If you're searching for a place to camp with pets near Sparta, look no further. Finding pet-friendly campgrounds in North Carolina is easier than ever. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Sparta's most popular destinations.
$23 / night
Nestled in a landscape of mountains, open meadows and pioneer cabins, Doughton Park Campground is surrounded by 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails offering opportunities to view wildlife as well as get a feel for the lives of those who lived here long ago. Originally known as The Bluffs, the area came by its present name in honor of Congressman Robert L. Doughton, a long-time advocate and supporter of the Parkway.
Over 30 miles of trails are available varying from strenuous to easy. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails. Mileage listed is only traveling one way. Double the trail mileage to include out and back trip. Trail elevations can change more than 2,000 feet as trails descend into the Basin Cove Creek area from the parkway. Maps available on the Blue Ridge Parkway.gov website.__ Bluff Mountain Trail (7.5 miles) offers many scenic vistas and traverses relatively flat terrain. The trail runs near the parkway and is accessible from many locations along its route from Brinegar Cabin to Basin Cove Overlook.____ Cedar Ridge Trail (4.4 miles) descends a forested ridgeline to Grassy Gap Fire Road. Trailhead is located at the Brinegar Cabin.__ Grassy Gap Fire Road (6.1 miles) is wide enough for hikers and horseback riders to travel side by side. The trail starts at Milepost 243.9 and ambles down the mountainside past the primitive campground to State Route 1730 (Longbottom Road). Horseback riders must enter and exit at Longbottom Road.__ Flat Rock Ridge Trail (5.0) miles begins on the mountain-top meadow of Basin Cove Overlook. And ends on the damp, cool banks of Basin Cove Creek. NC Thurmond Game Lands and bear sanctuary border the south side of the trail.__ Basin Cove Creek Trail (3.2 miles) is accessible only from the grassy Gap Fire Road at the Long Bottom Road (State Hwy 1730). A 1.7-mile hike is required to reach the beginning of the Basin Cove Creek. It winds past cascading waterfalls to the century-old Caudill Cabin, former home of the Martin Caudill family. Part of the once-thriving Basin cove Community, this cabin was one of the few structures that withstood the devasting 1916 flood. Prepare for over 26 creek crossings on this trail. The total trip one way is 4.9 miles and 9.8 miles for the total trip. Bluff Ridge Primitive Trail (2.7 miles) is the shortest but steepest route into Basin Cove. The strenuous climb up the trail makes the hike seem much longer. Trailhead location is in the Bluffs Picnic Area.__ Fodder Stack Trail (1.4 miles roundtrip) shows off its delicate display of wildflowers in the spring. It is the easiest hike through a mixture of pine and hardwood forest with a short, steep brief beginning. Recommended for families. Trailhead is at Wildcat Rocks Overlook.____ The Brinegar Cabin dates from about 1885 and was the home of Martin Brinegar and his family. Brinegar was a cobbler as well as a farmer. His home is open Memorial Day weekend days through October. Hand-loom weaving and other craft demonstrations are often given during the summer months. The one-room Caudill Cabin exhibit can be viewed from the scenic Wildcat Rocks (milepost 240.6). Historic Cemetery: near milepost marker 245.5. The cemetery contains some three dozen graves dating from the 1880's to more recent times.__ The Basin Cove Creek complex (mileposts 238 - 244) (located off the Parkway on Longbottom Road) has Rainbow and Brook Trout where the streams are stocked. Anyone with a valid Virginia or North Carolina fishing license is welcome, but please check with the visitor center for any special regulations.
