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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near National Forests in North Carolina

2,050 Reviews

Davidson River Campground accommodates dogs throughout its tent, RV, and cabin sites with full hookup options available for campers traveling with pets. Leashed pets are permitted in designated camping areas from March 15 to November 1, with nearby access to natural areas for pet exercise. Lake Powhatan's pet-friendly accommodations include tent camping, RV sites with 50-amp hookups, and cabin options where dogs can stay with their owners. North Mills River Campground welcomes pets with picnic tables at each site and electric hookups available, making it convenient for overnight stays with dogs. Rutledge Lake RV Resort features lakefront sites with plenty of space for families camping with pets, maintaining clean facilities with spacious and well-maintained bathroom areas. Staff at pet-friendly campgrounds in the region typically enforce leash requirements while providing welcoming environments for campers with dogs.

Hiking trails near these pet-friendly campgrounds offer excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with Davidson River Campground providing stream access where pets can cool off during warmer months. Asheville East KOA allows pets at their cabin sites and maintains market amenities where campers can purchase pet supplies if needed. Seasonal considerations affect pet camping options, as Mount Pisgah Campground only operates from May through October while providing trash facilities to properly dispose of pet waste. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground includes designated pet areas within its 44 available sites. Several campers note the helpfulness of campground staff in accommodating pets, with one guest at Rutledge Lake RV Resort extending their stay because of the welcoming pet environment and well-maintained facilities. Most campgrounds in the region require pets to be leashed at all times and owners to clean up after their animals.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near National Forests in North Carolina (314)

    1. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    63 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    12 miles
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."

    "PROS  Discounted camp fee with senior pass 

    Reserved 169 days prior to arriving 

    Friendly and helpful gate attendant 

    Nearly 100% shade at each site 

    Excellent dark sky viewing 

    Private sites with"

    2. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    3. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $31 - $62 / night

    "Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."

    "I thoroughly enjoy bringing my dog and spending time here. Know that there are fees for parking and camping."

    4. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-3121

    $50 / night

    "It’s accessibility to Asheville is great, but the site itself is clean, with tidy grounds and a spotless bathroom (didn’t use showers). Plenty of places to walk and pet friendly."

    "It’s close to downtown Asheville and Black Mountain. Great place to bring kids and dogs!"

    5. Rutledge Lake RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Fletcher, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 654-7873

    "Easy off the highway but far enough to be quiet. Lots of dining options close by"

    "campground was decent Fishing pond has a lot of ducks and seaweed

    Laundry room was nice and large - easy and quick to get 3 loads done

    Waterfront site was fairly level and loved being able to walk"

    6. Mount Pisgah Campground

    41 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 648-2644

    $30 / night

    "We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the “cooler” campgrounds in western North Carolina for a weekend. Mt Pisgah Campground is at an elevation of roughly 5300’."

    "Very well kept, clean and quiet (except for a couple of dogs that kept going at it). Site was semi-secluded and perfect for our truck tent. Nice restrooms and showers close by."

    7. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

    28 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-4258

    $75 - $200 / night

    "Tucked away into the mountains not far from the interstate, super quiet and nicely taken care of."

    "At the top of the first hill is a dog park. Keep going up and there is another neighborhood at the top and here is where you get the views."

    8. Creekside Mountain Camping

    16 Reviews
    Gerton, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 625-4257

    "Nice creek running nearby and a few short walking paths. The drive to spruce pine is scenic and long but head back toward bat cave and there ade neat little adventures to have with the kiddos."

    "This was a great little spot away from the hustle and bustle of the highway. Very close to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Pool was clean. Arcade on site."

    9. Orchard Lake Campground

    13 Reviews
    Saluda, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 749-3901

    $38 - $48 / night

    "Pet friendly. We will be returning. Tent sites had electric and water on them."

    "A swimming lake with slide. Boats, zip line, fishing, a game room, move room. Only bad thing is the bad house are probably the worst I have ever used."

