Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Zebulon, NC

Falls Lake State Recreation Area includes several pet-friendly campgrounds near Zebulon, including Holly Point, Rolling View, B.W. Wells, and Shinleaf. All welcome leashed dogs throughout the camping areas and trails. Sites are generously sized and heavily wooded, providing privacy between neighbors even with pets. Most campgrounds offer water and electric hookups with level tent pads and RV sites. Bathroom facilities remain clean and well-maintained, with some campgrounds featuring designated pet waste stations. Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet throughout the recreation area, including on hiking trails and shorelines. The large campsites with natural barriers help minimize pet interactions between neighboring campsites.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area's multiple campgrounds, including Poplar Point and Crosswinds, provide additional pet-friendly options approximately 30 miles west of Zebulon. These campgrounds feature direct lake access with designated swimming areas where leashed dogs can enjoy shoreline exploration. Hiking trails throughout the area welcome pets, with most trails providing moderate terrain suitable for dogs of all sizes. Wildlife encounters remain possible, so maintaining control of pets is essential. Local options for veterinary care exist in Wake Forest and Raleigh, both within 20-30 minutes of most campgrounds. The trails immediately surrounding the campsites offer excellent morning and evening walking opportunities for dogs, while the shaded sites provide natural cooling during summer months when temperature management for pets becomes particularly important.

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

    1. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    36 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $27 - $77 / night

    "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"

    "The North Carolina State Park campgrounds are typically very nice, and this one is no exception. My site is adjacent to a large, clean, working bathhouse and a 2 minute walk from a swim beach."

    2. Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $27 - $77 / night

    "Tucked away and nestled off of 98 highway, Rolling View campground is a great, secluded spot."

    "I spent a night in Shinleaf walk in campground in April as part of a backpacking trip along the Falls Lake MST trail, sections 8-12."

    3. North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    19 Reviews
    Raleigh, NC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 612-6767

    $35 / night

    "Pets are welcome, but as everywhere, dogs must be on a leash (not more than 6' long). If you put the address into your GPS, it will take you to the main fairgrounds."

    "Restaurants and downtown Raleigh are within short driving distance. Public bathrooms and showers (cold water) are a 2 minute walk to Horse Complex H6, Barn B Very little tree cover."

    4. William B. Umstead State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Morrisville, NC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 571-4170

    $27 / night

    "We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."

    "Umstead is conveniently located in the heart of Raleigh, NC. It seems to be an outdoor oasis as you can get lost in the woods with the hustle and bustle of the city all around you."

    5. B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Wake Forest, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $72 / night

    "Located on a semi rural area, the sites are very wooded and quiet. There was a lake nearby with an open sky where you could see hundreds of stars at night."

    "There are tons of hiking trails all around and plenty of bike trails too! Conveniently located north of Raleigh, NC and close to many major highways."

    6. RVacation Campground

    10 Reviews
    Smithfield, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 965-5923

    "(I believe the campground used to be an KOA)  Really nice little laundry room and dog park. "

    "The good news about this RV park is that it is conveniently located next to Interstate 95. The bad news about this RV park is that it is conveniently located next to Interstate 95."

    7. Coopers RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Clayton, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 359-8060

    8. Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Wake Forest, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $27 - $72 / night

    "If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and are looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm, peace& quiet"

    "Falls Lake State Recreation area is an interesting area in that it is made up of a number of non-connecting areas. The camping is at Shinleaf and is walk up only."

    9. 70 East RV Park

    1 Review
    Garner, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 772-6568

    $825 / night

    "It's in a great location, nearby anything you need. It's family and pet friendly. Neighbors are friendly."

    10. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    51 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $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."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Zebulon, NC

468 Reviews of 58 Zebulon Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2021

    Bullocksville Campground — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

    Camping Oasis with Fantastic Lake Views!

    Tucked away in the lush, verdant forests north of Raleigh, here at Bullocksville Park, you’ll discover camping and cabin grounds that are just a short hike from the nearby Lake Kerr, but far enough away from any roadside noisy traffic. 

    This is a complete natural respite that is incredibly quiet(save the roar of noise from nature!). The grounds themselves are laid out superbly, from 3-4 independent campground sites(in fact, some are across the road from whence you arrived) with blended options for both RV’s and real campers who use tents. 

    There are a number of amenities and diversions, such as boat ramps for motored-boats, kayaking, canoeing, as well as playgrounds for the kiddos, a big gathering hall that can be rented, several picnic areas and shelters along with countless hiking trails. For anyone visiting North Carolina or for nearby residents who just want to get away from the concrete jungle, then Bullocksville Park is definitely worth a look. 