Over 30 miles of trails are available varying from strenuous to easy. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails. Mileage listed is only traveling one way. Double the trail mileage to include out and back trip. Trail elevations can change more than 2,000 feet as trails descend into the Basin Cove Creek area from the parkway. Maps available on the Blue Ridge Parkway.gov website.__ Bluff Mountain Trail (7.5 miles) offers many scenic vistas and traverses relatively flat terrain. The trail runs near the parkway and is accessible from many locations along its route from Brinegar Cabin to Basin Cove Overlook.____ Cedar Ridge Trail (4.4 miles) descends a forested ridgeline to Grassy Gap Fire Road. Trailhead is located at the Brinegar Cabin.__ Grassy Gap Fire Road (6.1 miles) is wide enough for hikers and horseback riders to travel side by side. The trail starts at Milepost 243.9 and ambles down the mountainside past the primitive campground to State Route 1730 (Longbottom Road). Horseback riders must enter and exit at Longbottom Road.__ Flat Rock Ridge Trail (5.0) miles begins on the mountain-top meadow of Basin Cove Overlook. And ends on the damp, cool banks of Basin Cove Creek. NC Thurmond Game Lands and bear sanctuary border the south side of the trail.__ Basin Cove Creek Trail (3.2 miles) is accessible only from the grassy Gap Fire Road at the Long Bottom Road (State Hwy 1730). A 1.7-mile hike is required to reach the beginning of the Basin Cove Creek. It winds past cascading waterfalls to the century-old Caudill Cabin, former home of the Martin Caudill family. Part of the once-thriving Basin cove Community, this cabin was one of the few structures that withstood the devasting 1916 flood. Prepare for over 26 creek crossings on this trail. The total trip one way is 4.9 miles and 9.8 miles for the total trip. Bluff Ridge Primitive Trail (2.7 miles) is the shortest but steepest route into Basin Cove. The strenuous climb up the trail makes the hike seem much longer. Trailhead location is in the Bluffs Picnic Area.__ Fodder Stack Trail (1.4 miles roundtrip) shows off its delicate display of wildflowers in the spring. It is the easiest hike through a mixture of pine and hardwood forest with a short, steep brief beginning. Recommended for families. Trailhead is at Wildcat Rocks Overlook.____ The Brinegar Cabin dates from about 1885 and was the home of Martin Brinegar and his family. Brinegar was a cobbler as well as a farmer. His home is open Memorial Day weekend days through October. Hand-loom weaving and other craft demonstrations are often given during the summer months. The one-room Caudill Cabin exhibit can be viewed from the scenic Wildcat Rocks (milepost 240.6). Historic Cemetery: near milepost marker 245.5. The cemetery contains some three dozen graves dating from the 1880's to more recent times.__ The Basin Cove Creek complex (mileposts 238 - 244) (located off the Parkway on Longbottom Road) has Rainbow and Brook Trout where the streams are stocked. Anyone with a valid Virginia or North Carolina fishing license is welcome, but please check with the visitor center for any special regulations.
Rolling ridgetop meadows and steep mountainsides characterize the 7,000-acre Doughton Park. The elevation is a cool 3688 feet. It is one of the best places along the motor road to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and gray foxes, and bobcats. Visitors can enjoy spectacular shows of flame azalea and rhododendron in the late spring and fields of Dense Blazing Stars in mid to late July. Nearby Bluffs picnic area features open areas for night sky viewing with limited light pollution.__ 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.
Mount Airy, NC: Andy Griffith's hometown, the ideal American town that was the inspiration for Mayberry--Hwy 52 South; 12 miles south of Fancy Gap, VA. (www.visitmayberry.com)\_\_\_\_ Churches of the Frescoes: MP 259 - The Last Supper, Mary Great with Child, Mystery of Faith, and 7 others. Episcopal Church is always open. (www.churchofthefrescoes.com) Northwest Trading Post: Located south of Doughton Park at milepost 258 near Glendale Springs, this craft store sells handicrafts representative of the Appalachian Mountain culture. (www.CoolSparta.com)
$45 / night
$20 / night
Nestled between the beautiful Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains (just one mile off the highway), this KOA Holiday caters to everyone, from families looking for a memorable destination to travelers looking for a quiet location after a day on the road. Check out the improved big rig friendly RV sites, Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins and Tent sites. Enjoy the pool with double water slide, fully stocked camp store, gaga ball, mini golf, corn hole, playground, mining sluice, court games, and our catch-and-release fishing pond.
This campground's Bowling and Family Fun Center is home to indoor batting cage, arcade games, pool tables, skee ball, outdoor mini golf, and the AOK Cafe, which features made to order pizza, wings, and doughnuts! The Bowling and Family Fun Center Pavilion hosts summer weekend activities that include a ride on the KOA Express train, an authentic 1924 fire truck, wagon rides, tie-dye/crafts and a candy hunt (kids 12 & under). This KOA Holiday has brought a new addition to The Fun Center; a first of its kind: a six-lane BOWLING ALLEY complete with automatic scoring for your enjoyment. Nearby, explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, animal park, wineries, antique malls, and the Town of Wytheville's historic attractions and restaurants (some will even deliver to your site).
$50 - $170 / night
$25 - $45 / night
Grindstone Campground is tucked in the Fairwood Valley among pastures and wooded hillsides. The surrounding Mount Rogers National Recreation Area provides endless opportunities for fun and relaxation in the nature setting. The Campground will be closed until further notice due to facility repair needs. Opossum Loop will be open for tent campers. There will be no available water. No Dump Station available.
