Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Danville, VA

Dog-friendly camping near Danville, VA ranges from lakeside campgrounds with dedicated dog parks to primitive tent sites with trail access. Paradise Lake & Campground's lakeside sites welcome pets with multiple dog parks strategically placed throughout the grounds for convenient access. Hanging Rock State Park Campground accommodates pets at all campsites with clean, well-maintained facilities and hiking trails directly accessible from tent areas. Both locations offer picnic tables and fire rings at each site, with Paradise Lake providing full hookups for RVs while Hanging Rock features more primitive tent camping with gravel pads. Leashed dogs are permitted on most trails at Hanging Rock, though pets must be kept away from swimming areas. The campgrounds maintain clean bathroom facilities with hot showers, and Paradise Lake features tidy grounds despite predominantly longer-term campers.

Philpott Lake's Goose Point Park provides peninsula camping with lake views and a sandy swimming beach, though dogs are not permitted in beach areas. Trails around Lake Reidsville Recreation Park offer excellent walking opportunities for dogs, with easy access to water, playgrounds and hiking paths just moments from campsites. Hanging Rock State Park features a stream behind some sites where dogs can cool off, particularly appreciated during hot summer months. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies, typically requiring pets to be secured at all times. Campers should note that Smith Mountain Lake State Park's host strictly enforces pet leash rules, immediately addressing any violations. Several campgrounds including Hyco Lake State Park and Eno River State Park feature water access points where dogs can swim and cool off during warmer months.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Danville, Virginia (40)

    1. Paradise Lake & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Danville, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 836-2620

    "We stayed overnight on the lake (#45). The campground is very well maintained with clean restrooms. Though predominantly longer term campers, all sites were tidy."

    "The walking trail was nice but you will for sure want to take an extra large can of deep woods off or equivalent. There are swarms of large flys all around the water on the trail."

    2. Hyco Lake State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Leasburg, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 599-4343

    "We had a blast it was the weekend prior Labor Day we fished saw old friends in Virginia and had a wonderful time. The stuff was amazing"

    "Also in shower house the lights are motioned sensored which are super inconvenient when you're the only one in there and it cuts off 2 or 3 times while your showering and you have to carefully walk in"

    3. Lake Reidsville Recreation Park

    12 Reviews
    Reidsville, NC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 349-4738

    $60 - $75 / night

    "Trash cans, fire pits, level spots, picnic tables were at every location. Easy access to the water, playgrounds & hiking trails were just moments away from the camper."

    "We've stayed at Reidsville Lake Campground twice this year so far. There are eight lakefront sites. The sites closer to the water are provided with power and water."

    4. Smith Mountain Campground

    10 Reviews
    Penhook, VA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 927-4198

    $40 - $60 / night

    "Great private campground, kept up well with large sites next to wooded areas."

    "Close to the lake!"

    5. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Penhook, VA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 297-6066

    $27 - $159 / night

    "This is a well maintained area with access to several hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The lake is beautiful and my entire family enjoyed our time!"

    "Stopping at Smith Mountain lake was well worth it during my mini road trip through VA. Pros: huge lake with tons of outdoor activities (trails for running/walking, boating activities, kayaking)."

    6. Hanging Rock State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Danbury, NC
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 593-8480

    $27 - $110 / night

    "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."

    "Our site was HUGE, private and right near the bathroom with hot showers and large basin sinks for doing dishes."

    7. Indian Heritage RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Martinsville, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 632-9500

    "Convenient location for the Martinsville area. There is a river access for canoe at the edge of the campground. I would stay again."

    "Near a main road, but still very quaint. 25$ tent sites. Enjoyed a misty sunset and sunrise by the river."

    8. Backwoods RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Leasburg, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 514-5701

    $50 - $60 / night

    9. COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park

    19 Reviews
    Henry, VA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 629-1847

    $26 - $68 / night

    "Great little park with lake views, sandy swimming beach, hiking, boating, and state parks and forests nearby for even more recreation options."

    "Great little park with lake views, sandy swimming beach, hiking, boating, and state parks and forests nearby for even more recreation options."

    10. Eno River State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Hillsborough, NC
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 383-1686

    $17 - $47 / night

    "Love hiking here with the family and friends plenty of beautiful family and pet friendly trails."

    "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!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Danville, VA

337 Reviews of 40 Danville Campgrounds


  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Great location at SML

    Really well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground. Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office.

  • Paula J.
    Oct. 5, 2020

    Salthouse Branch Campground

    Great place!!

    Great spot for tent camping! Loved the hillside spots bc of all the trees and the multiple levels that the spots are on. They are all built out and flat. Bathrooms are clean and campground was quiet. I had issues finding out if pets were allowed... they are! My dog and I had an awesome time and we will be back for sure.

