Davis H.
Traveler
TravelerPilot Mountain State Park Campground
Great Weekend Trip
We’re only about 30 minutes from Pilot Mountain and it’s always a great little weekend getaway. Camp host is always very helpful and keeps things in order.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Pilot Mountain, NC
Pilot Mountain State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its 42 shaded campsites, where tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings accommodate outdoor enthusiasts with their four-legged companions. Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than six feet at all times within the park boundaries, including on hiking trails and in camping areas. Nearby Jomeokee Campground, Mayberry Campground, and Black Dog Acres RV Park also permit pets at their facilities. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Pilot Mountain area provide basic amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and access to restrooms with hot showers, though specific pet amenities like waste stations and dedicated pet areas vary by location. Campsites typically feature flat tent pads surrounded by trees and boulders, with campgrounds providing clean facilities and well-maintained grounds. The camp host at Pilot Mountain regularly patrols the grounds and offers $5 bundles of firewood for purchase.
Numerous hiking trails around Pilot Mountain accommodate leashed dogs, with trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty directly accessible from the campground. The Grindstone Trail provides a 2-mile hike from the campground to Pilot Mountain's summit, offering scenic views for hikers and their pets. Wildlife encounters are possible, so keeping dogs leashed protects both native animals and pets. Camping with pets requires preparation for variable mountain weather conditions, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night. Clean bath houses with hot showers are available at many campgrounds, though facilities like Pilot Mountain's may require patience as water sometimes takes several minutes to heat up. Campers should note that campground gates typically close at 10 PM, preventing entrance or exit until morning, and the nearest towns with pet supplies and veterinary services are approximately 10 miles away.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Pilot Mountain, North Carolina (103)
1. Pilot Mountain State Park Campground
36 ReviewsPinnacle, NC3 milesWebsite+1 (336) 444-5100$17 - $27 / night
"We’re only about 30 minutes from Pilot Mountain and it’s always a great little weekend getaway. Camp host is always very helpful and keeps things in order."
"I left the flat of eastern North Carolina and headed to the mountains to our west. Pilot Mt. State Park has a nice campground and some good hiking trails."
2. Hanging Rock State Park Campground
53 ReviewsDanbury, NC12 milesWebsite+1 (336) 593-8480$27 - $110 / night
"Hanging Rock is one of the best state parks in North Carolina."
"Only a short 45 minute drive will get you to this spot for a quick day trip or a few nights. Super pet friendly and well maintained campground."
3. Mayberry Campground
24 ReviewsMount Airy, NC11 milesWebsite+1 (336) 789-6199"Beautiful location, 20 mins from Pilot Mountain, 5 minutes from Mt Airy. The staff was very friendly and truly cared to make sure your stay was going to be a good one."
"It’s a huge campground with 2 lakes, playground, RV store and shelter houses. There is only one shower house with one shower and two toilets on each side. Pet friendly on leash."
4. Jomeokee Campground
15 ReviewsPinnacle, NC5 milesWebsite+1 (336) 283-6483"This campground has amazing views of Pilot Mountain, very spacious camp sites that are well maintained, and excellent staff that ensure you have a wonderful camping experience."
"Great view of Pilot mountain from the campsite. Short drive to good hiking trails."
5. Homeplace Recreational Park Inc.
6 ReviewsPilot Mountain, NC7 miles+1 (336) 374-5173"Large trail to go for a little walk. Very reasonably priced. Will go again."
"The pond dam was really close to our site and the rushing water will really lull you to sleep at night."
6. Greystone RV Park
5 ReviewsPinnacle, NC3 milesWebsite+1 (336) 368-5588$64 - $72 / night
"And the unobstructed view of Pilot Mountain is the icing on the cake. If you can stay a night with Greystone, you will not be disappointed!"
"It's 10 spots, full hook-up, with an awesome view of Pilot Mountain. Each pad is concrete, with a picnic table, fire pit and full hook-ups."
7. Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA
27 ReviewsCana, VA23 milesWebsite+1 (276) 728-7776"There’s a nice dog park, and the facilities are clean."
"They have a pool, a pond, a playground, a dog park, and a great camp store. The bathrooms and laundry room are exceptionally clean. If you order ice or firewood, they bring it to your site."
