Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Wingate, NC

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cane Creek Park provides designated pet-friendly sites across its expansive camping area near Wingate. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the campground, with pets welcome at tent sites, RV spots, and select cabins. Campground staff regularly patrol the grounds, creating a safe environment for pets and their owners. The park features multiple trails suitable for dog walking along the lake shoreline, with access to water where dogs can cool off during warmer months. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Wingate, North Carolina. Restroom facilities are well-maintained and accessible from pet-friendly sites, and the campground enforces quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances. McDowell Nature Preserve and Morrow Mountain State Park also accept pets at their campgrounds, with similar leash requirements and access to hiking trails.

Lakeside trails at Cane Creek provide excellent opportunities for exercising dogs, with multiple paths winding through wooded areas and along the water. The nearby day-use area includes additional trails and recreational facilities. Several reviewers note the campground's cleanliness and well-maintained grounds make it ideal for camping with pets. During summer months, early morning walks are recommended to avoid heat, with shaded campsites providing relief from midday temperatures. Local wildlife occasionally appears on trails, so keeping dogs leashed protects both pets and native animals. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort and Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA offer alternative pet-friendly camping options within driving distance of Wingate, each with their own pet amenities and policies. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for hiking with dogs on maintained trails with water access points.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Wingate, North Carolina (58)

    1. Cane Creek Park

    29 Reviews
    Mineral Springs, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 843-5909

    "Fishing is typically outstanding for bass, cats, crappie, and carp. Equestrian trails are everywhere and are good for hiking, a few trails are a bit rough for bicycles though"

    "A few of the trails are right on the lake and the dogs love to hop in and cool off. I load up my kayak once a month or so and paddle around the lake for hours."

    2. Andrew Jackson State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Lancaster, SC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 285-3344

    $40 - $50 / night

    "This is a cool little spot not far from Charlotte NC which doesn't seem as busy as other nearby campgrounds. Staff are friendly."

    "Nice, small, respectable campground close to Charlotte NC. Sites are paved, but dont expect completely level."

    3. Coble's Landing

    3 Reviews
    Wadesboro, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 890-4379

    $15 - $25 / night

    "ATV/Walking trails. Picnic tables, porta johns and nature. A small lake where you can fish, It is Peaceful here. There is a gun range nearby so while your here you can get in some practice shooting."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    4. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 982-4402

    $17 - $95 / night

    "C loop, felt like the smallest loop and really close to the entry hiking trail. We've stayed in both A and C. C loop, site 48, is where we stayed this trip. Its a good site."

    "In addition to the nearby lake, there is a pool you can take the kids to. This is very dog friendly. Not too much traffic for the kids either. I have seen a rattle snake!!"

    5. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, SC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (980) 314-2267

    $15 - $33 / night

    "There are lovely trails, a large playground, nature center, the beautiful lake Wylie {no swimming, NC fishing license required}, geocaching, clean bathrooms and shower rooms, electric sites with large"

    "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area. Staff were polite and helpful. Washrooms are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean!"

    6. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 588-2600

    "The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."

    "The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."

    7. Norwood Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mount Gilead, NC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 474-3800

    $42 - $70 / night

    "The pool doesn’t have normal steps that you walk down into the pool on, they only have the ladder steps which make it a little tricky getting in with a small child."

    "Lot of hiking paths which our dog loved. Owners were very nice to deal with. Although we did not do much they have a fishing pond, a very nice kids playground."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    8. Badin Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    38 miles
    Website

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Lots to do.... hiking, ride bicycle, fishing and off road or just relax and take in the beautiful surroundings! P.s. Dogs are welcome!"

    "Awesome location, very remote and the sites are Huge so no need to worry about a neighbor being close. I stayed at site 11 easy access to the water and great views."

    9. Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    20 Reviews
    Rock Hill, SC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 366-6620

    "We live nearby so this is a nice little place to camp at. Nice sites, close to places to eat. Bathhouse was clean and well kept."