The area offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting. Recommended hiking trails include the Mount Rogers Trail at 7.5 miles and the Whispering Waters Nature Trail at 0.6 miles. Several streams pass by just beyond the campground, with trout fishing available in abundance. The campground boasts a water play area in the creek, an amphitheater, a playground and volleyball courts to entertain families.
At 3,800 feet, Grindstone is surrounded by mixed hardwoods, hemlock and rhododendrons. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area spans 200,000 acres of National Forest, with four wildlife-rich wilderness areas.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (276) 783-5196.
The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway, which traverses more than 50 miles with views of forestland and open rural countryside, is accessible nearby.
$24 - $34 / night
April 1 to November 3, relax, unplug and refresh with family and friends on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We have 13 full hookup RV sites, 6 camping cabins, 3 tent sites with water and electric and an 8-room motel. Our bathhouse features five private bathrooms with hot showers and utility sinks. Enjoy our 22 acres of rolling hills, woods, walking trails, mountain views, blazing sunsets and starry nights. Take advantage of free Wi-Fi that is available throughout the campground and at the motel. We also offer a propane fill station and a camp store. The store is open to grab an ice cream treat, cold drink, snack, firewood, ice, books, gifts or souvenirs. Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground is also the home to one of the longest official Virginia LOVE signs in the state. From the campground easily explore the Blue Ridge Music Center, Mabry Mill and all of the beauty, shopping, wineries, hiking, cycling, and paddling southwest Virginia has to offer. We take reservations year round. Check our website fancygapcabinsandcampground.com or call us at 276-730-7154 for details and to learn about our limited winter camper opportunities.
$30 - $78 / night
► Tent and trailer camping
The lower slopes of Pilot Mountain house the family camping area where 42 campsites for tents and trailers are scattered among oaks and hickories.
Each site has a tent pad, table, and fire pit/grill. Drinking water is available throughout the campground, and two bathhouses with hot showers are located nearby.
Some campsites can accommodate RVs. There are no hookups or dump station provided. Please visit the reservations website for more information about the driveway length of each campsite.
The campground host sells firewood. Gathering wood in the park is prohibited.
No more than six people are allowed to occupy a campsite. The camping area is open from March 15 to November 30.
Please review the important information below regarding check in.
► Paddle-in camping
Two paddle-in campsites are located at the Ivy Bluffs access on the south bank of Yadkin River. Reservations are required to use these campsites.
There is no water or toilet facilities at these campsites. You must bring your own water and pack out all trash and waste.
Camping is allowed only in designated areas. Camping is prohibited on the Yadkin River Islands.
The nearest boat access upstream from the campsite is located at the Shoals fishing and boating access, at 4454 Shoals Road, East Bend, NC 27018. The paddle from this access is about 1 mile. As of March 15, 2021, the next downstream boat access at Donnaha Park is closed until Fall 2023. Please plan accordingly.
$15 - $26 / night
Scout
We were able to spend a couple of weeks enjoying the park. We stayed in one of the cabins after the high season. Comfortable and cozy, we really enjoyed our morning walks along the trails and lake. We spent one evening playing in the arcade room where I may currently hold the high score on one of the pinball machines and got to have lazy days around the park. We enjoyed the area so much! The staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
They are continuously improving the park love seeing what they are doing as they keep going.
Traveler
My partner and I took our dog on a quick impromptu weekend trip, we drove about 2 hours. Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite. The campground was well kept, well placed, not to mention the next morning part of the crew that maintains the area helped us fix our flat. Some of the other campers introduced themselves and were extremely friendly and helpful. Some had been camping there for 40yrs. The fire pits are well built and there is plenty of kindling and tinder to find right off the trails. If you’re comping at night time and want a fire bring a starter log. This time of year the wood was a little damp as we arrived late. Other than that bring plenty of water there are creeks and running water around but no running water at the sites, if you’re a must have shower person bring a shower bag. The sights were magical and the salt lick for the ponies wasn’t far so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway with great sites, a little adventure and a whole lot of beauty this campground is for you. This will definitely become a frequent for my partner and I
Scout
I stayed on the “not great for kids” side. Camp host said the other part of the park was better for families and had easier trail inclines. I loved my spot. It was quieter than I expected given how close the camp sites were to each other.
Guide
Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.
Traveler
This is the most peaceful and quiet campground. The mountain and water views are stunning. Camp hosts are phenomenal! So glad we found them gem. Can’t wait to come back.
Guide
Staff were GREAT!! Very clean bathrooms and hot showers. Grounds were clean and well maintained. 50+ sites with 4 bathrooms scattered in campground and 2 host sites. Wildlife abundant.
Guide
Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.
ScoutWe've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.
The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!
Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.
