Best Dog-Friendly Camping in North Carolina

From the shores of Cape Hatteras to the ancient mountains of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina is a state that is as beautiful as it is diverse in natural wonders. Whether you fancy a day of surfing in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or a climb up Mount Mitchell, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi, there’s an outdoor adventure waiting for you. So grab your bathing suit or your hiking poles (or both!) and find the best camping in North Carolina.

The pristine beauty of North Carolina’s Outer Banks have always drawn vacationers looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Fortunately for those that like sleeping under the stars, camping in North Carolina at one of the state’s many beaches is a great way to experience the sun and sand without the expense of a vacation rental. With over 300 miles of coastline, there are dozens of state and private campgrounds to choose from.

If pitching your tent in coastal sand dunes isn’t your cup of tea then pack your bag and head to the mountains of Western North Carolina—a region known throughout the southeast for its abundant opportunities to recreate outdoors. Whether you’re rafting down the Nantahala River that winds through the beautiful and remote Nantahala National Forest or hiking on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a 1,175 mile footpath that spans the width of North Carolina, you won’t run out of reasons to be outside.

North Carolina has 40 mountains that rise above 6,000 feet (aforementioned Mount Mitchell is the tallest, clocking in at 6,684 feet) and 100 that stand more than 5,000 feet. Camping in the shadows of these peaks is just one thing that makes camping in North Carolina so special. And with 2.1 million acres of public land in the state, finding a campground is as easy as pulling out a map.

Whether it’s saltwater waves, pristine peaks or rushing rivers that excite you, let The Dyrt help you discover the best camping in North Carolina.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in North Carolina (725)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    2. Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    82 Reviews
    Nags Head, NC
    Website
    +1 (252) 441-6246

    $28 - $70 / night

    "Though we were caught camping in what seemed to be a very dramatic North Carolina storm we made the best of it. Good location all around, close to the ocean and cool towns nearby."

    "The walk through the dunes to the beach is negligible but be careful with kids and pets as it is accessable to vehicles and moderately trafficked."

    3. Carolina Beach State Park Campground

    73 Reviews
    Carolina Beach, NC
    Website
    +1 (910) 458-7770

    $23 - $75 / night

    "Carolina beach state park is one of my favorite places to go in North Carolina. Not only does it have an awesome campground, but it's right near one of the best beaches I've ever been to."

    "Had a great time camping and hiking around with my dog jinx. It was his first camping trip he seems to like it here as much as I did. be aware of the raccoons!!"

    4. Spacious Skies Bear Den

    64 Reviews
    Spruce Pine, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-2888

    $24 - $242 / night

    "Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."

    "Many hiking trails. Pets are allowed here also which is a great plus. Friendly staff who can't do enough for you if needed & small camp store on property."

    5. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    62 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."

    "PROS 

    Discounted camp fee with senior pass 

    Reserved 169 days prior to arriving 

    Friendly and helpful gate attendant 

    Nearly 100% shade at each site 

    Excellent dark sky viewing 

    Private sites with"

    6. Stone Mountain State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Roaring Gap, NC
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8185

    $23 / night

    "But, ya know North Carolina summers."

    "The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."

    7. Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    56 Reviews
    Ocracoke, NC
    Website
    +1 (252) 928-6671

    $28 / night

    "Paved, level parking pad on sandy grass sites tucked between the dunes and vegetation in Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the outer banks by of North Carolina."

    "Here is the breakdown:

    • $28/night

    • Showers are cold water only, but they do have great pressure

    • No matter where your site is located, there is easy, easy, so much easy access to the beach

    • Park"

    8. Hanging Rock State Park Campground

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

    $23 - $107 / night

    "Hanging Rock is one of the best state parks in North Carolina."

    "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."

    9. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    52 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    10. Asheville East KOA

    52 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 686-3121

    $50 / night

    "It’s accessibility to Asheville is great, but the site itself is clean, with tidy grounds and a spotless bathroom (didn’t use showers). Plenty of places to walk and pet friendly."

    "It’s close to downtown Asheville and Black Mountain. Great place to bring kids and dogs!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 725 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in North Carolina

4663 Reviews of 725 North Carolina Campgrounds



Guide to North Carolina

North Carolina offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From scenic views to exciting activities, these campgrounds cater to both pets and their owners.

Pet owners like spacious sites and amenities

  • At Davidson River Campground, you'll find spacious sites that are perfect for setting up with your pets, along with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables.
  • Oregon Inlet Campground features big rig-friendly sites and easy access to the beach, making it a great spot for pet owners looking for convenience.
  • Carolina Beach State Park Campground offers well-maintained facilities and a market nearby, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay with your pets.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near scenic locations

Pet-friendly campgrounds include unique features

  • Frisco Campground is known for its secluded sites and proximity to the beach, allowing for peaceful walks with your dog along the shore.
  • Mount Pisgah Campground offers a rustic experience with nearby hiking trails, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway with your pet.
  • Pilot Mountain State Park Campground features clean facilities and easy access to trails, making it a great choice for pet owners who enjoy hiking in a picturesque setting.