Top Dog Friendly Camping near Matthews, NC

Looking for the ultimate pet-friendly camping experience near Matthews? Find the best information on pet-friendly camping near Matthews, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Matthews's most popular destinations.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Matthews, NC (68)

    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve

    1.

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    27 Reviews
    85 Photos
    248 Saves
    Lake Wylie, South Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park

    2.

    Cane Creek Park

    23 Reviews
    45 Photos
    138 Saves
    Mineral Springs, North Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    3.

    Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    16 Reviews
    26 Photos
    71 Saves
    Pineville, North Carolina

    Whatever your lodging needs, this Carowinds camp wilderness delivers. Cabins sleep up to 8, and level sites with full hookups easily accommodate both pop-ups and RVs up to 45 feet. Need to house a large group? Great Wilderness Lodge sleeps 14 and offers a large meeting area, equipped kitchen, three bathrooms, and a wraparound, rocking-chair porch.

    Everyone will find their own way to unwind with a swimming pool, cornhole, pool table, video games, shuffleboard and free wireless internet in many places. What’s more, registered Camp Wilderness guests can purchase discounted tickets and free shuttle service to the park during park operating days.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Ebenezer Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ebenezer Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ebenezer Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ebenezer Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ebenezer Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ebenezer Park Campground

    4.

    Ebenezer Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    25 Photos
    212 Saves
    Rock Hill, South Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    5.

    Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    44 Reviews
    85 Photos
    84 Saves
    Kings Mountain, North Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $13 - $31 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Jackson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Jackson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Jackson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Jackson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Jackson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Andrew Jackson State Park Campground

    6.

    Andrew Jackson State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    37 Photos
    50 Saves
    Lancaster, South Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    8.

    Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    11 Reviews
    19 Photos
    31 Saves
    Fort Mill, South Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $62 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Norman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Norman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Norman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Norman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Norman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Norman State Park Campground

    9.

    Lake Norman State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    70 Photos
    280 Saves
    Troutman, North Carolina

    Lake Norman State Park, on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, boasts one of the region’s more popular mountain biking network, offering 30.5 miles of single-track trail. Nearby are a 125-yard-long swim beach and bathhouse complex as well as a boat ramp and opportunities for fishing from spots along park trails. Lake Norman campground with 32-sites and a group campground are available during warm-weather months, and a community building with kitchen facilities, restrooms and fireplace can be rented for family and group events year round. Free interpretive programs are complemented by educational exhibits throughout the visitor center and along the child-friendly Dragonfly Trail.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $26 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Badin Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Badin Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Badin Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Badin Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Badin Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Badin Lake Campground

    10.

    Badin Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    112 Photos
    278 Saves
    Badin, North Carolina

    Overview

    Badin Lake Campground borders the lakeshore and sits within a shaded forest, offering a year-round retreat for swimmers, boaters and anglers in central North Carolina's Uwharrie National Forest. Badin Lake Recreation Area is a hub for the area's outdoor activities, and the campground offers spacious, waterfront sites for both RV and tent campers.

    Recreation

    Badin Lake Recreation Area offers many ways for campers to enjoy the lake. Popular activities include picnicking on the shore or swimming, boating or fishing for bass, bream, crappie and catfish on the water. Anglers and boaters have the convenience of a boat ramp 2 miles from the campground. About 40 miles of non-motorized trails are available for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking, as well as 17 miles of motorized trails for off-road vehicle riding. The surrounding land offers both big and small game hunting.

    Facilities

    Badin Lake Recreation Area offers many ways for campers to enjoy the lake. Popular activities include picnicking on the shore or swimming, boating or fishing for bass, bream, crappie and catfish on the water. Anglers and boaters have the convenience of a boat ramp 2 miles from the campground. About 40 miles of non-motorized trails are available for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking, as well as 17 miles of motorized trails for off-road vehicle riding. The surrounding land offers both big and small game hunting.

    Natural Features

    The campground lies in a dense forest of pines and hardwoods near the shore of 5,000-acre Badin Lake. Winter temperatures range from the low 30s to upper 50s, while summer brings temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s and high humidity. The weather is pleasant in spring and fall, with high temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

    Nearby Attractions

    A theme park with a petting zoo, nature center and mini golf course lies just under an hour away and makes a fun day trip for families.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 68 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews In Matthews

462 Reviews of 68 Matthews Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Canebrake Horse Camp
    August 30, 2024

    Canebrake Horse Camp

    Love it!

    I was there alone and had the whole campsite to myself. The camp host was so kind. He always made sure me, my horses and my grandson were comfortable and safe!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dan Nicholas Park
    August 18, 2024

    Dan Nicholas Park

    Decent campground. Needs work, nothing to do.

