San-Lee Park in Sanford provides limited tent camping options where pets are permitted throughout the designated camping area. The campground contains approximately 10 sites arranged in an open configuration that functions almost like a group camping area. Each site includes fire pits, grills, and picnic tables, with water spigots available in the camping area. The bathhouse offers showers and toilet facilities. The park requires advance reservations at least 72 hours before arrival, despite previously advertising first-come, first-served availability. Pets must remain leashed while in the camping area and on park trails.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area's multiple campgrounds, including Poplar Point and Crosswinds, offer pet-friendly accommodations for both tent and RV campers. All sites include standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and water access. The trails running alongside Cape Fear River at Raven Rock State Park's Moccasin Branch Campground accommodate hikers with dogs. The campground features primitive hike-in sites that can fit multiple tents, though campers should note that personal firewood cannot be brought in and cutting trees for firewood is prohibited. The paths along the river provide pleasant walks for dogs and their owners, with several trails of varying difficulty levels. The water at some points along the Cape Fear River remains shallow enough for dogs to cool off safely. Local RV parks including Jordan Dam RV Park, Cotton's Camp Ground, Dickens RV Park, and Goodwin's RV Campground all permit pets with varying levels of amenities.
$27 - $37 / night
"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."
$27 - $75 / night
"We brought our dog on our hike. The trails are easily followed and they include long and short Trails for your enjoyment. great day trip."
"The campground is walking distance to Raven Rock trails and you get a free walk up pass to get in. We had a very good time and will definitely go back."
$27 - $77 / night
"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. "
$15 / night
"There are hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and other water sports on the lake there."
"Contrary to what has been written, I would highly recommend San-Lee Park to anyone looking for a short and easy escape from the nearby Raleigh-Durham area."
$17 / night
"The river is a short walk away from all the sites if you want to get a great picture with the sunrise. Overall, I definitely recommend."
"There are a few sites and a pit toilet nearby but you can not see each other. I highly recommend!"
"If you are looking for someplace close to Jordan Dam boat launch, or are looking for a long term site, this is for you."
$17 / night
"Great hiking trails or you can just read and cook by the fire. Have been going there for years with my kids. An excellent, little known spot."
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!
GuideBeautiful campground, meticulously maintained. Store , restaurant, pool, dog park, kayak on lake,putt putt, cornhole, shuffleboard, horseshoes just to name a few
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!
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!
RangerI lived in Fayetteville, NC for over 10 years and just recently stopped by to visit friends as we travelled up north.
We picked this campground because it only 1 mile off I-95 and closest RV park we could find near Fayetteville .
Dirt road to campsite is packed white sand and well maintained (it had rained 2 days prior so it was not dusty)
There were full hookup and lots of big rigs/TT and class A’s in park. The park is well maintained and the owners clearly care about creating a nice atmosphere. The sites themselves are hard packed sand and you have a very nice patio and fire pit.
During the right season Memorial- Labor Day there is a nice size pool. They have a Catch and Release fishing pond and a cute walking trail The campground is close to Walmart and other eating places
⛺️other camping in the area-while I did not visit these locations recently- when I lived here I used to camp at Waldo’s Beach Campground In Fayetteville but it is not near the interstate. There is also a military/gov only campground on Fort Bragg you can check into.
Fun things to do in Fayetteville/Fort Bragg Area:
Fun things to do: 📌Airborne and Special Operations Museum (downtown). You may also enjoy the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum is located on Fort Bragg(call this museum directly for details)
❤️Paraclete XP skydive center (in raeford,N.C. close to Fayetteville) -One of the largest skydive centers in the world! so worth it!!! Just going and watching is pretty awesome
🥾Cape fear river trail 10.6 mile round trip multi use trail
💐 🌳 Cape Fear Botanical Garden
🐶giant dog park (near Botanical Garden)
📌Zip quest waterfall and tree top adventure zip line
🧗♀️ The Climbing Place (rock climbing)- downtown.
📌Defy Fayetteville Trampoline park
⚾️ Minor league baseball team Fayetteville Woodpeckers are hosted here in town and a new stadium was built.
🎥 🍿 Cameo Arthouse Theater- Indy theater- sit upstairs in the LOGE!
