Best Dog-Friendly Camping near National Forests in North Carolina in North Carolina

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near National Forests in North Carolina, NC (290)

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  1. Davidson River Campground

  80 Reviews

  •240 Photos•

  805 Saves

  Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

  Overview

  Davidson River Recreation Area offers camping and outdoor activities for the whole family. The campground boasts several loops of shaded campsites, as well as access to hiking trails, fishing spots, waterfalls and several nearby attractions within Pisgah National Forest. It lies just four miles west of the town of Brevard and less than an hour from the city of Asheville. The facility is open year-round. Learn more here to prepare for your trip.

  Recreation

  The forest is known for its hiking trails, several of which are near the campground. Hikers can challenge themselves with the 12.3-mile Art Loeb Trail, the 3.7-mile North Slope Trail or a 1.5-mile walking trail. The Davidson River offers excellent trout fishing, plus tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs in summer and fall.

  Natural Features

  The campground is located in Pisgah National Forest at an elevation of 2,150 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes thickly forested with hardwoods and conifers. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful Davidson River.

  Nearby Attractions

  Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity to the campground. Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are among the more popular sites. The small town of Brevard offers various amenities and services, and visitors can take a trip to Asheville to visit art galleries, shops and restaurants.

  Contact Info

  For facility specific information, please call (828) 885-7557.

  Charges & Cancellations

  Any cancellations must be taken care of directly with recreation.gov. Note that this facility does not provide refunds for No Shows or incliment weather.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • RVs

  $35 / night

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  2. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

  60 Reviews

  •184 Photos•

  3 Saves

  Enka, North Carolina

  Overview

  __Glamping sites are now available at Lake Powhatan! Experience nature and outdoor recreation without sacrificing the comforts and luxuries of home. Choose one of 12 custom designed, fully furnished canvas platform tents in the heart of the national forest for your next mountain adventure, only 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, NC. Learn more about glamping near Asheville . To book your glamping site, click here.__ Located just minutes from the popular city of Asheville, North Carolina, Lake Powhatan has something for everyone. The campground is convenient to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including art and music venues, shopping and dining in Asheville, scenic driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, numerous hiking trails and lakeside recreation.

  Recreation

  Visitors have a number of different activities to choose from. Kids love the lake's sandy swimming beach and anglers enjoy the calm waters for trout fishing. The French Broad River, popular for fishing, is also nearby. Note that use of personal watercraft is STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the lake due to potential introduction of foreign material to the Lake Powhatan riprarian ecosystem. The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are located near the campground.__

  Facilities

  Visitors have a number of different activities to choose from. Kids love the lake's sandy swimming beach and anglers enjoy the calm waters for trout fishing. The French Broad River, popular for fishing, is also nearby. Note that use of personal watercraft is STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the lake due to potential introduction of foreign material to the Lake Powhatan riprarian ecosystem. The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are located near the campground.__

  Natural Features

  The campground is situated in a heavily wooded area on the banks of Lake Powhatan in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. The elevation is 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes thickly forested with hardwoods and conifers.

  contact_info

  For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-7278.

  Nearby Attractions

  Among the more popular nearby destinations are Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, The NC Arboretum and the Biltmore Estate.

  Charges & Cancellations

  Any cancellations must be taken care of directly with recreation.gov. Note that this facility does not provide refunds for No Shows or incliment weather.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Reservable
  • RVs
  • Tents

  $43 / night

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  3. Asheville East KOA

  52 Reviews

  •107 Photos•

  216 Saves

  Swannanoa, North Carolina

  Whether you're looking for a peaceful weekend in the mountains or an extended stay in western North Carolina, this KOA is the perfect choice. Head for the city sights of historic Asheville (just 14 minutes away) and tour the famous Biltmore House or shop at the brand-new outlet mall. Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the breathtaking views. Or you can hike one of the numerous trails to check out the views and even waterfalls. Perhaps you'd prefer to simply relax and stay at your campsite and fish in one of KOA's two lakes. Your kids will love tubing and splashing in the Swannanoa River, which winds its way through the middle of the campground. Other on-site activities include paddleboats, a swimming pool, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and cornhole. Pool: May 6 - September 11. Max pull thru: 70 feet.