    "This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"

    10. Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    12 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 548-1148

    $62 / night

    "We came here to do some trailer maintenance and because it is very close to home. We were not expecting it to be a great camping experience, but we’re pleasantly surprised!"

    "Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig. We could have fit a couple more vehicles if we had them. In addition there is a fuel station out front."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Wingate, NC

407 Reviews of 58 Wingate Campgrounds


  • Aimee B.
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway

    Huge!

    Campground is huge & within walking distance of the raceway. Camping world is across the street if you forgot anything! Win! We parked across from the playground for the kids and it was so nice. They have a sand volleyball court there too. Dog park in the far back corner. Different vibe off of racing season. Very affordable & nice quiet stop! Off season, they turn two sites into one so you get 100' to yourself. All gravel. Grassy areas around for pets. Some sites have a grass backyard area. Fences & picnic tables separate the sites.

  • Kathie M.
    Jun. 2, 2018

    Sycamore Lodge

    Membership offers 4 day 3 night camping free if you tour the campground

    Beautiful campground, meticulously maintained. Store , restaurant, pool, dog park, kayak on lake,putt putt, cornhole, shuffleboard, horseshoes just to name a few

  • R
    Aug. 10, 2021

    Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway

    It’s okay…

    This campground is more for a temporary place to stay and not a place to hang out. There is a playground and a dog park, but there is no grass near where the RV’s park. It’s mostly gravel. Good for temporary staying.

  • Wyatt M.
    May. 22, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Little River National Forest Area

    This area was one of my favorite ares for dispersed camping in Uwharrie National Forest while living in North Carolina. The area can be accessed by boat on the Little River, or by hiking in. Me and my friends would always float our kayaks down the river to a place we called "Bird Dog" and camp for the night. If you are looking for a place that has very little traffic, this is the place you want to go! This area would be limited to dispersed camping due to no campsites. It is a National Forest so be mindful of rules and regulations while visiting!

    link: 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd485941.pdf

     There is a boat ramp where PEKIN ROAD crosses the Little River.  PLEASANT GROVE CHURCH ROAD pretty much cuts right through the area on the PDF.

  • Sean R.
    May. 30, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest

    Backpacking In Uwharrie

    It should be no shock to those familiar with North Carolina’s geography that if one is seeking higher altitudes and breathtaking overlooks, Uwharrie is not the place he should go. Notwithstanding, as much of the higher elevations are impassable during the winter months, the forest offers backpackers an opportunity to stay on the trail a few days. The Uwharrie Trail, which pretty much spans the park north/south is about 20 miles point to point. The trailhead is kind of hard to follow sometimes, sections of the trail are prone to flooding and creek crossings can become difficult following heavy rains. Overall, however, the forest is a good place for backpacking in this region of the state. Th streams, provided one has filtration or iodine tablets, provide ample sources of drinking water.

  • Austin M.
    Oct. 11, 2022

    Crown Cove RV Park

    Crown Cove Camping!

    Very clean and well maintained campground! Great for long term camp sites! Very easy to deal with the workers as they are friendly and will take care of you! Pet friendly also. This is a great safe campground.

  • Melissa  W.
    Jun. 1, 2019

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    Clean, lovely conveniently located

    I camped here with a women’s hiking group and was impressed.

    There are lovely trails, a large playground, nature center, the beautiful lake Wylie {no swimming, NC fishing license required}, geocaching, clean bathrooms and shower rooms, electric sites with large tent pads, good sized fire pit area, picnic table.. there’s even a loving gate with a code for a more secure camping experience..

    We could fit 3 tents in one pad AND had a hammocker camper too.

    If you are wanting some nature near the city, this is a good option - especially if you are checking out city things in Charlotte.

    You can hear traffic at night when camping here so bring ear plugs, headphones or a white noise fan if that bothers you.

    Pet friendly 🐾

    I saw both dogs and camping kitties

    There’s 56 camp sites: these include tent, RV hook ups and some primitive.

    There’s group camping at Copperhead Island.