  • Heather L.
    Aug. 20, 2017

    Occoneechee State Park Campground

    Awesome summer camp spot.

    Water Water everywhere. Paddle boards....canoes if you have them this is a great place to go. Campgrounds are right next to the water for easy access. Pet friendly which is a must. Great place to go during the summer.

  • T
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Eno River State Park Campground

    Good place to picnic and hike

    Love hiking here with the family and friends plenty of beautiful family and pet friendly trails.

  • Mike C.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Longwood Campground at John H Kerr Reservoir

    Serenity

    Site 16 Left (non-electric) September 18-21, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 76 Average Night Temp: 51 Arrived on a beautiful early Fall Friday afternoon. Host was extremely friendly and welcoming. He offered great advice and information for this first time visit. Firewood is not available on site. You have to travel back to a self service trailer about 4 miles near the local CVS on Route 58. In my humble opinion, Site 16 was the best view of the Lake and has easy accessibility (see photos). Because of the low evening temps, most of the non-electric sites were empty. We basically had run of the area. Pet friendly and very well kept areas. Rock pad for parking and tent set up. Bring a pad if you plan on sleeping on the ground. Two tables, fire pit, and lantern post on sites. Boat parking available close to this site. Swimming was fantastic. Fishing was even better. Will be back.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2017

    Hanging Rock State Park Campground

    Beautiful Waterfalls!

    Another great getaway from the suburb hustle and bustle of Greensboro. 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. The campground bathrooms/facilities close in December and re-opens mid March. There are pit toilets available during the off-season. Amenities include picnic tables, grills and tent pads. There are showers, flush toilets and large utility sinks for dish washing and other non-hygiene related tasks.

    The hiking here is top-notch especially in the fall as the leaves turn all sorts of amazing colors. There are several waterfalls with nice swimming pools (for you or your pups). Take a few days to explore this spot!

  • Gail B.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Horseshoe Point

    Quiet, Secluded Campground

    I stayed one night at Horseshoe Point. The drive there through the mountains and backroads was pretty but make no mistake, this place is remote. There is no WiFi and my T-Mobile was useless there. There is a nice lake with trails nearby. There is a clean bath house with hot showers. The sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and gravel parking spaces. The sites are among the trees and well kept. They do not allow dogs near the beach. As a dog owner, this saddens me as I like to swim and I can’t if my dog is with me. The campground hosts were very friendly and welcoming.

  • Anjanel P.
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Hanging Rock State Park Campground

    Perfect campground and location

    Our site was HUGE, private and right near the bathroom with hot showers and large basin sinks for doing dishes. But the best part was that right behind the site was a trail and stream where I relaxed and had my coffee in the mornings while my dog cooled off in the water. There was no one at any of the sites near us, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. I do not drink but the friends I went with do and we did not see anything posted on the website about alcohol not being allowed until we arrived at the campground, kind of misleading but I prefer it as the campgrounds are usually quieter if they are dry. There are trails right around the campsite but so many greats spots nearby not to be missed; Lower Cascades, Hanging Rock Trail (yes that looming rain cloud got us), Upper Cascades, Rock Garden, Tory’s Den Waterfall & Cave. All easy hikes, only the Hanging Rock Trail was a bit long for my 12 year old dog but he rocked it and the view at the top was amazing. All of these places get crowded so definitely go, but go early!

  • Liz M.
    Jun. 30, 2023

    Occoneechee State Park Campground

    Nice but small sites

    Nice well kept park and campgrounds. Most of the sites looked pretty level. Sites in B are small and mostly have deep drop offs beyond the railroad ties. Sites are a little more spread out in C but still pretty small. But plenty of oversite parking. Both campgrounds very wooded. Beware there are LOTS of squirrels and not too afraid of humans. If you have dogs like we do that hate squirrels they drove them nuts- squirrels running around in our campsite and up trees in our campsite. And while walking around. They also climbed on a small table right next to the rv door and shredded my paper towels! Lots of areas to walk. Campground C had only two clean bath houses with only two toilets and two showers. Which I imagine with the many no hookup sites could get pretty busy.


Guide to Danville

Pet friendly camping near Danville, Virginia centers on several reservoir and lake-oriented campgrounds across the Virginia-North Carolina border. The region sits at elevations between 400-800 feet with mild spring and fall temperatures averaging 55-75°F, though summer nights can remain above 70°F with high humidity. Many campgrounds in this area feature terrain that ranges from peninsula settings on lakes to forested hillsides with various levels of hookups and amenities.

What to do

Hiking trails with water views: At Eno River State Park Campground, primitive campsites are accessible via trails that follow the river. "We hike and swim Eno nearly weekly and are so thankful this resource is so close to us! We also backpack into the primitive sites frequently. The primitive sites are spaced far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude," notes Sarah W.