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

  $50 / night

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  4. Mount Pisgah Campground

  40 Reviews

  •93 Photos•

  559 Saves

  Mills River, North Carolina

  Overview

  One of the most popular of the Parkway's campgrounds, Mount Pisgah Campground is perched in the rolling mountains of western North Carolina on the southernmost end of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. Surrounded by dense hardwood forests at an elevation of 4980 feet, it offers shady, cool respite from the summer heat. Whichever end of the day appeals, spectacular sunrise and sunset panoramic views can be enjoyed from nearby overlooks. Several popular hiking trails, ranging from moderate to strenuous, are accessible from the campground. Drenched in history, this area was once part of the holdings of George Vanderbilt and the site of his hunting camp house, Buck Springs (no longer standing), is close by.

  Recreation

  Several popular hiking trails, ranging from moderate to difficult, are easily accessible from the campground. The Frying Pan Trail leads adventurers 1.6 miles (2.6 km) south to the Fire Tower at Frying Pan Mountain. Hiking north on the trail you'll arrive at the Pisgah Inn and from there, the Buck Spring Trail leads visitors through the thick hardwood forest and along rocky terrain to the Mt. Pisgah Parking Area. From the parking area it is a 1.6 mile (2.6 km) uphill trek to the top of Mt. Pisgah. The Shut-In Trail is the original route from the Biltmore Estate to the Buck Spring Lodge, and heads north along the Blue Ridge Parkway toward Asheville. The Buck Spring Lodge was a mountain getaway for George Vanderbilt, owner of the famous Biltmore Estate. The North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail follows both the Buck Spring and Shut-In Trails, and connects to trails in Pisgah National Forest.

  Natural Features

  Mount Pisgah is part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, an area of the country with scenery that never disappoints, whether blanketed in wildflowers in the spring or bursting with red, orange, and yellow hues in the fall. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. At an elevation of 4,980 feet (1,518 m), Mount Pisgah offers moderate to cool temperatures during camping seasons.

  Nearby Attractions

  The beautiful Pisgah Inn is located adjacent to the campground and offers a restaurant and country store. Additionally, historic Asheville, North Carolina is about 20 miles away, offering grocery stores, fuel and medical facilities.

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

  $30 / night

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  5. Table Rock State Park Campground

  54 Reviews

  •253 Photos•

  437 Saves

  Sunset, South Carolina

  Table Rock State Park is known for being a perfect glimpse into the scenic bliss that South Carolina's Highway 11 is known for. Most prominent to the park is the towering mountain Table Rock, where the park earns its name. This also serves as a backdrop for the 3,000 acre park, and its numerous camping facilities. Below this section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors can enjoy Table Rock State Park's cabins and campground, as well as lakes and various hiking trails located within.

  The Table Rock State Park hiking trails weave through mountain streams, babbling brooks, and rushing waterfalls to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains. The views here showcase the entirety of the region, and shouldn’t be skipped if you’re planning on visiting. That said, while the park is well known for its natural features, Table Rock also has its place in history.

  For example, the park’s hiking trails host the access point for the 80-mile Foothills Trail, one of the most famous in the Midwest. Hikers often use this trail to travel through the extensive network of SC state parks. These trails date all the way back to the Pioneers who would use them as trade routes and for homesteading. In fact, many of the Table Rock State Park cabins and other structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps remain standing and are on the National Register of Historic Places.

  This park is unique in that it is one of only 16 South Carolina state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Moreover, there is even a historic CCC-built Lodge available for weddings, receptions, meetings and other special occasions. Additionally, the park features 2 park lakes: the 36-acre Pinnacle Lake and the 67-acre Lake Oolenoy.

  94 standard campsites for tent or RV camping, plus 14 renovated cabins provide ample accommodation to visitors. Aside from the larger lakes, there is also an old-fashioned swimming hole complete with a high-dive that is open during the summer season. Take your family out and use one of the 4 picnic shelters available to rent for group gatherings, for a day of fun, music, and recreation. And for those wanting an event to check out, the Music on the Mountain bluegrass jam takes place each month at the Table Rock Lodge–perfect for anyone wanting to escape the outdoors for a minute.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • RVs
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  6. North Mills River

  25 Reviews

  •44 Photos•

  405 Saves

  Mills River, North Carolina

  Overview

  North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities.

