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William B. Umstead State Park Campground allows pets at its campsites located just minutes from Morrisville. The park maintains clean, well-spaced tent sites with designated fire rings and picnic tables where dogs must remain leashed at all times. Primitive camping sites feature drive-in access with picnic tables and fire rings, with trails starting directly from many campsites. The park's extensive network of hiking trails provides excellent opportunities for exercising dogs, though some visitors note the nearby airport creates occasional noise disruption for sensitive pets. North Carolina State Fairgrounds offers an alternative for RV campers with pets, providing full hookup sites on grassy, sometimes unlevel terrain with water, sewer, and electrical connections.
Several miles of dog-friendly trails wind through Umstead State Park's wooded landscape, creating a natural retreat despite its urban proximity. The campground enforces a strict gate closing time of 9 PM, requiring all campers with pets to arrive before this cutoff. During summer months, early morning walks are recommended to avoid heat stress on pets. Falls Lake State Recreation Area, another pet-friendly option slightly further from Morrisville, allows dogs throughout multiple campgrounds including Rolling View, Holly Point, and B.W. Wells. The fairgrounds location provides convenient access to downtown Raleigh for campers with pets who need proximity to urban services including emergency veterinary care. Pet owners should come fully prepared as most campgrounds have limited or no on-site pet supplies available for purchase.
"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."
from $27 - $37 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $27 - $77 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 - $77 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $78 / night
Check Availability"Pets are welcome, but as everywhere, dogs must be on a leash (not more than 6' long). If you put the address into your GPS, it will take you to the main fairgrounds."
"Restaurants and downtown Raleigh are within short driving distance. Public bathrooms and showers (cold water) are a 2 minute walk to Horse Complex H6, Barn B Very little tree cover."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 - $77 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $17 - $47 / night
Check Availability"Located on a semi rural area, the sites are very wooded and quiet. There was a lake nearby with an open sky where you could see hundreds of stars at night."
"There are tons of hiking trails all around and plenty of bike trails too! Conveniently located north of Raleigh, NC and close to many major highways."
from $72 / night
Check Availability"If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and are looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm, peace& quiet"
"Falls Lake State Recreation area is an interesting area in that it is made up of a number of non-connecting areas. The camping is at Shinleaf and is walk up only."
from $27 - $72 / night
Check Availability"The lake is the true star."
"The only bad thing was the traffic noise, so I recommend getting a site near the lake."
TravelerThis 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. The Eno River is more than safe to swim or paddle in. Dogs are welcome here! If you can camp close to the river, I recommend, it's great to fall asleep to the sounds of the river. Bring bug spray!
LegendPoplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina! Yes, I know, that’s quite a statement to make, considering all of the amazing places in the great state of North Carolina. So let me explain why I reached this conclusion:
• Some of the most outstanding hiking trails
• Heavily wooded forest paradise that delivers privacy and solitude
• Perfectly maintained amenities such as picnic tables, fold-up fire ring and grills
• Bathroom facilities are some of the best I’ve experienced with state-run facilities
• Direct access to a fantastic lakeside experience, complete with boat launches
• Designated swimming area complete with life vests
• On-site park staff were nothing short of amazing, helpful and incredibly friendly
• Close access to purchase anything that might be needed
Insider’s tip? Be sure to get down to the lake from wherever your campsite is just after sunset and bring a couple of folding chairs and a telescope (pre-planning here is needed!) to catch a glimpse of one of the most amazing star-studded night skies you’ve ever seen in your life!
Happy Camping!
GuideWe stopped for an overnight. Resort was undergoing renovation at the time. But there is propane available; laundry , pool, and dump station. Also catch and release fishing and a dog park.
ScoutThis is our first RV spot. We wanted the amenities for our four year old. Playground, mini golf, horseshoe, 3 dog parks, 2 pools, lots of bathrooms, 2 launderettes, lots of cabins, pull through spots and cabins.
LegendI’m not sure if this campground is correctly named Holly Point Campground, which after my experience, I would rename it HOLY Point Campground, as this outdoor nature preserve is truly a slice of heaven carved out in the middle of North Carolina’s finest camping paradise. 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 only nature can offer, then make your way here to Holly Point Campground@ Falls Lake SRA, where you will not be disappointed.