    We went to Dan Nicholas Park earlier this year (around the spring time) and it was decent. Staff was nice, our campground was set up well, we had no noise problems and the campground was pretty much close to a bathhouse. However the one complaint is that the advertisement of this park— being that you can go to their attractions, is kind of faltered out. Nobody works at the park anymore, everything’s kind of closed— and what isn’t closed due to no work is under renovation. Nice place for younger kids! Not for teens. However all together a cheap and decent park! Stayed for 3 nights and 4 days with 2 sites for only 120 dollars, so a good deal. I would recommend for family camping trips as it’s nicely snuggled in Salisbury NC and an all around friendly campground. The bonus is it’s gated!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Badin Lake Campground
    June 1, 2024

    Badin Lake Campground

    Cheap campsite with a lot to offer

    For only $20 you get so much. They have really nice established spots with great views of the lake, a very long trail to walk, nice clean bathrooms, and a shower for only $3. The lake is swimmable from any point and you have use of the entire campgrounds area except other direct sites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Camping By the Creek
    May 28, 2024

    Primitive Camping By the Creek

    Close and secluded

    My daughter and I decided to camp at the last minute. This place was close to the interstate but still very secluded. Plenty of firewood and next to a creek. I highly recommend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Campground
    May 25, 2024

    Arrowhead Campground

    Small and peaceful under the trees!

    We spent 2 nights here with our Storyteller Mode LT RV nestled in the Uwharrie National Forest. The campsites do not offer a view of the water of Badin Lake, but it is nearby with a drive or hike.  Many sites are available with electric hook-up, and drinking water is available at nearby locations.  Many of the sites are not very level so choose carefully.  The campground is very quiet and clean.  The drive-in offers beautiful rolling countryside with low foothills.   Nearby we took advantage of an off-road driver training course with OEX, Overland Experts.

  • Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    May 24, 2024

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    Safe Gated Campground

    Campground is guarded by two gates and I saw the police patrol around a few times after hours. The spots are very close to each other but that didn’t bother me. I chose spot D16 which is the only camping spot with a bit of an uphill ramp from the car to the camp spot. The rest lie flat. Didn’t help that I have a tent that attaches to my car so it made that difficult.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wateree State Park Campground
    May 12, 2024

    Lake Wateree State Park Campground

    Our Favorite Getaway

    This is one of our favorite spots! We can boat, fish, ride our golf cart, hang out by the fire and just enjoy the moment. It also has wonderful handicap accommodations. Hands down one of our favorites!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Iron City Campground, Inc.
    May 9, 2024

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    They have added to already beautiful campground

    This is our favorite getaway from Charlotte, NC. Level lots, nice pool, enclosed dog lot, clean bathhouse, clean laundry room & activities. As of April 2024 they have added a nice playground. Lisa is the best host.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina
    May 4, 2024

    Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina

    Just Right

    This location has 2 RV lots. Riverside is heavily wooded which provides a ton of shade on the hot summer days. Taylor Creek is newer with less trees providing lots of open space and great for Solar regeneration. Both sites are very clean and well maintained. Just a short walk to the lake.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cross Winds Family Campground
    April 30, 2024

    Cross Winds Family Campground

    Great campground!

    Easy and close to route 85. Very quiet campground! Definitely not a parking lot. Very woodsy and very well kept. Clean bathroom and laundry room. Also propane available.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Iron City Campground, Inc.
    April 8, 2024

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    Getting better & better

    Our favorite for weekend getaway. Clean and well kept. Owners are fantastic. They have upgraded playground. Dog park is so nice to have on site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Badin Lake Campground
    April 2, 2024

    Badin Lake Campground

    Quick beautiful stay!

    Another quick one night stay but it was beautiful! We arrived just in time to watch the sunset over the water between the trees!

    Since I booked last minute I was only able to get an inner loop site but I can't wait to come back and get a site on the water, specifically 9, 11 or 13! Even if you do not have a water front spot there were still ways to access the water and a fishing pier.

    The bathrooms and showers were all individual stalls and decently overall clean.

    The drive in is a bit long and bumpy but beautiful!

    Highly recommend spending multiple nights here if possible.

  • Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    March 24, 2024

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    Crowded but cool

    Took my gf here to one of the walk-in sites for her first time camping. I love that it's so close to the city but still so beautiful! It did feel like everyone was very close together, but otherwise the facilities were great.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Iron City Campground, Inc.
    February 12, 2024

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    Great small campground

    We stayed for a month in January. Lisa was wonderful and very accommodating to us. Our site was very level and tucked back in the corner of the campground. If we are ever in the area again we would definitely stay here again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park
    February 9, 2024

    Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    Amazing place to stay

    My husband and I come out to camp at kings mountain state park often and we love it if we decide to go camping or to go out to walk some trails with our dog this is the place we always come to the park rangers are all nice respectful and the keep the place clean and help to make your stay amazing. They also answer any questions you may have about the park like things to do while you are there and to enjoy your stay.

  • Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    November 24, 2023

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    Great visit and campground!

    This was a very nice/quiet campground. The sites were spacious and private. The campground itself is very wooded with lots of trees for shade. Our site was also pretty level.

    The campground is gated, and you are provided a code at check in. The park also has security and on site most of the time. The only negative is that the place to enter the gate code is on the opposite side from where you pull in, so you do have to get out of your vehicle to enter it each time.

    The bathrooms and laundry were very clean during our visit. The playground was a nice addition for our toddler too!