Guide
So this is the most unusual place we’ve ever camped. I would call it a‘community where there are campsites’ more than a campground. The majority of the sites are populated by beautifully-kept tiny houses with RVs sprinkled in. The grounds are beautifully planted and tended, evoking a feeling of being in a park. The bathhouse rooms are clean, individual rooms and decorated. The swimming pool is large and clubhouse lodge well provisioned. This is what a camping resort should be(but minus the huge fees)! WiFi is standard; we opted for the Pay version and had great connectivity. You will lose cell service~ 20 minutes from the campground.
Starlite is a long-term community that evolved into providing a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ folks looking for a serene mountain experience and this is an exceptional place. If you come with open mind and heart you will feel entirely welcome. My husband and I enjoyed all the people, dogs and kitties we met. We felt so safe and in this setting that we never even locked the RV when we left. Our site(79) was one of two transient camping sites feet away from the creek and a short walk to the lake filled with water lilies. The gravel site has FHU but currently is not level; the hosts have plans to revamp the site and extend the pad.
Follow the websites directions! You do NOT want to venture onto just any road up here, some of the roads are rough. Print directions before leaving home. The shortcut back dirt road between here and Blowing Rock is an adventure for a truck (only); just plan on driving it slow and it’s fine. Shockingly, as we returned from Blowing Rock the long way on Rt 321 our RV GPS program (in RV mode) kept trying to get us to take these mountainous dirt road shortcuts back to the camp. We might well have been stranded if we hadn’t known better.
Main Street Blowing Rock is a boutique shop haven. Great for strolling. Kilwins ice cream and candy shop in Blowing Rock is awesome, as is the spice shop beside it.
From downtown Blowing Rock you can hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway in minutes. South on the BRP you’ll quickly reach Moses Cone and Julian Price parks, both are great places to hike and picnic.
Scout
Dyrt says $40-$42. Price now is $56. Decent place. Easy on off off IH77. Prefer this to most KOA’s for value. Nice, tree filled sites, clean and well lighted shower rooms, rural setting, but near a city. Definitely would recommend.
Scout
The stay at the cabin with my wife was a true blessing. Amazing atmosphere, quiet and peaceful.
Scout
This was an excellent choice for us. Quiet spot, great views. Host was very accommodating and had inner tubes for floating in the stream.
Legend
I picked this campground because it was very close to Blue Ridge Parkway. My plan was to ride my motorcycle through this beautiful area of NC, but the rain didn't cooperate this trip. I camped in site 112. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. This was a last minute reservation and they had limited availability. The site is not very level and very tight for my 32 foot RV. The site had full hookups (water, sewer, 30 amp electric) that worked great. I walked most of the campground and there are some great sites. Most are wooded and reasonably spaced. Quite a few long term campers, but the rigs and sites were all very well kept. At $64 per night it is a little pricey, for site 112, but probably not for the campground and area as a whole. No grill, just a tire rim for campfires and a picnic table.
Getting parked was a bit of a challenge to get things as level as possible and work around power stand and be able to get awning out to stay out of rain.
I would camp here again and recommend others give it a try. Lots to do in this part of the NC mountains.
Traveler
I’ve stayed here at least a dozen times. Nice loop with decks to put your tent on. Bathhouse is nice and has been renovated in the last few years.
Traveler
Excellent campground. Wonderful staff!
Traveler
My husband and I stayed from the 4th of July to the 7th. The site was nice and level with a beautiful view. It’s a quiet, sleepy campground just perfect for relaxing by a fire. Be aware that only a few sites have septic. Pay attention to the site description. There is no cell phone reception anywhere around until you get to Damascus about 30 minutes away. The office/cafe does has WiFi. It is not park-wide though so plan ahead by downloading your maps and music, etc. The campground is owned and run by a couple who take great care to make sure your stay is pleasant. They have a cafe and small store in the office building. We had breakfast one morning - bacon, egg and cheese biscuit and a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich - made on homemade bread and biscuits. So good! I also got a latte and it was amazing. We stopped in for pizza night and got a homemade pesto pizza. Don’t miss that one! Our camper has a bathroom but the camp bathrooms were incredible. Super clean and well-maintained. If you need diesel, nearly every gas station is gas-only. There is a nice gas station and cafe close by in Whitetop Station that carries diesel and has really good food. We stopped there on our way out and the biscuits and gravy were wonderful. The Virginia Creeper trail head is right around the corner from the entrance to the campground.
Scout
This place was awesome. Private but well equipped with all the necessities you need. Very pleasant.
