R
Robert D.
Ranger
RangerCamp Julia
Beautiful scenery
This is a newer campground. It has a stocked pond with beautiful woods surrounding it.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Wingate, NC
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Cane Creek Park provides designated pet-friendly sites across its expansive camping area near Wingate. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the campground, with pets welcome at tent sites, RV spots, and select cabins. Campground staff regularly patrol the grounds, creating a safe environment for pets and their owners. The park features multiple trails suitable for dog walking along the lake shoreline, with access to water where dogs can cool off during warmer months. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Wingate, North Carolina. Restroom facilities are well-maintained and accessible from pet-friendly sites, and the campground enforces quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances. McDowell Nature Preserve and Morrow Mountain State Park also accept pets at their campgrounds, with similar leash requirements and access to hiking trails.
Lakeside trails at Cane Creek provide excellent opportunities for exercising dogs, with multiple paths winding through wooded areas and along the water. The nearby day-use area includes additional trails and recreational facilities. Several reviewers note the campground's cleanliness and well-maintained grounds make it ideal for camping with pets. During summer months, early morning walks are recommended to avoid heat, with shaded campsites providing relief from midday temperatures. Local wildlife occasionally appears on trails, so keeping dogs leashed protects both pets and native animals. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort and Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA offer alternative pet-friendly camping options within driving distance of Wingate, each with their own pet amenities and policies. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for hiking with dogs on maintained trails with water access points.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Wingate (56)
1. Cane Creek Park
"Fishing is typically outstanding for bass, cats, crappie, and carp. Equestrian trails are everywhere and are good for hiking, a few trails are a bit rough for bicycles though"
"A few of the trails are right on the lake and the dogs love to hop in and cool off. I load up my kayak once a month or so and paddle around the lake for hours."
2. Coble's Landing
"ATV/Walking trails. Picnic tables, porta johns and nature. A small lake where you can fish, It is Peaceful here. There is a gun range nearby so while your here you can get in some practice shooting."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $25 / night
3. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground
"C loop, felt like the smallest loop and really close to the entry hiking trail. We've stayed in both A and C. C loop, site 48, is where we stayed this trip. Its a good site."
"In addition to the nearby lake, there is a pool you can take the kids to. This is very dog friendly. Not too much traffic for the kids either. I have seen a rattle snake!!"
15 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $17 - $107 / night
4. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort
"The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."
"The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."
5. Norwood Campground
"The pool doesn’t have normal steps that you walk down into the pool on, they only have the ladder steps which make it a little tricky getting in with a small child."
"Lot of hiking paths which our dog loved. Owners were very nice to deal with. Although we did not do much they have a fishing pond, a very nice kids playground."
Check Availabilityfrom $42 - $70 / night
6. Badin Lake Campground
"Lots to do.... hiking, ride bicycle, fishing and off road or just relax and take in the beautiful surroundings! P.s. Dogs are welcome!"
"Awesome location, very remote and the sites are Huge so no need to worry about a neighbor being close. I stayed at site 11 easy access to the water and great views."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $40 / night
7. Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
"We live nearby so this is a nice little place to camp at. Nice sites, close to places to eat. Bathhouse was clean and well kept."
"This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"
8. Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA
"We came here to do some trailer maintenance and because it is very close to home. We were not expecting it to be a great camping experience, but we’re pleasantly surprised!"
"Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig. We could have fit a couple more vehicles if we had them. In addition there is a fuel station out front."
Check Availabilityfrom $62 / night
9. Arrowhead Campground
"Arrowhead Campground has had a bigger budget compared to its lesser sibling Badin Lake Campground. "
"The campsites do not offer a view of the water of Badin Lake, but it is nearby with a drive or hike. "
3 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $54 / night
10. Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway
"Campground is huge & within walking distance of the raceway. Camping world is across the street if you forgot anything! Win!"
"While that may not sound appealing to some, race fans will love it because it is so close to all the racing action of the Charlotte Motor Speedway."
Drive Time
- 28 min from Charlotte, NC
- 1 hr 34 min from Columbia, SC
- 1 hr 34 min from Florence, SC
- 1 hr 50 min from Sumter, SC
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Wingate, NC
54 Photos of 56 Wingate Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Wingate, NC
391 Reviews of 56 Wingate Campgrounds
- RRobert D.Ranger
Camp Julia
Peaceful
This is a newer campground. It is peaceful.
- RRobert D.Ranger
Cane Creek Park
Feels like a home.
When I’m traveling through the area, I do my best to stay here. It is a peaceful and well kept campground. It is an adult and a kid friendly environment. It’s one of the few places you can feel safe. I highly recommend this place.
Jean H.
TravelerCamp Henning at Ellerbe Springs
Horror of Horrors
This property should not be advertised. It was next to a cow pasture and the flies were horrible. We could not even get out of our van. The other trailers there were obviously long term and not well maintained. The inn had n the property was dilapidated and closed. Nothing in the description was anything like our experience. We decided to leave after seeing the condition of everything. Real bad.
- RRobert D.Ranger
High Rock Lake Marina and Campground
Like watching water boil
Was a monthly Camper when I came in to the campground. Nobody was cleaning the men’s room. No one was trying to collect the fall leaves. This is an old run down campground. I cleaned the men’s room for free because there was no staff to clean. I regret helping the owner for free on multiple occasions.
Justyne D.TravelerDispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail
Large group sites surrounded by OHV activities
This is/was marked as dispersed camping but this is primarily an OHV area, with a shooting range nearby that can be heard from some campsites. Most, if not all, of the campsites are intended to be large group sites. The empty site we found was filled with trash, discarded tents, air mattresses, and trashed electronics from OHVs. There's so much trash we would not even be able to take it all out with us if we wanted to. This may be a national forest, but it is not peace and quiet as one would expect from "dispersed and primitive" camping.
