Pet friendly camping near Shelby, North Carolina offers terrain that ranges from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the gentle Broad River valleys. The area sits at elevations between 800-1,000 feet, creating mild climates suitable for year-round camping with average summer temperatures reaching 89°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 30°F. Campgrounds in this region typically feature wooded settings with various water features including creeks, ponds, and lake access points.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: High Shoals Falls Trail at South Mountains State Park Family Campground offers a moderate to strenuous 2.35-mile climb to an 80-foot waterfall. "We stayed for 3 nights- family campsite (sites 6-9 are beat IMO) was used as basecamp. We also had a primitive site that we backpacked to for a night. This was a great approach to the park," shares Sarah W., who found the trail system extensive enough for multiple day hikes.
Creek fishing: Cool off at Primitive Camping By the Creek, where the shallow water provides both recreation and natural white noise for sleeping. "My daughter and I decided to camp at the last minute. This place was close to the interstate but still very secluded. Plenty of firewood and next to a creek," notes Don W., highlighting the site's accessibility despite feeling remote.
Trail exploring: Follow forest paths around Iron City Campground, where wooded hiking trails offer exercise options without leaving the property. "Owners are very nice and they have good trails. I would stay there again with no hesitation," according to John B., who appreciated having on-site hiking options during his stay.
What campers like
Convenient amenities: Bathrooms and facilities at Kings Mountain State Park receive mixed reviews with some praising cleanliness. "Great campground with clean facilities and lots of amenities. Convenient country store at the park office. Hook ups for both RVs and tent campers," notes Sarah W., though she also mentions "sites are very close together."
Historical attractions: Military history sites near Kings Mountain State Park provide educational value. "Tons to do, including hikes and history. Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event," suggests Don H., who appreciated the living history demonstrations.
Well-stocked firewood: Dry, accessible wood storage at Primitive Camping By the Creek helps campers maintain fires despite weather conditions. "David was very accommodating and flexible about check in and even started a fire for us before we got there! The campsite was spacious for us to set up camp and keep the jeep nearby. He provided dry firewood in a shed to keep the fire going which was helpful after the hurricane rains," explains Christy.
What you should know
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven sites requiring advance preparation. "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways," warns Richard E. about Kings Mountain State Park, suggesting campers bring leveling blocks and choose sites carefully.
Limited cell coverage: Remote locations mean unpredictable connectivity. "No cell phone service, and gates to the park are locked up at 9pm so there's no getting in or out late at night," notes Jenni P. about South Mountains State Park, where the isolation is both a feature and potential challenge.
Varied site quality: Research specific site numbers before booking as conditions differ dramatically within the same campground. "The sites are close together, poorly maintained, and most are very small. The Trading Post is nicely stocked, and open all day. The bathrooms near my site were the best part," explains Carol J., suggesting facilities are better maintained than individual sites at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Creek-adjacent sites: Request water access when traveling with children. "We camped at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it! Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" shares Jessica L. about South Mountains State Park Family Campground, where water play options enhanced their experience.
Activity planning: Schedule around ranger programs at state parks for educational opportunities. "Great place to camp. Very quiet, very friendly clean bathroom. Cheap camping," notes Eddie B. about Kings Mountain, where ranger-led programs are regularly scheduled but not widely advertised.
Space requirements: Confirm site dimensions before arriving, especially with larger families. "Even though we only stayed one night, we had a blast! The tent pad was large enough to setup our 8 man tent and 2 man tent, and lewve us plenty of room for our kitchen setup and room around the fire pit," reports Erica F. about her experience at South Mountains State Park.
Tips from RVers
Access road considerations: Check campground approach routes before booking, especially with larger rigs. "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction," cautions Karen S. about Kings Mountain, highlighting the importance of arrival timing.
Utility placement: Research hookup locations as some campgrounds have unusual layouts. "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites," notes another Kings Mountain reviewer, suggesting extra-long hoses and cords might be necessary at certain locations.
Pull-through availability: Reserve early for the limited number of level, accessible sites at Broad River Campground. "This is a fairly new campground with a variety of options for stay. Domes, cabins, tents and camper sites. All areas extremely clean and private," explains Barbara S., who appreciated the newer facilities and careful site design.
