Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hillsborough, NC
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.