Cape fear botanical garden (Big dog park near the gardens)
Happy Camping! Pamela and Keith
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.
LegendShooting up or down I-95 (exit 44) to make it to your ultimate destination and simply need a spot to layover for a night … but tired of all those nondescript roadside concrete RV parking lots and still want to enjoy a bit of nature? Well then, look no further than Spacious Skies Sandy Run Campground (formerly Lazy Acres) surrounded by an endless amount of native longleaf pines located in the heart of Cumberland County. Here, you’ll almost feel like you’ve exited the concrete jungle for a slice of nature just a smidge off of I-95. Of course, the additional upside here is that you don't have to drive clear out in the wilderness in order to enjoy a small slice of heaven with a good helping of nature.
With 2-3 dozen or so elongated long-leaf pine shaded drive-through parking lanes with packed white sand parking pads (some were concrete) for your parking pleasure, all of the pull-thru sites come equipped with the typical 30 / 50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections. While the campground’s website attempts to fool you with generic stock photography that is not representative of their actual site (why don’t sites simply invest in some really great photography when they actually have a fantastic site to showcase is beyond me), this campground really is quite attractive for being a highway roadside RV campground.
That said, while their imagery suggests cabins and tents, there were none while we visited, so do take note. That said, the restroom / shower / laundry facilities are exceptional (albeit a bit on the small side - this campground should definitely invest in a second or even third bathroom / shower facility) and, of course, there’s the standard picnic table, fire ring / grill, garbage receptacles, dog park, basic kid’s playground, WiFi, cable and even a community BBQ that are interspersed throughout the property. I was surprised to discover a pretty amazing pool (opened in the Summer between Memorial and Labor Day weekends) that the kids enjoyed during the day – nothing too over-the-top, but a cool spot to drop into during the midday NC heat is definitely an advantage! Oh, and the laundry facilities, camp store and other amenities like fresh cut wood for fires and s’more roasting was a huge bonus. Cathy at the front desk was very warm and inviting.
The hosts are incredibly nice and offer pricing by the night, week and month. Overall, I found the community to be quite inviting and as nearly everyone there is in-transit, there’s a really nice sojourner vibe to be had, where everyone is welcoming and also curious as to where you’re coming from and where you’re headed to, but in a non-invasive manner. Near this RV parking lot, you do have access to Fayetteville Motor Speedway, Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, Clark Park Nature Center and a good number of state and county parks bursting with outdoors adventures for the family.
Insider’s tips? Here's a few: (1) There’s a great little pathway on this property that encircles a small pond that is perfect for a short meandering through the area that you’re in called Sandy Run. Here, we discovered squirrels, all sorts of endemic birds, a few stray turtles, a couple deer and a group of industrious beavers who had built quite the dam. The pond itself isn’t too well-stocked and so you will note the ‘catch & release’ warning signs around this watering hole; (2) There's a hint of 'Coming Soon' and 'Under Development' signs on both the website as well as on-property that would suggest that the campground is in the midst of some upcoming enhancements. Apparently, from the owners, there’s plans for a dog park and even a camp store, which will add substantially to the bolstering amenities already being provided; (3) If you'd like to get off property and head somewhere nearby to stretch your legs and get a decent hike in, then I would recommend checking out nearby Clark Park & Nature Center, which has some pretty great trailheads and other wonderful nature trails to explore; (4) If you are into outdoor adventure and looking to zip amongst the treelines, then check out Zipquest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure; (5) When you grow tired of roasting franks & beans fireside and are looking for some local fare, then head outside camp, cross I95 and make your way over to Go Chew Grill, which is one part morning cafe with jumbo cinnamon roll and perfectly poured Americano as well as afternoon continental eatery, where this spot serves up some pretty amazing freshly made gourmet sandwiches, which I would recommend the turkey, bacon, creamy brie and orange chutney wrap.
Happy Camping!
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.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area dominates the camping landscape near Sanford, North Carolina, with multiple campgrounds spread across its 14,000 acres of shoreline. Located in the Piedmont region at approximately 220 feet above sea level, the area experiences mild winters and humid summers with average July temperatures reaching 90°F. Seasonal flooding can affect campsite availability during spring months, particularly at lower elevation areas near the shoreline.
