Dog-Friendly Camping near Jonas Ridge, NC

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    Linville Falls Campground welcomes leashed dogs throughout the grounds with no additional pet fee. The pet-friendly sites range from tent pads with fireflies lighting up the night sky to RV spots with full hookups and picnic tables. Spacious Skies Bear Den also offers pet-friendly camping options with cabin accommodations for those traveling with dogs. Most campgrounds in the area maintain a strict leashed dog policy on hiking trails and in camping areas, with some sites featuring designated pet waste stations. Bathhouses and common areas typically remain pet-free zones except for service animals. The campgrounds near Jonas Ridge offer both wooded and open-field sites where many visitors enjoy evening walks with their pets along designated paths. Both primitive camping and established campgrounds provide options for dog owners seeking outdoor adventures.

    The dog-friendly trails around Linville Falls and Linville Gorge Wilderness area provide excellent hiking opportunities for campers with pets. Leashed dogs are permitted on the Falls Trail (1.6 miles round trip), while the more strenuous Gorge Trail (1.4 miles) allows dogs but requires careful management on the rocky terrain. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway offers multiple access points to scenic overlooks and trails that accommodate pets. Campers should be prepared for variable mountain weather, as tent sites can experience below freezing temperatures even in late spring. Wildlife encounters are possible, so proper food storage in bear lockers or vehicles is essential when camping with pets. Local stores in Linville Falls and Newland provide pet supplies and basic necessities, though bringing extra pet food and water is recommended for dispersed camping areas that lack potable water sources.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Jonas Ridge (249)

      1. Spacious Skies Bear Den

      4.7(51)7mi from Jonas Ridge124 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."

      "Many hiking trails. Pets are allowed here also which is a great plus. Friendly staff who can't do enough for you if needed & small camp store on property."

      from $24 - $999 / night

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      2. Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

      4.1(28)2mi from Jonas Ridge66 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center."

      "There are cabins, RV spots and tent sites all with access to newly renovated restrooms and coin operated laundry."

      from $30 - $45 / night

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      3. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

      4.6(49)15mi from Jonas Ridge194 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."

      "Some RV sites are on the edge of the road. Clean restrooms and showers. Great hiking trails nearby beginning in the campground. Dog friendly. If you have a National park pass you get a discount."

      from $30 / night

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      4. Roan Mountain State Park Campground

      4.6(50)17mi from Jonas RidgeRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "I camped here over the weekend with a friend and our dogs. We were in campsite 62. Our loop was very private and shaded. The only negative point was the street light right across from us."

      "Fire pits you had to walk up to but were away from tents, which I liked. Bathhouse was clean, well lit, pretty warm showers. Campground was very clean and has a lot of amenities."

      from $14 - $54 / night

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      5. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

      4.4(25)12mi from Jonas Ridge

      "This was our first stop on our first trip to North Carolina and now we don’t want to leave!"

      "The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am)."

      6. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

      4.2(13)3mi from Jonas Ridge

      "Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It’s a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester. I camped here in December 2020 and didn’t see anyone else."

      "We often camp in and around the Linville Gorge area, mostly in the primitive campsites down in the Gorge on Linville River. We stayed before Hurricane Helene but haven't been back since then."

      7. Grandfather Campground

      4.1(24)13mi from Jonas RidgeRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The campsite is always clean and friendly staff are there ready to answer questions on where to hike, eat and about the wildlife that's in this area of Western North Carolina."

      "The positives: Location: very close to Grandfather Mountain entrance and BRP. There are plenty of stores, restaurants, antiques nearby too."

      from $35 - $42 / night

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      8. Mountain River Family Campground

      4.8(11)7mi from Jonas RidgeRVs

      "These prices are steep for tent camping, but include 2 adults, kids and pets.  Additional adults come with a fee, but we were happy the kids were included. "

      "Pet friendly!"