    10. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground

    11 Reviews
    Lake Lure, NC
    13 miles
    Website

    $26 - $62 / night

    "I loved camping at the edge of the river but know that it is loud and is a constant sound! The sites are right along the river and are a bit tight."

    "Nice place to visit and close to Chimney Rock"

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near National Forests in North Carolina

255 Photos of 314 National Forests in North Carolina Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near National Forests in North Carolina

2050 Reviews of 314 National Forests in North Carolina Campgrounds

  • Erin D.
    Aug. 8, 2019

    Indian Creek Campground

    Creekside Camping

    Indian Creek offers the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina.

    Every campsite is lush with greenery, private and well maintained after each occupancy. The bathhouse is the cleanest I have found and the campsite store carries all of your forgotten necessities, and more!

    My husband and I love coming back to this campground, because how of well we and our kids sleep! The sound of the creek at night melts all of your worries away and takes you off to peaceful slumber.

    This campground is always in rotation for a visit.

  • 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.

  • Jason F.
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Asheville West KOA

    Far enough away to feel like camping and still close to the city

    The Asheville KOA is very pet and RV friendly. There are a number of walking trails of easy to moderate difficulty that run throughout the property. The dog park is a great place to let the pups off of the leashes for a bit. Staff pickup trash daily between 10-11AM at your site, but dumpsters are easily accessible.

    We camped here in our 22' travel trailer. The back in sites are mostly level with a mix of dirt and gravel. If you're looking for a sunny spot, request one of the even-numbered back-ins. If you would prefer to be mostly in the shade, go for an odd-numbered spot. 20/30/50 amp electric, cable, water and sewer were easily accessible at each site. Camp sites are not very large, so be mindful of volume and lights with respect to your neighbors.

  • 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.

  • l
    Sep. 8, 2023

    Bent River Equestrian

    Great camping near mountain biking and hiking

    Great place to spend a couple of nights. Went over Labor Day weekend with 5 or 6 other groups and still felt like we had full privacy. Fire pits, an outdoor shower, and a porta-potty. Cute horses and barn cats to pet and watch

  • Anne H.
    May. 31, 2018

    Asheville West KOA

    Nice stay.

    Other than rain almost every day, we enjoyed this spot while checking out Asheville and Biltmore Estate. The campground is very wooded, allowing for shady space. The showers were decently clean. Garbage is picked up at your site, or you can recycle next to the shower house which is not located far for the back section, which we were in, with full hookups. We enjoyed the trail through the woods that circles the whole campground. Our dog enjoyed the dog park. There is a pool and camp store.

  • 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 .

  • P
    Dec. 23, 2020

    Asheville West KOA

    Great home base for a week

    We stayed here for a week to visit the Asheville area. The location is amazing very short drive into town, hiking spots, and I highly recommend you take a walk around Lake Junaluska . We booked this spot for the location and it delivered. Yes, that came with a lot of highway noise... but again we wanted an easy jumping off point. So we got exactly what we booked. What was the biggest difference maker was the staff. So lovely, so kind! Trash pick up from our site and each night they delivered firewood to us. Even would refill your propane tank and deliver it back to you. Spots were a little squeezed but not too bad. Dog park was awesome for our two pups.

Guide to National Forests in North Carolina

Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends in the beautiful National Forests of North Carolina. With a variety of pet-friendly campgrounds, you can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring your pets have a fantastic time too.

Tips for camping with dogs near National Forests in North Carolina

Pet owners like the variety of activities available

  • At North Mills River, you can enjoy fishing and swimming in the river, perfect for a day out with your dog.
  • Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground provides stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for leisurely walks with your pet.
  • Mount Pisgah Campground is conveniently located near hiking trails, allowing you to explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway with your dog.

Dog owners appreciate the well-maintained facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near National Forests in North Carolina?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near National Forests in North Carolina is Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina with a 4.7-star rating from 63 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near National Forests in North Carolina?

TheDyrt.com has all 314 dog-friendly camping locations near National Forests in North Carolina, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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