8. Stone Mountain State Park Campground
56 ReviewsRoaring Gap, NC31 milesWebsite+1 (336) 957-8185$17 - $72 / night
"Close to stone Mountain, natural area, not commercial like in GA. It is a beautiful setting, couple miles from a waterfall, 30ish miles from Pilot Mountain, very unique."
"But, ya know North Carolina summers."
9. Black Dog Acres RV Park
1 ReviewPilot Mountain, NC2 milesWebsite+1 (336) 351-4444$63 - $70 / night
"It was just a little off the path (a few low trees on the route but nothing going slow and caulk won’t fix). Super easy pull through sites with convenient hookups."
10. Ararat River Campground
3 ReviewsPinnacle, NC7 miles+1 (336) 710-4904"In the warm months the owner holds church services in the pavilion behind lot 12. Owners offer a flat monthly rate that includes water, electric, wifi, and campground maintenance."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Pilot Mountain, NC
98 Photos of 103 Pilot Mountain Campgrounds
David D.
Pilot Mountain State Park Campground
Jennifer H.
Greystone RV Park
Richard C.
Jomeokee Campground
Sally C.
Mayberry Campground
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Hanging Rock State Park Campground
Donna B.
Riverwalk RV Park
Jean C.
Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA
Ron P.
Byrd's Branch Campground
brandon
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Pilot Mountain, NC
743 Reviews of 103 Pilot Mountain Campgrounds
Harold C.
RangerStone Mountain State Park Campground
Wonderful campground, really is!
A bit out of the way but well worth it. Sites are large and pretty much flat. A stream runs thru the campground low in the banks. We had E, W no sewer a convenient dump station. Close to stone Mountain, natural area, not commercial like in GA. It is a beautiful setting, couple miles from a waterfall, 30ish miles from Pilot Mountain, very unique.
- JJulien A.
ScoutMayberry Campground
Beautiful Campground
Beautiful location, 20 mins from Pilot Mountain, 5 minutes from Mt Airy. The staff was very friendly and truly cared to make sure your stay was going to be a good one. This was my first time ever camping in a fifth wheel, and I felt very comfortable throughout my stay. My RV neighbors were great and very courteous. I’m planning on another trip to this campground on the near future.
Chip G.
GuidePilot Mountain State Park Campground
Off for the hills.
I left the flat of eastern North Carolina and headed to the mountains to our west. Pilot Mt. State Park has a nice campground and some good hiking trails. Camping on the rocky side of a hill is different from the coastal flat lands I am used to.
The hiking trails are good and the round trip from the campsite, around Pilot Mountain and back provided for a nice day hike. There is also a 5 mile trail connecting the upper and lower parts of the park. I didn't have a chance to walk that one, but then it is always good to have a reason to go back.
Facilities were clean and in good shape.
Jennifer H.TravelerJomeokee Campground
Hidden gem with amazing views of Pilot Mountain
This campground has amazing views of Pilot Mountain, very spacious camp sites that are well maintained, and excellent staff that ensure you have a wonderful camping experience. We had reserved RV4 online but when we arrived the owner asked if we would like RV1(FHU) which is shaded with a wonderful view of Pilot Mountain so of course we took him up on the offer. This is a very relaxing spot to sit by the firepit and watch the sun set on the mountain. We had daily visits from Cindy, one of two campground dogs, who made our stay even more enjoyable. We will be coming back to camp here again when in the area and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get away from the crowded campgrounds to enjoy nature. Additional note: Verizon worked well at this site, not sure of the signal quality at the other sites down the hill.