Traveler
I honestly love this park. It is my favorite TT park. The staff is friendly and helpful, the annuals mind their business, and the other campers are friendly. I work from home and the internet is iffy, I had to buy the campground internet and then use an antenna to make it strong enough to work, but hey, that's camping for you. The water pressure is low, so we just filled our tanks so we had enough water pressure for our tank less water heater. We are parked right on a creek and love sitting out here at night. So many things to do here as well. This is a great park and I cannot wait to return.
Legend
We’ve camped at Stone Mountain multiple times over the years. We tent-camped when my boys were small. Most recently in our RV (3-4 times in the past three years). It is a great park. The hiking is excellent. The campsites are large and spacious. The park is well-kept. Make sure you hike to the top. The views are great, and you can spend time at the Homestead farm in the valley below.
We camped here this past weekend and enjoyed it once again. We were at site 56. It is an excellent site on the stream, with no site immediately next to you, so there is lots of privacy. The firepit, picnic table, water, and electricity are all great. We had limited cell service for AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. We could send and receive text messages, but coverage was very spotty.
We will be back again in the Fall.
Guide
We loved camping here and can’t wait to come back❤️ they just need to update all of their picnic tables! The swimming pond was awesome with a spot for the dogs. We only stayed 2 nights and can’t wait to go back!
Guide
Utt’s Campground is the hidden gem of VA! Not a fast paced family resort. But a calm quiet place to sit back, relax, feel the mountain breeze. We love it here. We stayed here from May to November. The monthly rates are super reasonable.
TravelerThe campground, paths, and bathrooms were very clean. Beautiful views at Rock Falls. If we didn't have our dogs with us we would have done hikes longer than 4 miles.
Guide
We absolutely loved Camp Burson at Hungry Mother. The camp was clean and friendly. The spaces were somewhat close together, but they were large, so it didn’t bother us. There was a hiking spot just across the road, a camp store with ice and firewood, and a nice bath house with flush toilets and showers. The beach was a short drive away. The staff there was very nice and the beach was well maintained. The real stars were the camp hosts, The Viles. The sweetest couple. So friendly and helpful. They made our stay so much better. Highly recommend this campground. If there was a playground here, it would be 5 stars. There was one by the beach, but not within walking distance.
Scout
This place was the first place we stopped along our trip to test out the new camper we just purchased, and this place was so wonderful and fun. We played mini golf, had a view of the lake, and enjoyed a great campfire on our little porch they provided. We truly had so much fun even though we only stayed one night! Can’t wait to come back.
Guide
Our camping trip was excellent, our host was very friendly and communicative. Highly recommended. The view of our site named Crooked Tree # 5 was wonderful. Beautiful night sky with an opening view to the mountains. Excellent parking spot with plenty of room to set up a 3-person tent. Also, delivery of homemade pizza. I recommend the Jalapeno & Cheese.
Guide
there is a lake , I'm guessing it's a public lake due to the fact its outside the campground, I paid for a elec./water site and said if it's in the sun it's a bonus, the picnic table and site and the one above me have sun, however my solar panels do not, now if you want water and elec. you either need a 50' hose or extention cord because they are on opposite ends of the pull through , which I forgot to pay for one that might have been closer to level than a bowling ball. still haven't found the dumpster or a garbage can for that matter , pool is not included , again I'm guessing public.it was entertaining watching a poor fella with 2 young boys walk around for 30 minutes looking for their site, I'm in #41 and if you're so lucky to get thus spot , don't follow the signs telling you where the #'ed sites are because we're next to #53 and not in the 40's at all , we are however right next to the shower room ... I'll update my review after I explore thar situation tonight. it got 2 stars because so far it is peacefull with no other campers around, they probably learned their lesson their first stay too. $75.×× for 2 nights eventhough it says $30 a night. taxes must be killer here in Virginia. if it didn't rain everyday I been here and my batteries weren't hurting so badly I'd of just boondocked it another week in this gorgeous national forest for free. PS. don't bother with firewood on site #41 there's no ring. Update after shower, well I think I got Athletes foot just by looking inside, cold unfinished concrete floor, no mirror no hooks no shelf a very small bench and a trash can and on the floor what I could only describe as a rubber webbed mat you would usually see inside a garage. the water temp was OK for me but i enjoy a cold shower every now and again , there's only 2 settings ...yup on and off couple spiders got to watch me get dysentery but they were friendly. now back at camp enjoying the sweet smell of bathroom. yay. the showers and toilets are individual rooms with a rusty slide latch lock. dirty but I can only speak for the two I went into (the first shower door didn't shut) but I'd assume they're all pretty much the same. Definitely not worth $76
ScoutThe road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Sparta, North Carolina, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sparta, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sparta, NC is Stone Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 56 reviews.
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