      9. Table Rock Campsites (Linville Gorge Wilderness)

      4.6(10)6mi from Jonas RidgeRVs, Tents

      "To get to the dispersed camping area at Table Rock, you have to drive a long, winding road. It is a designated wilderness area, and most of the roads are not well-maintained."

      "Be sure to have 4WD (preferably a off-roading vehicle) to make it up some parts of the road.
      The spot was massive and could easily fit 5+ vehicles and sleep 20 comfortably."

      10. Steele Creek Park & Campground

      4.1(13)9mi from Jonas RidgeRVs, Glamping

      "Plenty of room in spots for pets and children. We had a blast with out 3 year old daughter and our standard poodle."

      "There are primitive campsites for those who only want to “rough it”, sites indicated for tent or pop-up with water and electricity, 30 amp and 50 amp sites. a large portion of the sites are located directly"

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Jonas Ridge, NC

    1396 Reviews of 249 Jonas Ridge Campgrounds


    • C
      Mar. 29, 2023

      Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat

      Adult and Dog campground wonder

      From the moment we arrived at the campground the manager "Larry"  ( a workamper) signed us in, show us our site on Wagging Tail Dr.  We arrived on their opening weekend the Owners provided BBQ meal and live music "Jose Wales" band.   It was a wonderful time.  As for the "Dog Retreat part - 18 acres of wonder open areas fenced in to keep you furry friends from running away, there is agility park, puppy park, the main dog park, a private park (single or you can invite), a Lure run, a Ball Park, and a Pond for those watery dogs.

      Price for Fire wood - a little expensive and 10 lbs of Ice was reasonable.  There are fully fenced sites, a couple of sites with a fenced area.  The larges rig I saw in there was a Solitude at  38 ft.

      Over all, if you want the peace and quiet in the North Carolina foot hills with your furry friend and have a good time.  This is the place to be.

      One other note:  It is the only park in NC that is a dedicated dog campground.

    • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 1, 2019

      Table Rock Campsites (Linville Gorge Wilderness)

      Campsites in the Grand Canyon of the East

      To get to the dispersed camping area at Table Rock, you have to drive a long, winding road. It is a designated wilderness area, and most of the roads are not well-maintained. Access is not easy, and it is rough on your vehicle. If you know anything about Linville Gorge Wilderness, you know that the views are unparalleled. When you get to the camping area, it doesn’t seem like much, and you have to take everything in because you cannot park at the campsites. We were lucky enough to get one within a hundred yards from where we parked. This is a wilderness area, and there are no amenities. You have to pack in everything. The only things at the campsites are fire rings. However, we had a tremendous view overlooking the town of Marion and Lake James from our site. We looked at other campsites, but the one we chose couldn’t have been more perfect. Other than cooking and sleeping, you will not want to spend a whole lot of time at the campsite because of the trails and the views, unless you just want to relax in a chair and enjoy the view. The night we spent at the campsite, we were caught unprepared in more ways than one. We had spent most of the day hiking and taking photos and were caught in a thunderstorm. We also didn’t take time to look for firewood, and most of it was wet anyway. Our fire was small and didn’t last very long, but that didn’t matter since we had had a fantastic day of photography. We ended up eating a cold supper. If you go, make sure you gather wood during daylight hours or take your own firewood, although taking your own firewood means taking kiln-dried wood wrapped in plastic. If you go hiking along Jonas Ridge(I think that’s the name of it), you can get great views of Linville Gorge and Table Rock. The trail is not easy, and the rocky cliffs can be dangerous. However, the hike is well worth it because of the natural beauty.

    • Kelly R.
      Feb. 23, 2021

      Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat

      Awesome for dogs and people!

