "
"Love hiking here with the family and friends plenty of beautiful family and pet friendly trails."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $47 / night
"Tucked away and nestled off of 98 highway, Rolling View campground is a great, secluded spot."
"I spent a night in Shinleaf walk in campground in April as part of a backpacking trip along the Falls Lake MST trail, sections 8-12."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $77 / night
"Poplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina!"
"Poplar Point is located on the banks of the lake in the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $37 / night
"This area is such a short drive from the triangle area of North Carolina, yet this park feels quite remote. Like many state parks, this one excels in the services department. "
"Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve. "
Available this weekend
from $27 - $77 / night
"If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm peace & quiet that"
"The North Carolina State Park campgrounds are typically very nice, and this one is no exception. My site is adjacent to a large, clean, working bathhouse and a 2 minute walk from a swim beach."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $77 / night
"Super Walmart 5 miles away along with Dollar Tree, Chick-fil-A, Zaxbys, Arbys, McDonald’s and various other restaurants Easy access to/from Interstate 40
CON
Our itinerary only permitted us an"
from $45 - $50 / night
"It's very close to UNC Chapel Hill. The only downside is there is no bath house, but there is sewer and water at each site. Also, The Wi-Fi was super fast."
"The Wifi is excellent and, I believe, cell service is good for pretty much everyone since it's so close to the Triangle. There are no facilities/bathhouses."
"And whatever it is running around in the woods."
"Nearby road with some noise during the day but overall great place to camp. We have seen several people pull in for over nights but left the next day. Will be back."
"We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."
"Umstead is conveniently located in the heart of Raleigh, NC. It seems to be an outdoor oasis as you can get lost in the woods with the hustle and bustle of the city all around you."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $75 / night
"The campground is located on a private land, has a shelter, a fire pit, and a number of tent sites."
GuideStopped here after our fiasco with holly bluff. Beautiful campground with trees. Very quiet during the day and peaceful. The only thing we found curious was the vehicle in and right back out activity between 10:30-pm and 1am back and forth to campers that were long term stays. Made nighttime hard to sleep in site 3 with vehicles back and forth for hours .
GuideStayed in the C loop right on the water. Bathrooms are up the hill at the entrance to the loop. Sites along the lake aren’t private but are spacious.
ScoutLooking for a nice place for a camping getaway? We highly recommend checking out the Deep River Campground in Asheboro, NC. The location itself is beautiful. It is literally on the Deep River and features a hiking trail that runs along the river past the remnants of a historical damn, where a small area of rapids gently swirls around the big rocks spanning the river. There’s also a large lake with a nice grassy expanse for picnics, playing games or just lazing around lakeside. This campground has been around for a while, but it has new owners now and they are breathing some for real new life into the place. They have already made lots of repairs and improvements, and you can see more in progress. There are sites for RVs with all the hook-ups, and great primitive sites for tent camping, several located right on the river. If you don’t have an RV and sleeping on the ground doesn’t spark joy, they have a few small rustic but nicely-appointed cabins. You’ll find two pools, several covered picnic shelters, a playground for the small ones, and several options for older kids and adults to play, like a horseshoe pit and a nice game room. They also have planned activities like movie nights and weiner roasts most evenings to entertain and create community among campers. They are pet friendly and have their own pet mascots on site— a flock of ducks including beautifully colored teals and mallards. We were just there for 2 nights, but I have a good feeling we’ll be visiting there again soon. Definitely worth a visi
ScoutNew and clean rv campgrounds. 28 spots. Awesome camp host Ron.
GuideLike this campground. Was a tight fit with our 20 ft trailer but it is super quiet at night. Nearby road with some noise during the day but overall great place to camp. We have seen several people pull in for over nights but left the next day. Will be back. Also make sure you buy a NC hunting or fishing license before you camp here
GuideThe sites are very large, long and wider at the back, plenty of room for a big group or family. The bathrooms look new and they are clean. Here during the week so it's very empty and quiet.
TravelerWe visited Crosswinds campground at Jordan Lake State Park on the worst heatwave of the year. The great thing about this area is that the sites a well shaded. We were about 50 yards from the lake, with the wind blowing we still were comfortable all day. We stayed on Loop A, which is my favorite loop at the park. There’s no electricity or water at the sites. There are water spickets throughout the loop with potable water. The site is awesome! There’s a small pond beside it. The neighboring sites are close, but regular conversations can not be heard.this loop is always quiet even when there are a lot of people, but it’s never been full when I’m there. I didn’t do good with photos except for the food.