    I will end on this point - I have not come across any such amazing camping gem in all of North Carolina than this splendid campground at Bullocksville.  You'll be lucky (and hopefully very grateful) for getting a piece of land here in front of this gorgeous lake if you book well in advance.

    Happy Camping!

  • Samantha P.
    May. 11, 2020

    Eno River State Park Campground

    So green! Gorgeous River!

    This 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!

  • Linda H.
    Mar. 21, 2022

    North Pointe RV Resort

    Convenient to I-95

    We stopped for an overnight. Resort was undergoing renovation at the time. But there is propane available; laundry , pool, and dump station. Also catch and release fishing and a dog park.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Outdoor Perfection @ Jordan Lake SRA Poplar Point Campground

    Poplar 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!

  • Deebra R.
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages

    Great spot

    This 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Paradise Found @ Holly Point Campground

    I’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!

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    A Short Drive, Yet a World Away

    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. 

    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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Great campground

    The North Carolina State Park campgrounds are typically very nice, and this one is no exception. My site is adjacent to a large, clean, working bathhouse and a 2 minute walk from a swim beach.

    My cell reception outside the camper is excellent, and of if I had a cell booster it would be adequate for streaming inside the camper. I don’t have one as I depend on Starlink for internet access when traveling. Unfortunately Starlink isn’t going to work in my specific site or in most of the others. This is a wooded campground and all the sites are completely shaded

    My site has water and electric. About half of the available RV sites have water and electric, it there is no sewer. There is a dump station in the campground. Unusual for NC State facilities, there are no trash bins placed around the campground, but there is a large dumpster station co-located with the dump station.

    It’s about a 15-20 minute drive to shopping, but there are several convenience stores a few minutes away.

    The campground is clean and well maintained. It meanders around a very large lake, with several beaches and boat launch areas.

  • Never Sitting S.
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Happy Trails RV Park

    Excellent grounds

    Very clean and well maintained. Best bathrooms we’ve ever seen in a resort/campground. Staff is great, even though they are still no contact check in as of July 2021. We pulled up at 1 and our paper was waiting. Very easy in and out, large long spots, with great yard for each spot. Three dogs parks, two pools, and much more. Lots of long term sees but very very clean and welcoming. Would highly recommend. We stayed here visiting Raleigh, about a 30 Mind drive away. This campground is far enough away from interstate there is no road noise, yet close to outlets and city for dinning. A+!


Guide to Zebulon

Campgrounds near Zebulon, North Carolina offer access to Falls Lake, a 12,000-acre reservoir with multiple camping areas within 20-30 minutes of town. The area maintains moderate temperatures from spring through fall, with summer highs typically reaching the upper 80s. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from March through October, with a few offering year-round accommodations.

What to do

Kayaking access points: Holly Point at Falls Lake features direct water access from many campsites. "The tent campsites are right next to the water with beautiful views of the lake. You can kayak directly to your campsite," notes Caroline G. about Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

Fishing options: Several fish species inhabit the local lakes and ponds. "If you like to fish, there's tons of different varieties here to catch, including: walleye, crappie, white bass, large- and small-mouth bass, blue gill, striped bass as well as catfish," reports Stuart K. about Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

Hiking trails: The Mountains to Sea Trail connects with several local recreation areas. "Connect with the Mountains to Sea trail too for a great hike!" recommends Bran P. about Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

What campers like

Waterfront sites: Many campers prefer lakeside spots for easy water access. "There are tons of beach areas and places to enjoy the great outdoors. Picnic areas too!" shares Bran P. about B.W. Wells campground.

Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safe water recreation. "Additionally, there's a small swim area boomed off with a little beach, great to just sit and hang out by the waterfront," explains Angel K. about Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

Group camping: Some areas cater specifically to larger gatherings. "This is a favorite for our large group of families. Many of the group sites butt up to the lake. The central fire pit, picnic tables, water spigot and clean restrooms make this a popular choice," writes Ricci T. about Rolling View.

What you should know

Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "March 15 to October 31" is the standard season for Holly Point, while other areas may open earlier or close later.

Noise considerations: Despite natural settings, some noise is inevitable. "The first thing we noticed was the plane traffic. During the week a plane flies overhead about every minute during the day," reports Timothy W. about Holly Point campground.

Water quality awareness: Campers should check water conditions before swimming. "Use caution in swimming in Falls Lake. There are often high levels of bacteria (ie poo) and they often shut down the local swim holes," warns Bran P. about North Carolina State Fairgrounds.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational facilities when camping with children. "It's best if you can get a site near the beach if you have kids Otherwise you'll end up driving them back-and-forth," advises Sherri P. about Holly Point.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Zebulon, NC is Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 36 reviews.

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

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