All of the basics are provided in spades – from picnic table, fold-up fire ring / BBQ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice small pebble-strewn flat patch of well-maintained nature that offers pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer North Carolina sunshine from the tall matchstick-like long leave needle pines. While there’s not a terrible amount of brush between the campsites, you will have semi-privacy unlike many other nearby campgrounds.
The on-site facilities (bathrooms& showers) are just slightly north of passable and only a smidge better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this campground gets its only mediocre marks on this front. But that said, there’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful and positive folks that want to ensure you have a great time, but the best amenity on this property is the access to Falls Lake itself, where there is a perfectly sectioned off swimming area, as well as boat launching areas for those that want to fish or simply drop a kayak or canoe in the water and take enjoy a lakeside cruise.
Insider's tips? Here's a handful: (1) While IMHO there is no bad spot here in all of Holly Point Campground, there are obviously some that are better than others. Given this, I would highly rank Loops 4 (#118-119, #121-123) & 5 (#141-147; #149, #150, #152-155) as well as the southern and eastern side of Loop 2 (#36-39; #55-71; #73, #75), given their proximity to and views of Falls Lake itself. Of course, the sites that are located closer to the water are those more preferred; (2) If you're an angler, you'll be looking to catch some large-mouthed bass, yellow perch, blue gill, channel and flathead catfish and I recommend the areas that are heaviest shadowed around the lake edges; (3) When you grow weary of having to fix up that next campsite meal and simply want to error on the side of ease and comfort, then check out nearby Buffalo Bros who serve up some pretty might wings and amazing pies (there's also burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and other basic Americana foodstuffs) or Nantucket Grill for some pretty outstanding Jambalaya and seafood diablo pasta; and (4) If you love extreme outdoors adventures, then check out Xtreme Park Adventures for indoor and outdoor courses for paintball and laser tag.
Happy Camping!
LegendThis 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.
Bathrooms and showers were clean and comfortable, as were the campsites.
Each camping loop felt tucked away into its own little neighborhood, and the large campsites offered space so that you aren’t stacked right next to your neighbor. We camped in the nonelectric loop (we always bring our solar panel) for 3 nights in mid-February and there were very few campers around, but the neighboring loop with electrical hook-up sites were 3/4 full with large rigs.
Hiking, biking, paddling, are all great things to do during your stay. There is also a boat launch within the park in case power boating or fishing is your thing, but kayaks and canoes can easily launch from the lakeside campsites. It was a bit too chilly to get on the water in February, so we opted for hiking and biking.
The closest services for gas or a few extra snacks are within 5 minutes of the park.
RangerCedarock Park, located in Burlington, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for all sorts of outdoor activities. The park offers hike-in camping with a handful of sites scattered along Rock Creek. The sites are well spaced and can accommodate large groups (you only pay $1 for each additional person for groups larger than 10). The park is also home to 6 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of equestrian trails. There are two fantastic disc golf courses (I personally enjoy the Wellspring course) and even a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina.
GuideThe 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.
My cell reception outside the camper is excellent, and of if I had a cell booster it would be adequate for streaming inside the camper. I don’t have one as I depend on Starlink for internet access when traveling. Unfortunately Starlink isn’t going to work in my specific site or in most of the others. This is a wooded campground and all the sites are completely shaded
My site has water and electric. About half of the available RV sites have water and electric, it there is no sewer. There is a dump station in the campground. Unusual for NC State facilities, there are no trash bins placed around the campground, but there is a large dumpster station co-located with the dump station.
It’s about a 15-20 minute drive to shopping, but there are several convenience stores a few minutes away.
The campground is clean and well maintained. It meanders around a very large lake, with several beaches and boat launch areas.
RangerVery clean and well maintained. Best bathrooms we’ve ever seen in a resort/campground. Staff is great, even though they are still no contact check in as of July 2021. We pulled up at 1 and our paper was waiting. Very easy in and out, large long spots, with great yard for each spot. Three dogs parks, two pools, and much more. Lots of long term sees but very very clean and welcoming. Would highly recommend. We stayed here visiting Raleigh, about a 30 Mind drive away. This campground is far enough away from interstate there is no road noise, yet close to outlets and city for dinning. A+!