      We camped here back in August and had a blast! We brought our two dogs and they also had a great time. This site is very dog friendly (obviously), with many sites having their own fenced in yards. We opted for a site without a fence, which we regretted once we got there. The gravel at our site was painful for our dog’s feet and they had a hard time walking on it. The dog parks made up for this! There are multiple large dog parks located at the campground. The restrooms were awesome, but are single person use only. We felt like we were the only ones using them (that’s how well maintained they were). Campsites are close together but we didn’t mind. The staff was great, they helped us find our site and even helped us back our camper in. There was power and water hookup at each site. There is tons of stuff to do around the area too. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are right around the corner and SO FUN.

    • Kirsten J.
      Jun. 4, 2019

      Mountain River Family Campground

      Pristine, friendly, communal, peaceful campground on the river!

      This campground was pristine - from the moment we turned the corner, until the moment we left!  

      We met Kimberly within seconds of pulling on the property.  She was incredibly kind and made us feel at home immediately.  As tent campers, she told us our best choices were a 30 amp site on the river ($50) or a 30-amp site off the river ($44).  These prices are steep for tent camping, but include 2 adults, kids and pets.  Additional adults come with a fee, but we were happy the kids were included.  Not only were the pets included, but they have a dog park area that they can run free and stretch their legs!  

      We came into the cute little office where Kimberly gave us a campground map (which was painted by a resident camper glass blower) and told us about her property. Several items were on sale inside the store, including many shirts, sweatshirts, hats, etc. They also sell kids fishing poles, stickers and even a fresh coffee cup machine.  They have recently renovated the bathhouse (wait until you see it!) they have a library with books and games, an outdoor sink to wash dishes etc. and even a laundry room that operates on the honor system.  How great is that!  I thought it was wonderful that we could wash a wet sleeping bag or a quick load of stinky hiking clothes if necessary!  Kimberly explained that they have a pretty good mix of short and long term campers (primarily RV's) and even a cute little cabin that can be rented.  

      Kimberly said that they choose not to allow on-line bookings to maintain the atmosphere that they desire.  You can call, or submit a request, but they want to have a conversation with you before booking.  The campground was calm, friendly and so so clean.  Campers were friendly, the campground host was as kind as could be, and so proud about her new bathrooms.  (See below).  This is the kind of campground we would feel good about our kids biking around in the evening as they chase fire flies and meet new friends!  

      The campground was located on the river, but the slope was challenging from several sites.  With kiddos, I may prefer a site closer to the road because it was nearly a flat walk out to the river.  We will surely be back!

    • Pat B.
      Aug. 5, 2021

      Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

      Not quite great for a senior

      Great and clean unless you have a very active dog and you're sorta out of shape. Their dog park extremely small and hilly and has holes you need to watch. The yellow jackets were terrible and I got stung while just sitting at our site. Also a hike to take garbage to their dumpster. Some sort of pickup or maybe bear proof cans half way point, also more flat area for dog walks. If they would take in some of the area around the horse shoe area that would help too .

    • D
      Nov. 1, 2021

      Lakeview RV Resort

      Clean and well maintained, friendly staff

      Campground sites are a bit close together but it is well maintained and has friendly staff.  Wifi works well.  Nice dog park.

    • Riley R.
      May. 29, 2019

      Down by the River Campground - 55+

      Everything you need in a campground

      I’m not even sure you can call this a campground! A majority of those staying here were in top of the line campers. It truly felt like a community. There are two bath houses, a dog park, an activity center, and a river flowing behind the sites. It was beautiful and had a cheery atmosphere. They even had WiFi! I was definitely spoiled here.

    • Katrin M.
      Aug. 26, 2018

      Wagoner — New River State Park

      Beautiful campground.

      We camped at the Wagoner access with our dogs over the weekend. The campground is very beautiful. You have to walk in but the park provides little carts and wheelbarrows. The sites and the bathhouse are very well maintained. The park host, Tom Keller, was just fantastic. Really helpful and super nice. There are also 2 beautiful hiking trails starting at the campground. I would definitely camp here again even if I have to say there are much more scenic places in this part of North Carolina.

    • Jennifer  J.
      Aug. 17, 2020

      Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

      Loved it!