LegendArriving here to Holly Point Falls feels overwhelmingly relaxing as the pines embrace you with a welcome that will immediately remind you that you are out in pure nature here. The campgrounds here are thoughtfully laid out, with a mix of tent pads, RV-friendly sites and electric & water hookups at many loops. Sites vary in privacy, but most are generous in size with enough tree cover to make you feel like you’ve claimed your own little slice of wilderness. Bathhouses are clean and functional with the park staff keeping things tidy. Families and four-legged friends are welcome and the paved roads make getting in and out relatively stress-free. Larger rigs will want to pay attention when reserving, as some loops are tighter than others. Our boys simply loved this campground with its EZ access to Falls Lake, which was perfect for us to go fishing and kayaking in. We absolutely recommend Holly Point Campground at Falls Lake for any family looking to get as close to nature, without leaving civilization completely behind.
ScoutWe didn’t realize the campground was only open for hunting season. We showed up late at night in the end of July and saw it was roped off but decided to pitch our tent anyway and woke up with a State Trooper shining a flash light in our tent😂😭 He let us off, but we still had to pack up and find a hotel at 1am since there’s no other free camping that we knew of around the area.
It’s a sad day when you can’t just pitch a tent and sleep in the woods peacefully but it is what it is! Would come back during the legal season for sure though, the woods were really nice and cleared out.
The Hillsborough area offers convenient access to multiple camping options within a 30-mile radius, with most sites situated between 250-400 feet elevation. Falls Lake's 12,000 acres of water and Jordan Lake's 14,000 acres create diverse shoreline camping environments with typical summer highs around 90°F. Seasonal variations impact site availability, with most primitive areas operating year-round while developed campgrounds maintain limited winter schedules.
Hiking at varying difficulties: Umstead State Park provides multiple trails for different skill levels, with single-track paths connecting to larger sand and dirt routes. "There are multiple trails, for varying skill level. I have not yet camped here, but I've hiked on the trails," notes a visitor to William B. Umstead State Park Campground. Another camper adds, "The only bummer is the occasional airplane you will inevitably hear above you as the park is located right next to RDU international airport."
Swimming in natural quarries: Beyond river access, some parks offer unique swimming experiences in former quarries. "Great quarry for easy cliff jumping and swimming in the summertime. Campsites around also very solid," shares one visitor about Eno River State Park.
Long-distance trail hiking: The Mountains-to-Sea Trail passes through several camping areas, offering backpacking opportunities. A camper at MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping describes it as "a hidden gem for a MST hiker. The campground is located on a private land, has a shelter, a fire pit, and a number of tent sites. It's a hike in only campground, approximately 1 mile from the roadside parking on Red Mill Road."
Private campsites with water views: Many sites at Jordan Lake offer excellent privacy despite being in developed campgrounds. "Amazing spots for RVs on the water! There are TONS of spots that are right on the lake yet have plenty of trees for privacy. Each has a nice fire pit/grill and picnic table," mentions a reviewer at Poplar Point Campground.
Clean facilities in state parks: Despite being rustic, many campgrounds maintain high-quality facilities. A visitor to Holly Point notes, "Bathhouses were super clean. And we were a short walk to the lake to fish and hang out near the water."
Varied terrain for different camping styles: From flat sites for easy tent setup to more rugged experiences, the area offers diversity. "We love the trails. The sites are always clean. The primitive sites are spaces far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude. Piper Creek is our favorite. Flat and easy 1.2 mile hike in along the river," says one Eno River camper.
Seasonal flood risks: Some sites may experience drainage issues after rain. A camper at Crosswinds Campground reported, "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry."
Reservation requirements vary by season: Most sites require advance booking during peak periods (April-October), while off-season may offer more flexibility. "This park is divided into at least three sections, and to get to the primitive camping areas, you have to backpack in. The only facilities are pit toilets with no showers or running water," explains one Eno River camper about facility differences.
Limited cell service in primitive areas: While developed campgrounds typically have good coverage, backcountry sites may have spotty service. At Butner Lake WMA, a camper noted, "Very easy to get too, right off interstate. very primitive but you have a decent signal if you need to park and get work done."
Beach access considerations: Some campgrounds offer direct beach access that's ideal for children. At Falls Lake, a visitor reports, "Loved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy."
Educational opportunities: Several parks provide ranger-led programs. "We loved the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean," shares a visitor about their experience at Eno River State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to see local wildlife safely. "Deer walked right behind our site," mentions a camper at Rolling View, while another adds, "We love seeing the wildlife."
Site drainage matters: Choose elevated sites during rainy seasons. A visitor to Jordan Lake noted, "Like the way the campsites take advantage of the rolling terrain. Campsites are roomy. Lots of shade. We had a substantial deluge while there, and the water drained just fine."
Access road considerations: Some parks have challenging entrances for larger rigs. At Butner Lake WMA, a camper warns, "This is a small road and if you had a camper of any size it would take you a while to turn around. Very few places. This is a place to pitch a tent or to Car Camp."
Hookup availability varies widely: While most developed campgrounds offer water and electric, sewer connections are rare. "This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so. Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station," explains a visitor to Crosswinds Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hillsborough, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hillsborough, NC is Eno River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hillsborough, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 58 dog-friendly camping locations near Hillsborough, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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