Kayaking and canoeing: Lake Reidsville Recreation Park offers rental equipment for water activities. "You can rent paddle boats or kayak's or paddle boards. You may fish or ride boats. The only down fall is the bath house needs updating and you can't swim," explains Jack and Lisa L.

Fishing opportunities: Philpott Lake provides excellent fishing conditions. According to Fletcher, "This is a quiet place way back in the mountains of Southern Virginia. The roads going into the campground are very narrow and steep up and downs. Mostly boaters go here to camp and mostly locals."

Swimming beaches: Many of the lake-based campgrounds feature designated swim areas. "The park is nice and clean. Great for families and retirees," says Mary N. about Hyco Lake State Park Campground, which maintains a swimming area during warm months.

What campers like

Large, level sites: Smith Mountain Campground earns praise for its spacious camping areas. "This is a very well maintained & clean campground. The owner is great and the camp host was very attentive. There is a good sized catch and release pond," shares Valerie P., who stayed in a 22-foot travel trailer.

Clean facilities: Salthouse Branch Campground maintains its amenities well. "Bathrooms are clean and campground was quiet. I had issues finding out if pets were allowed... they are! My dog and I had an awesome time and we will be back for sure," writes Paula J. about her tent camping experience.

Lake views: Many campers specifically seek waterfront sites. "We always enjoy staying at Corp campgrounds when we travel. The sites are consistently level, spacious, with reliable facilities. And you can always count on a pristine body of water for camping and kayaking," comments Patrice about Salthouse Branch.

Privacy between sites: At COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park, the layout provides some separation. "The campground is among the trees for great shade and so-so privacy. Some spots are lakeside (numbers 1 through 19), but all are very close to the water," explains Dan N.

What you should know

Terrain and accessibility: Several campgrounds feature challenging terrain. "RVs need to reserve loop 'C' as A and B loop are not easily accessible and are more suited for tent campers," advises Darlene C. about Goose Point.

Alcohol policies: Some parks strictly prohibit alcohol consumption. "The police visited us bc we were drinking outside of our camper. He was very nice and explained no alcohol allowed. This is clearly stated and we were in the wrong," reports Anne F. about her experience at Salthouse Branch.

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate with limited facilities during winter. "We stayed here in the winter months (Feb - April) and it was really nice. Nearest town for groceries is 10 min away but you'll have to travel to Greensboro for bigger stores," notes Bri N. about Lake Reidsville.

Tent pad dimensions: At Hanging Rock State Park Campground, tent pads vary in size. "We stayed at Campsite 50, and while it was in a nice wooded area with plenty of shade and a decent amount of privacy, the tent pad was smaller than expected. We brought a 10-person tent, and it was a tight fit," explains David N.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Lake Reidsville offers multiple activity options for children. "All of the sites were amazing. Trash cans, fire pits, level spots, picnic tables were at every location. Easy access to the water, playgrounds & hiking trails were just moments away from the camper," explains Steven F.

Family-friendly events: "We love visiting Salthouse Branch! The lower loop is pretty level, fun to walk and ride bikes around, and the kids love the playground! The bathhouse is always clean and you can't beat the atmosphere around the campground," notes Tamara B.

Pet policies for families with dogs: Most campgrounds permit pets but have specific areas where they aren't allowed. "Great spot for tent camping! Loved the hillside spots bc of all the trees and the multiple levels that the spots are on. They are all built out and flat. Bathrooms are clean and campground was quiet," shares Paula J. about her pet-friendly experience at Salthouse Branch.

Water access for kids: Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground provides multiple swimming options. "The views of the lake are stunning! There was fishing, boating and swimming as well! Gets crowded depending on the time of year but worth it for sure," explains Bran P.

Tips from RVers

Site sizing: Smith Mountain Campground accommodates various RV sizes but has limitations. "Sites are a bit small for anything over 35' but we did manage our 41' in there... they do have some large back in FHU sites if you need but not many," advises Lawrence P. about Salthouse Branch.

Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges. "The roads going into the campground is very narrow and steep up and downs. My breaks were gone by the time I got to the entrance," cautions Fletcher about Salthouse Branch.

Hookup locations: Consider your equipment setup before arrival. "We did find our reserved site but unlike many places we have been there wasn't any receipt or tags attached to pole. We also noted that our water and electricity was on the passenger side of our vehicle so it was a good thing we had an extra hose to reach the water as well as a long enough cord to reach the electric box," shares Barb T. about Hyco Lake.

Reservation timing: The most desirable waterfront sites book quickly. "The lower loop is the most popular because it is down by the water and each of the sites have great views of the lake. Reservations have to be made well in advance for the lower loop sites," advises Timothy W. about Goose Point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Danville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Danville, VA is Paradise Lake & Campground with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Danville, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 40 dog-friendly camping locations near Danville, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.