      Great campground! We are tent campers and loved our time here! There are A LOT of spots in a small area. That would be my only complaint if you want to call it that. The campgrounds clean and the owners are super nice and helpful. We have a dog and love the dog park! The bathrooms are very clean and nice! I would definitely recommend this campground!


    Guide to Jonas Ridge

    Dispersed camping opportunities near Jonas Ridge, North Carolina span several areas of Pisgah National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 feet. Winter temperatures in this region can drop below freezing even when valley locations remain mild, requiring proper cold-weather gear for overnight stays. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains offer numerous free primitive camping options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities.

    What to do

    Hike to waterfalls: The trail to Linville Falls offers a moderate hike with several viewing platforms. "Very clean, great place for families, close to many lookouts, waterfalls, and hikes," notes a visitor at Spacious Skies Bear Den.

    Fly fishing opportunities: Several creeks and rivers provide trout fishing opportunities without crowds. "Doe River runs through so fly fishing is available. Husband did catch a rainbow trout near group tent sites. Several small brookies near the history center," reports a camper at Roan Mountain State Park Campground.

    Stargazing: Clear mountain nights offer exceptional star-viewing. "The last night was beautiful and the stars were incredible," writes a camper who stayed at Table Rock Campsites. The higher elevation sites provide less light pollution for night sky viewing.

    What campers like

    Creek-side sites: Camping spots along waterways offer natural white noise and recreation. "Our site backed up to the creek which was amazing! We went in the fall so all the activities were done for the year," shares a visitor at Steele Creek Park & Campground.

    Mountain views: Many campsites offer scenic vistas without hiking. "The views were incredible!! Love the size of the sites and ease to get to them," notes a camper at Linville Falls Campground.

    Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer natural separation. "The upper numbered sites on the hillside are very private compared to most campgrounds. We have really enjoyed our stay in this beautiful place," writes a visitor about Roan Mountain State Park.

    What you should know

    Access roads: Many dispersed camping areas require vehicles that can handle rough terrain. "You definitely need to be a confident driver if you do that though," advises a solo camper at Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping who navigated the road in a sedan.

    Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes quickly and can be significantly colder than surrounding areas. "Campsites have good privacy and is quiet most hours. All have easy access, but bathrooms are small for number of campers," reports a camper at Julian Price Park.

    Permit requirements: Weekend camping in peak season at some locations requires permits. "You'll need to get a permit from the Grandfather Ranger District if camping in peak season on the weekend (check their website for dates)," advises a visitor to Table Rock Campsites.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. "The campgrounds clean and the owners are super nice. We have a dog and love the dog park! The bathrooms are very clean and nice!" notes a visitor to Mountain River Family Campground.

    Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature water recreation spots. "The water was clear with a small beach. Friends of my went and paddled the Wilson Gorge close by. Tubed down the river, just plenty to do for a weekend trip," shares a camper at Steele Creek Park.

    Cabin options: For families new to pet friendly camping near Jonas Ridge, North Carolina, cabins provide comfort. "We were in a 'Cozy Cabin'. They are bigger than they look in the picture. There is a countertop next to the front door and plenty of room for all of our gear," explains a visitor at Spacious Skies Bear Den.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection: Certain sites offer better setups for larger vehicles. "We stayed at site 9, one of the only pull-through sites. We had water and electric and some sites have FHU," recommends an RVer at Roan Mountain State Park.

    Seasonal considerations: RV campers should plan for mountain weather variables. "In late July it was cool in the evenings. Some of the fire rings have 'flip over' grills which were super convenient," notes a camper at Grandfather Campground.

    Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer various levels of service. "The sites are lightly wooded. There is a store on property that has things you may have forgotten and a grill," shares a visitor to Steele Creek Park who appreciated the conveniences.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Jonas Ridge, NC is Spacious Skies Bear Den with a 4.7-star rating from 51 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 249 dog-friendly camping locations near Jonas Ridge, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.