Paddle the shoreline: At Poplar Point Campground, water activities dominate recreation options. "I can't get enough of Jordan lake. This place is excellent for walking, hiking, boating, canoeing, fishing and more. I've been here on multiple occasions during the summer to beat the heat," notes Daniel P. The lake offers multiple access points for kayakers and canoeists.
Fishing opportunities: Jordan Lake supports diverse fish species accessible from shore or boat. "If you're an angler, Lake Jordan is very well known for its large mouthed bass as well as black croppie and there's also yellow and white perch as well as a few different variety of catfish," according to a camper at New Hope Overlook. Shore fishing is particularly productive in spring and fall.
Hiking with pets: Canoe Camp at Raven Rock State Park offers trail options for hikers with dogs. "We brought our dog on our hike. The trails are easily followed and they include long and short Trails for your enjoyment. Great day trip," reports Christine J. Most trails range from 1-3 miles in length with moderate terrain.
Waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise the lake access at Crosswinds Campground. "Loved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," shared Angela M. Sites 15-28 offer the most direct water views.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts significant bird populations. "Bald eagles overhead, herons by the water, and fiery sunsets made it feel like we were far from the city, yet Apex and Pittsboro were just a short drive away when we needed a meal or groceries," notes Maria Mercedes M. about Poplar Point. Early mornings provide optimal wildlife viewing.
Spacious campsites: The terrain creates natural separation between sites at many campgrounds. "Like the way the campsites take advantage of the rolling terrain. Campsites are roomy. Lots of shade. We had a substantial deluge while there, and the water drained just fine," reports Stuart O. from Poplar Point. Most sites accommodate tents up to 10x10 feet with room for additional setup.
Reservation requirements: Despite some outdated information, most campgrounds require advance booking. At San-Lee Park, "We picked this spot because it was a last minute trip and on their website it advertised they had first come first serve spots open... After finally tracking this man down at the paddle boats and an hour of back and forth, we were told you have to call and make a reservation but we shouldn't have a problem getting a spot since it's empty." Reservations typically need 72+ hours notice.
Water conditions: Water quality varies significantly by location and season. "When I went to the lake to filter water, the water was still brown, so we decided to go to the closest convenience store and buy bottled water," notes a camper at New Hope Overlook. Bringing additional water is recommended during summer months.
Campground layouts: Site configurations differ substantially between parks. "Not a bad campground. There are maybe 10 or so sites here. They are all contained in one open area. It's almost like one big group site," explains Marvin D. about San-Lee Park. Research specific campground layouts before booking.
Beach access: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers designated swimming areas. "If you are looking for a great place to sunbathe and want a decent beachhead, then check out nearby Jordan Lake Beach or Seaforth Beach, both of which have a nice sandy beachhead that the kiddos will be able to enjoy making a sand castle at," suggests a visitor. Swimming areas typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Kid-friendly campsites: Look for sites with open play areas and proximity to bathrooms. "The campground has plenty of family-friendly touches from playgrounds, picnic tables, fire rings, and boat ramps along with water and electric hookups at most sites, though I learned that some loops have cleaner bathhouses than others," notes Maria Mercedes about Poplar Point.
Safety considerations: Shallow water areas provide safer options for children. "Nice shower facilities. We stayed at the F Loop. Sites F36 and F40 are situated so the awning side of the camper has a direct, unobstructed view of the water," reports Stuart O. about preferred family sites at Poplar Point.
Site selection: At Jordan Dam RV Park, site placement requires care. "The site maintenance man, Earl, will direct you into your site, which was a bit tricky in the site we were in," notes Michael R. Most sites can accommodate units up to 30 feet, with select sites handling larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are standard at most campgrounds, but sewer connections vary. "This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so. Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station," explains Paul H. about Crosswinds Campground.
Connection quality: For those needing connectivity, cellular coverage varies. "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," reports Andrew S. about Poplar Point. AT&T coverage tends to be weaker throughout the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sanford, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sanford, NC is Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sanford, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 80 dog-friendly camping locations near Sanford, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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