    We would definitely stay here again.

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  • Camper-submitted photo from Badin Lake Campground
    November 4, 2023

    Badin Lake Campground

    Not terribly quiet and facilities lacking

    If I wasn’t paying for the facilities and was just paying for a gravel pad within walking distance of the lake, five stars. As it is, though, this is not a “cheap” place to boondock. Yes, they do have a bath house in each loop. Our loop, which had 14 campsites, had two toilets. It also had two showers. One shower was broken. The other shower, if you pushed the button for the lower (ADA) shower, would empty the hot water in about two minutes. I had one warm shower and two very cold showers. In the middle of active camping season, this issue with facilities could be a real problem. If I’m going to have to take a cold shower, may as well do that in the lake! It’s also great when you are tent camping near the bath house and the door retractors slam the metal doors whenever someone uses the toilet at 3 am. The only other issue was the 10 barking dogs. Luckily, they all quit about 10:15 pm and didn’t start again until around 8 am. Otherwise, freakin barking all day!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wateree State Park Campground
    November 1, 2023

    Lake Wateree State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    Nice campground right on the lake. The nicest shower house I have ever seen. This is the standard we base all other campgrounds. Staff and everyone around were super nice

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park
    October 21, 2023

    Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    needs some TLC

    1st thing was i received an email telling me to check in at trading post and had the wrong address. we arrived as well as 2 other campers at the wrong address and then had to drive a mile or so to turn around. The trading post check in is in the campground!! The park is very pretty with all the trees, but the campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly. The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites. The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction. This would be a very nice park if they spent some money on the individual campsites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Norman State Park Campground
    September 9, 2023

    Lake Norman State Park Campground

    TOP NOTCH

    As a beginner too RV camping, this location was an excellent beginning. The campground host were courteous and friendly and they assisted me in backing in my trailer. The bath house was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained through the park service. Lastly, it’s in a beautiful area with a lot of available outdoor activities.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA
    September 5, 2023

    Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    Nice short stay

    We are full timers and stayed here 2 nights. Although people complain about KOA prices, we use them because we know what to expect. As expected everything was well maintained. Restrooms were spotless. Every employee we encountered was friendly and helpful. I reserved a back in space and when we arrived were told they had upgraded us to a pull through site at no extra charge. 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. Had to unhook, but their diesel prices were even cheaper than I could get with my Open Roads discount card. Only problem was that it is a bit of a noisy area-ambulances obviously dispatch from right down the road. Some plane noise, but we've had worse. Thank you for providing above what we expect from KOA.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cross Winds Family Campground
    August 30, 2023

    Cross Winds Family Campground

    Great Family Campground

    This is our 2nd time here, this time for a quick overnight stay. I really like this place! Beautiful, friendly campground. Large camper sites, walking trails, pool, playground, laundry facilities, store, and showers. Everything was very clean. Literally 5 minutes off the interstate, but very peaceful and quiet! We stayed at site B6, which was full hookups, including cable TV. Trash pickup at site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Iron City Campground, Inc.
    August 4, 2023

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    Wonderful Campground. Even Better People!

    Very neat and well-kept.  Fun for kids:  Pool with splash mushroom; playground.  Tho the rain made our site a bit muddy, our gravel, pull-thru was very level.  While we were only here for one night during our return home, even a short visit shows that without a doubt the biggest value at ICC is the expert knowledge, generous helpfulness, and unsurpassing kindness of the owners.  Lisa is a gem!



Guide to Matthews

Camping near Matthews, North Carolina, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have great hiking trails. For example, at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend."
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing, Badin Lake Campground is a great choice. A camper shared, "Great for fishing and hunting."
  • Historical Sites: Check out the nearby historical features at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "There are also historical features, a few unmarked homesteads and graves, as well as a nice (though small) museum."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Lake Norman State Park Campground, one guest said, "The bath house was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park mentioned, "Large sites, mostly level, with table and fire ring."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. At Iron City Campground, Inc., one visitor said, "Lisa is the best host."

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. At Iron City Campground, Inc., one parent said, "Fun for kids: pool with splash mushroom; playground."
  • Activities: Choose a campground with various activities. A family at Lake Norman State Park Campground enjoyed, "The park offers some very nice hiking trails."
  • Safety: Many campgrounds have security measures. A camper at McDowell Nature Preserve mentioned, "The campground is guarded by two gates and I saw the police patrol around a few times after hours."

Tips from RVers

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. A reviewer at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground noted, "Our site was nicely level side to side."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has electric hookups. At Lake Norman State Park Campground, one RV camper said, "RV sites are paved, with a picnic table and fire ring."
  • Dump Stations: Check for dump stations on-site. A visitor at Badin Lake Campground mentioned, "There is a water tank filling station and a dump station on site."

Camping around Matthews, NC, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a mix of activities, clean facilities, and friendly staff, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Matthews, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Matthews, NC is McDowell Nature Preserve with a 4.5-star rating from 27 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Matthews, NC?

    TheDyrt.com has all 68 dog-friendly camping locations near Matthews, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.