- Jeff B.
GuideArt Lilley Campground
Loved the trail to it. Not the quietest place though.
There was other people camping and running their generators all night. Some low lifers on ATV blasted in and out of the parking area and blasting music at 2 am. Good luck getting any sleep here. But enjoyed the trail to it and the forest. Got at least 2 hours of sleep before I packed up.
Luis L.
ScoutDispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail
Decent location
The spots are alright but first night got ate up by ants so hadda move and the other spots are good but have no shade and no signal and not mutch to take pictures of so if you wanna have some survival type camping this is a great location.
Nancy W.
LegendCamping World Charlotte Motor Speedway
Gravel parking lot, close to racing events.
This campground is essentially an expansive gravel parking lot made for RVs. While that may not sound appealing to some, race fans will love it because it is so close to all the racing action of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. We camped in the M section which is near the main road. There is a bit of road noise but it didn’t bother us because our RV has good sound protection and the road was quiet at night. We don’t like being right on top of other campers and since most people don’t want to be near the road, this worked in our favor. If you have Good Sam, there is a discount which is a pretty good deal for 50 amps, full hook-up site. Despite our site being close to the office, the wifi never worked well and we gave up opting for our Verizon hotspot. There is no cable but our over-the-air antenna worked well (35+ channels) and you would not have any trouble getting satellite reception. There are no trees for shade and we were glad the highs were only in the 70’s when we were there. The large sized gravel is nice to keep the dust down and not make this nasty when it rains but don’t even think about going barefoot on it. Even our dog was apprehensive and tender footed when she walked across it. There is not much for kids to do here– just a small playground. The laundry is located at the office but the only bathhouse is far away from the front of the campground. If you need the bathhouse you are going to want to be in the P, Q, or R sections of else you will have to walk pretty far. Garbage is picked up at your site but when we were there, it often sat for a day or two. The campground was probably only at ¼ capacity and the one dumpster was overflowing. Can’t imagine what they do during busy racing weekends. There is a free food pantry so if you have any canned goods or other items you want to share. For race fans, this is a great campground because you are within walking distance of the Carolina Motor Speedway and the associated dirt track and drag racing track. For $30 you can take a tour of all the race facilities and I highly recommend it.
Guide to Wingate
Cane Creek Park offers accommodations for pets at various campsites near Wingate, North Carolina. The park features a well-maintained campground with tent sites, RV spots and cabin options within a 40-minute drive of Wingate. Water access is available at several points around the 350-acre lake, providing recreation opportunities beyond the designated swimming areas that operate seasonally.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: McDowell Nature Preserve provides access to Lake Wylie where campers can fish from shore or bring small watercraft. "We have been to this park before for fishing in different areas and have really enjoyed ourselves," notes Michelle L., who visited with her family.
Kayaking and canoeing: Morrow Mountain State Park Campground offers boat rentals for water activities. "They offer canoe and row boat rentals, they have a swimming pool that is open after Memorial Day. They also have a museum you can check out during the day," shares Jen P., who camped there with family.
Hiking trails: The trail system at Badin Lake Campground includes routes suitable for all skill levels. "The lake loop trail crosses the main campground roadway between the two loops. This trail is relatively flat and meanders around the lake and its many fingers...offering lovely lake views and some nice fishing locations," describes Dave V.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cane Creek Park maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "The campground is clean and well-maintained. The bathhouse is in good shape and clean. I will come back when I'm in this area," reports Robert D., who stayed for nine days.
Free activities: Families appreciate the no-cost recreation options at Cane Creek Park. "The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there," explains Sarah B., who visits regularly for week-long stays.
Private camping spots: Norwood Campground offers spacious sites with natural separation. "Spacious lots in a wooded setting, includes a pool, walking trails, and access to Lake Tillery. Ice and firewood available onsite," mentions Cory A., who appreciated the quiet atmosphere.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. At Badin Lake Campground, "I would advise securing online reservations, but they do have an Iron Ranger to drop your payment in should you find an empty site," advises Dave V., adding that "online reservations take precedence."
Alcohol policies: Rules vary between campgrounds. Julie P. notes that at Cane Creek Park, "No alcohol permitted," while other campgrounds in the area allow alcohol consumption at campsites.
Seasonal limitations: Some amenities operate on restricted schedules. "During summer months, early morning walks are recommended to avoid heat," and swimming areas at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground may have limited hours compared to peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Norwood Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Great playground, pool and relaxing time!" shares C R., who visited with family, noting the variety of activities for children of all ages.
Safety considerations: McDowell Nature Preserve provides secure camping with regular patrols. "The camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe," Ryan B. mentions about his recent stay, adding reassurance for families with children.
Holiday activities: Cane Creek Park offers special events during holidays. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast," according to Sarah B., who visits regularly with her family.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Morrow Mountain State Park, site selection can impact your experience. "If you end up in a crap site you might drop those 4 stars to 3. Its going to be impossible to determine a great site from a bad without going there," advises Jennifer R., suggesting careful research before booking.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable setup. At McDowell Nature Preserve, Kathy L. noted, "There aren't many sites for RVs and some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks."
Full hookup options: Several campgrounds offer complete services for RVs. Norwood Campground provides "spacious lots in a wooded setting" with full hookups, according to Cory A., making it suitable for longer stays with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Wingate, NC?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wingate, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wingate, NC is Cane Creek Park with a 4.4-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Wingate, NC?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wingate, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 56 dog-friendly camping locations near Wingate, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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