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers pet-friendly accommodations near Morrisville with multiple campgrounds featuring waterfront sites. Campsites at popular areas like Poplar Point and Crosswinds include water and electric hookups with fire pits and picnic tables. Most campgrounds enforce a gate closure policy in the evening, requiring campers to arrive before designated times. Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides additional options with multiple pet-friendly camping locations within a short drive of Morrisville.
Fishing from campsite shorelines: At Poplar Point Campground, lakefront sites allow direct water access for fishing. "I can't get enough of Jordan lake. This place is excellent for walking, hiking, boating, canoeing, fishing and more," notes Daniel P., who regularly visits the campground during summer months.
Paddling with easy lake access: Many sites at Holly Point provide direct water access for kayaks and canoes. Jessica H. explains, "Some of the sites are right on the water allowing for camping and kayaking. Sites are large to accommodate two tents and two vehicles nicely."
Swimming at designated beaches: Jordan Lake features multiple swimming areas with sandy beaches adjacent to camping areas. Wendy M. describes Crosswinds Campground as having "swim area and playground" with "great hiking trails and very family friendly" surroundings where wildlife sometimes appears near campsites.
Spacious waterfront campsites: Crosswinds Campground offers sites with direct water views. "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site," reports Wendy M. about her experience at the campground.
Clean facilities at Falls Lake: Rolling View maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. Sharon M. notes that "Park rangers are friendly, campsites aren't on top of each other and the restrooms and showers are clean. We love seeing the wildlife."
Dark night skies for stargazing: Several campgrounds offer minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. Becqui M. shares her experience at Rolling View: "Love sitting by the campfire and staring up through the trees at the moon and stars."
Gate closure times vary by campground: Most state park campgrounds strictly enforce evening gate closures. Debbie F. notes about Crosswinds Campground: "They lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck."
Limited cell service at some sites: Coverage varies throughout the camping areas, with better reception typically available at campgrounds closer to urban areas. Paul H. mentions at Crosswinds Campground: "For those that care about working on laptop or streaming TV while camping, our cellphone hotspots worked great. We got anywhere from 30-55mbps with our Verizon cell coverage."
Airport noise affects certain campgrounds: Due to proximity to RDU International Airport, some campgrounds experience periodic airplane noise. Jessica H. advises about Holly Point: "The only thing you will contend with is occasional air traffic noise from RDU. If you're sensitive consider bringing earplugs for your comfort."
Best family-friendly sites: Shinleaf Campground at Falls Lake offers group camping areas ideal for families. Robert R. explains: "We had a great weekend camping here with our cub scouts in the Shinleaf group camping area. We had about 40 people and had plenty of room to spread out over three camping sites, Osprey Nest, Blue Heron and Bootleg point."
Early morning wildlife viewing: Many campers report deer and bird sightings during early morning hours. At Crosswinds Campground, Wendy M. mentions deer walking directly behind their campsite, while other campers note frequent bird sightings around waterfront areas.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment near swimming areas. Angela M. shares about Crosswinds: "Loved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy."
Full hookup options: North Carolina State Fairgrounds offers complete services for RVs at budget-friendly rates. Jenifer K. notes: "It's quiet and huge and full hookups for $30/night. Call the number when you get close and the attendant will meet you to show you to your spot. There are 30 and 50 amp spots."
Level sites without extensive setup: Several reviewers mention minimal leveling required at certain campgrounds. Sheri K. reports about the State Fairgrounds: "This is a very large campground that can accommodate any size RV. They do not allow tents. All sites are gravel, but are quite level. I pulled in, and didn't have to adjust anything."
Dump station locations: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Morrisville have dump stations, though not all offer sewer connections at individual sites. Andrew S. notes about Poplar Point: "Dump stations are not far from any of the circles, and were not too busy (we were even there on 4th of July)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Morrisville, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Morrisville, NC is Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Morrisville, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near Morrisville, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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