  Recreation

  The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are near the campground. Mills River offers excellent trout fishing, as well as tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs during the summer.

  Natural Features

  The campground is situated in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes densely forested with hardwoods. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful, shallow waters of the Mills River.

  Nearby Attractions

  Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity to the campground. Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are among the most popular sites. The small town of Brevard offers various amenities and services, and visitors can take a trip to Asheville to visit art galleries, music venues, shops and restaurants.

  Contact Info

  For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4167.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • RVs

  $40 - $44 / night

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  7. Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground

  28 Reviews

  •61 Photos•

  428 Saves

  Swannanoa, North Carolina

  If a distinctive camping experience is what you’re looking for, Mama Gertie’s is the place for you! Carved into the side of a mountain, we offer stepped sites with campground views on our lower tiers. Our top or 3rd tier offers stunning vistas. Four sites boast private decks with a swing, cafe table and fire pit. These sites fill up quickly as you can imagine!

  Most of our sites offer full hookups and 30/50 amps. We do have several water and electric only sites that are perfect for pop-ups, tear drops and more petite campers. These sites are located a short walk to our clean and well maintained bathroom facilities.

  We cater to motorhomes, 5th wheels and travel trailers including pop-ups and micro campers! In addition, we are renovating a portion of our campground. Stay tuned for new lodging offerings coming late summer 2023!

  We are conveniently located near many local recreational options, right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

  Check out the local farmer’s markets, art galleries, craft breweries or shop to your heart’s content at one of the many antique and specialty stores in the area. Tour the famous Biltmore Estate. Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit Black Mountain and Montreat. After a full day, return to the serenity that is Mama Gertie’s and enjoy a campfire with friends and family.

  We’re open year round, so make your reservation today!

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Reservable
  • RVs
  • Tents

  $75 - $200 / night

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  8. Rutledge Lake RV Resort

  18 Reviews

  •34 Photos•

  105 Saves

  Fletcher, North Carolina

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access
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  9. Asheville West KOA

  24 Reviews

  •62 Photos•

  123 Saves

  Candler, North Carolina

  Welcome to Appalachia ! Come camp with us and enjoy the best of Blue Ridge Mountains camping! Our family-run Asheville West KOA offers great accommodations for everyone from tenters to RVers. Our tent sites are beautifully wooded, and our "Big Rig" friendly 50 and 30 amp pull-through sites are large, level, and have cable TV and FREE WI-FI ! Don't have an RV, or tent camping is not for you? No problem! You can "rough it" in comfort, staying in one of our cozy cabins or lodges. Relax with us and wake to the chirping of a variety of birds, you'll enjoy their song throughout the day. Enjoy scenic North Carolina hiking on one of our wonderful nature trails , easily accessed from any of our camp sites or take a relaxing hike on a number of picture perfect trails on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and beyond. The options are endless. You'll enjoy surrounding yourself in the beauty of trees, flowers and wildlife. We are not far away from beautiful waterfalls as well! Come see what the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer. Children of all ages will love the pool, game room and themed weekend events. Our campground is not far from all the fun and excitement of downtown Asheville, white water rafting, gem mines, the Biltmore Estate , Pisgah National Forest , Chimney Rock, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Grandfather Mountain and many, many other attractions. Plan on camping an extra day or two- there's so much to see and do! Do you have a motorcycle? We have tons of beautiful rides to send you on! Do you need more suggestions of things to do in our area? We got you covered! Come and see us! Our KOA is family-owned and family-oriented. We hope to see you soon! The Asheville West KOA is "Going Green!" Look for the recycle barrels behind the office and next to the comfort station on the back loop. Theme Weekends - Crafts, crazy games, tournaments, t-shirt decorating, water balloon launching and more! Fun for kids of all ages. Visit our events calendar for more information on these great weekends!

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access
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  10. Paris Mountain State Park Campground

  37 Reviews

  •140 Photos•

  163 Saves

  Taylors, South Carolina

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

  $100 / night