    I highly recommend, especially for families with children, lots to do and a safe, secure feeling.

  • Amanda M.
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    nice in the summer

    We live close so this is usually our summer go to for an over night. we like to swim and fish. Ithas a nice playground for kids. it is pet friendly. I prefer to stay on the wooded side. We tent camp and like that every site has electric and water. The camp store doesn’t really have much so we bring everything with us. there is a nice gas station less than a mile away we get coffee from there in the mornings.

  • Jenn M.
    May. 20, 2021

    Badin Lake Campground

    Great Spot !

    Lots to do.... hiking, ride bicycle, fishing and off road or just relax and take in the beautiful surroundings! P.s. Dogs are welcome!


Guide to Wingate

Cane Creek Park offers accommodations for pets at various campsites near Wingate, North Carolina. The park features a well-maintained campground with tent sites, RV spots and cabin options within a 40-minute drive of Wingate. Water access is available at several points around the 350-acre lake, providing recreation opportunities beyond the designated swimming areas that operate seasonally.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: McDowell Nature Preserve provides access to Lake Wylie where campers can fish from shore or bring small watercraft. "We have been to this park before for fishing in different areas and have really enjoyed ourselves," notes Michelle L., who visited with her family.

Kayaking and canoeing: Morrow Mountain State Park Campground offers boat rentals for water activities. "They offer canoe and row boat rentals, they have a swimming pool that is open after Memorial Day. They also have a museum you can check out during the day," shares Jen P., who camped there with family.

Hiking trails: The trail system at Badin Lake Campground includes routes suitable for all skill levels. "The lake loop trail crosses the main campground roadway between the two loops. This trail is relatively flat and meanders around the lake and its many fingers...offering lovely lake views and some nice fishing locations," describes Dave V.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Cane Creek Park maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "The campground is clean and well-maintained. The bathhouse is in good shape and clean. I will come back when I'm in this area," reports Robert D., who stayed for nine days.

Free activities: Families appreciate the no-cost recreation options at Cane Creek Park. "The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there," explains Sarah B., who visits regularly for week-long stays.

Private camping spots: Norwood Campground offers spacious sites with natural separation. "Spacious lots in a wooded setting, includes a pool, walking trails, and access to Lake Tillery. Ice and firewood available onsite," mentions Cory A., who appreciated the quiet atmosphere.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. At Badin Lake Campground, "I would advise securing online reservations, but they do have an Iron Ranger to drop your payment in should you find an empty site," advises Dave V., adding that "online reservations take precedence."

Alcohol policies: Rules vary between campgrounds. Julie P. notes that at Cane Creek Park, "No alcohol permitted," while other campgrounds in the area allow alcohol consumption at campsites.

Seasonal limitations: Some amenities operate on restricted schedules. "During summer months, early morning walks are recommended to avoid heat," and swimming areas at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground may have limited hours compared to peak season.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and recreation: Norwood Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Great playground, pool and relaxing time!" shares C R., who visited with family, noting the variety of activities for children of all ages.

Safety considerations: McDowell Nature Preserve provides secure camping with regular patrols. "The camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe," Ryan B. mentions about his recent stay, adding reassurance for families with children.

Holiday activities: Cane Creek Park offers special events during holidays. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast," according to Sarah B., who visits regularly with her family.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: At Morrow Mountain State Park, site selection can impact your experience. "If you end up in a crap site you might drop those 4 stars to 3. Its going to be impossible to determine a great site from a bad without going there," advises Jennifer R., suggesting careful research before booking.

Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable setup. At McDowell Nature Preserve, Kathy L. noted, "There aren't many sites for RVs and some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks."

Full hookup options: Several campgrounds offer complete services for RVs. Norwood Campground provides "spacious lots in a wooded setting" with full hookups, according to Cory A., making it suitable for longer stays with larger vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wingate, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wingate, NC is Cane Creek Park with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wingate, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 58 dog-friendly camping locations near Wingate, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.