- SShannon C.Ranger
Pilot Mountain State Park Campground
Ranger Review: “GreenBelly’s Meal2Go at Pilot Mountain State Park, NC”
Campground Review:
Pilot Mountain State Park is located in Pinnacle, NC, approximately 2.5 hours away from Asheville, NC and is known for it’s giant pinnacle, Pilot Mountain, that rises 2,000 feet into the clouds. At the base of a windy road leading up to Pilot Mountain lies the campground, approximately 2 miles from the top. This beautiful campground was centrally located within the state park and gave quick access to a wide variety of easy to strenuous hiking trails. Most of the trails leave directly from the campground. In addition to hiking, Pilot Mountain is known for it’s steep cliffs that give easy access to rock climbing and rappelling. There is a trail leading from the parking lot and traverses above the climbing area so you have quick access to set anchors from the top. Additional anchors are bolted at the top of most routes for easy top roping. The campground itself offered a fire ring, picnic table, and a man-made flat area to pitch a tent at each site. The sites were somewhat close together but we did not have any issues with noise during our stay. There were several clean bath houses throughout. Each one offered flushing toilets, and hot, running water for showers, all of which were free. There was potable water located next to the site and a separate area to clean dishes. Each site also had a ton of shade. Trees surround every inch of the park so there was plenty of space to hang a hammock and get relief from the burning sun. Most sites looked large enough for the average sized RV. The park’s host drove around checking in and offering $5 bundles of wood. The one negative draw back to this campground is that all the sites are on a slope so when it rains, most likely your campsite will too. The park does require a two-night minimum stay if camping over a holiday weekend. Also be aware that the campground entrance closes at 10 pm. You will not be able to enter or exit until the gate opens the next morning. The closest town is 10 miles away in case you forgot anything. Overall, would highly recommend this campground if you are looking for a great place to rock climb and camp for the weekend. We will be back!
Product Review:
As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. During my climbing adventures at Pilot Mountain State Park, I got to test out three different Meal2Go packets from Greenbelly: Cranberry/Almond, Peanut/Apricot and Dark Chocolate/Banana (https:// www.greenbelly.co/products/meal2go?variant=19912486532). Let me start by saying how amazingly delicious these meals are. I’m a super picky eater and when I first saw cranberry and apricot, I had second thoughts about trying. Thank goodness my sense of adventure overcame my lack of tastebud exploration. The Meal2Go products are full of mouth watering flavor that I could eat over and over again which is crucial if spending time in the back country. They contain all natural ingredients and 1/3 of your daily nutrients. It lacked that chemical flavor most hiking bars have giving way to a natural tasting bar. They also had the right balance of chewy yet crunchy. Greenbelly designed these products with backpacking in mind. While we didn’t get a chance to use backpacking, it did supply a ton of energy for a full day of climbing. The one draw back I will say is the weight of the product. Since it was designed for backpacking, I was expecting it to be much lighter for what you get. There are two bars in each packet and the weight is 5.5 ounces. And while that doesn’t sound like a lot, it seemed heavier than my average backpacking bar. I will say though, I’d much rather be carrying slightly more weight in my pack if it meant I get to have a healthier/tastier option while rock climbing or playing in the back country. I would highly suggest checking out this product!
Courtney P.ScoutPilot Mountain State Park Campground
Good base for hiking
I have hiked almost all the trails at Pilot Mountain, except for the corridor. The That's my main reason for going there. The The perimeter trails are great, not too crowded. The ones closer into Pilot Mountain itself get way too crowded. For me the campground is a little too open and close packed. There's not much to keep you from your neighbors and it's too close to a road. But it's a nice place for families if you want to take your kids hiking and also have them close to a restroom.
Kirsten J.
LegendJomeokee Campground
Gorgeous open space, music venue, great views - tough road!
Jomeokee Campground is located in Pinnacle NC, near Pilot Mountain NC - and has a great view of Pilot Mountain from many of the campsites. This campground is set back off the road, quite a ways, which makes it nice and quiet from road traffic, though you can hear trucks rumble in the night on 52.
The fields and the grassy areas are goregous - leaving the kids to run and explore and watch fireflies. Yet many of the campsites are uneven and picnic tables are in need of repairs. You can find a nice campsite (shown below) when you pull through the one way road which left us wondering about our alignment!
The campground owner was very friendly and kind - and the sunset was fantastic! Hiking in Pilot Mountain State Park is just minutes away and the views from the top can't be beat!
JohnScoutJomeokee Campground
Peaceful and quiet location with great views
Great view of Pilot mountain from the campsite. Short drive to good hiking trails.
Guide to Pilot Mountain
Pilot Mountain State Park rises 2,000 feet above the surrounding Piedmont region in North Carolina. This distinct geological feature creates microclimates that affect camping conditions, with temperature differences of 10-15 degrees between the base and summit. Campers can expect mild springs and falls, hot summers with afternoon thunderstorms, and occasionally frosty winter nights when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 10-mile drive. Stone Mountain State Park Campground offers access to multiple waterfalls within a short drive. "There are a lot of waterfalls to see, a climbing access area, Cook's Wall, and much more," notes Myron C. The park features five different waterfalls, each accessible via well-marked trails.
Climbing and rappelling: Available year-round. Pilot Mountain State Park Campground provides established climbing routes on steep cliff faces. "If you're not a climber, the views are still worth the drive. While here, be sure to visit nearby Mt. Airy for some old school Andy Griffith sightseeing," recommends DrDavid P. The park's cliffs range from 60-80 feet high with both top-rope and lead climbing options.
Kayaking the Yadkin River: Seasonal availability. Paddlers can access the Yadkin River for day trips and primitive camping. "We kayaked along the Yadkin River and camped at one of the canoe campsites. There was very little amenities at these particular sites but that was the point of our visit," shares Isaac O. about his experience at Pilot Mountain State Park.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Best from September-April. Stone Mountain State Park Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for," mentions Emily D. The park's elevation provides clear horizons for constellation spotting.
Wildlife encounters: Common at dawn/dusk. Campers regularly spot deer and smaller wildlife around their sites. "Whitetail deer mosey past your site and linger during the evening... ample squirrel and robins, woodpeckers and cardinals compete for air time. Skinks, newts and salamanders populate these wooded lands and scurry about," according to Dave V. at Hanging Rock State Park.
Morning views of Pilot Mountain: Best from east-facing sites. Greystone RV Park provides direct sightlines to Pilot Mountain. "In the morning, getting up early to watch the sunrise light up the mountain like a candle really set the tone for a beautiful day," describes Tom. The park's elevated position offers unobstructed views from concrete pads.
What you should know
Gate closure times: 10 PM standard. Most campgrounds in the area lock their gates overnight. "Campers should note that the campground gates typically close at 10 PM, preventing entrance or exit until morning," states a Jomeokee Campground visitor. Plan arrivals accordingly or risk spending the night elsewhere.
Variable water heating: 3-5 minute delay common. Hanging Rock State Park Campground provides shower facilities with occasionally temperamental hot water systems. "The showers had hot water, which was a very welcome amenity after a day on the trails. However, the women's bathroom was unfortunately in rough shape," reports David N.
Cell service limitations: Spotty below mountain. Reception varies dramatically throughout the area. "Internet and phone service available in some parts of the park," notes Annell N. about Stone Mountain State Park. For reliable service, higher elevations generally provide better connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Available at select sites. Mayberry Campground offers dedicated areas for children to play. "This is a great park! The staff are all nice and friendly, and the park is very well laid out and clean. You got full hookups, nice level sites, and two playgrounds," says Jason E. The campground maintains two separate play areas for different age groups.
Open field activities: Best in spring/fall. Several campgrounds feature grassy areas perfect for family games. "The large grassy fields have lots of kids and adults playing ball and frisbee," observes Martha S. about Jomeokee Campground. These open spaces provide safer play areas than wooded sites.
Swimming options: Memorial Day through Labor Day. Homeplace Recreational Park features water recreation facilities. "This place has an actual water park within the campground," notes Martha S. The park offers supervised swimming areas suitable for various age groups, with lifeguards on duty during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Reserve specific spots. Mayberry Campground accommodates larger vehicles but requires planning. "The campsites vary in size so check the map and talk to the staff to figure out your best option when making your reservation," advises Shela F. Sites along the outer loop typically provide more space for stabilizers and slideouts.
Leveling challenges: Bring extra blocks. Many area campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring additional equipment. "The sites were somewhat close together but we did not have any issues with noise during our stay. There were several clean bath houses throughout," shares Shannon C. about Pilot Mountain State Park. Most RV sites require 2-4 inches of leveling adjustment.
Concrete pad availability: Limited to certain parks. For those seeking firm foundations, specific campgrounds offer paved options. "Pull thru sites with concrete pads. No leveling needed. Couldn't be easier to pull in and set up," explains Nan L. about Greystone RV Park. These sites typically cost $5-10 more per night but eliminate many setup challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Pilot Mountain, NC?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Pilot Mountain, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Pilot Mountain, NC is Pilot Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 36 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Pilot Mountain, NC?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Pilot Mountain, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 103 dog-friendly camping locations near Pilot Mountain, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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