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Best Dog-Friendly Camping in North Carolina

4,794 Reviews

Davidson River Campground within Pisgah National Forest offers tent, RV, and cabin camping options with pet-friendly sites throughout. Leashed dogs are welcome on all standard campsites with clean, well-maintained grounds making it popular for campers with pets. The campground features dedicated pet waste stations and water access points convenient for dog owners. Four Paws Kingdom Campground stands out as North Carolina's premiere dog-focused retreat where pets can enjoy multiple off-leash play areas. Campers consistently rate pet-friendly facilities as exceptionally clean with spacious sites that accommodate larger dogs. Most North Carolina state park campgrounds enforce a standard two-pet maximum policy with strict leash requirements and quiet hours regulations to prevent excessive barking.

Hiking trails directly accessible from Carolina Beach State Park provide excellent pet exercise opportunities while maintaining distance from wildlife areas. Pet owners should note that while most campgrounds permit dogs in camping areas, many restrict pets from certain park facilities including visitor centers, swimming areas, and some interior trails. Summer heat considerations necessitate early morning or evening walks for dogs at coastal campgrounds like Oregon Inlet and Cape Hatteras. Several campgrounds offer designated dog rinse stations for removing sand or mud after outdoor adventures. Bear activity in mountain campgrounds requires proper food storage and pet feeding protocols to avoid wildlife encounters. Local veterinary services are typically available within 20-30 minutes of most established campgrounds, with emergency contacts posted at ranger stations.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites in North Carolina (776)

    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

    $27 - $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

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

    $24 - $999 / 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

    63 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. Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    57 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"

    7. Stone Mountain State Park Campground

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

    $17 - $72 / 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."

    8. Hanging Rock State Park Campground

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

    $27 - $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. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    52 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    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."

    10. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    53 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."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos in North Carolina

650 Photos of 776 North Carolina Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in North Carolina

4794 Reviews of 776 North Carolina Campgrounds

  • Erin D.
    Aug. 8, 2019

    Indian Creek Campground

    Creekside Camping

    Indian Creek offers the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina.

    Every campsite is lush with greenery, private and well maintained after each occupancy. The bathhouse is the cleanest I have found and the campsite store carries all of your forgotten necessities, and more!

    My husband and I love coming back to this campground, because how of well we and our kids sleep! The sound of the creek at night melts all of your worries away and takes you off to peaceful slumber.

    This campground is always in rotation for a visit.

  • D
    Mar. 13, 2019

    Crawford's Campground - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Great Family campground.

    A family owned and operated, 11 acre full service, pet friendly camping facility. We are conveniently located just 20 minutes outside the historic town of Murphy North Carolina, at an elevation of 1850 feet, surrounded by mountains! Closer to the natural beauty the area is known for. We are nestled in the center of a peaceful valley with a 360 degree view of the mountains that surround us. The campsites border the many bubbling streams that pass through our valley.

    _A Full Service Campground, w_e have 2 separate bath houses with private individual bathing facilities, 3 _Bunkhouses as well as Primitive sites.  _We have a large pavilion for your group meetings, family reunions, fully lighted with electricity available.

  • C
    Mar. 29, 2023

    Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat

    Adult and Dog campground wonder

    From the moment we arrived at the campground the manager "Larry"  ( a workamper) signed us in, show us our site on Wagging Tail Dr.  We arrived on their opening weekend the Owners provided BBQ meal and live music "Jose Wales" band.   It was a wonderful time.  As for the "Dog Retreat part - 18 acres of wonder open areas fenced in to keep you furry friends from running away, there is agility park, puppy park, the main dog park, a private park (single or you can invite), a Lure run, a Ball Park, and a Pond for those watery dogs.

    Price for Fire wood - a little expensive and 10 lbs of Ice was reasonable.  There are fully fenced sites, a couple of sites with a fenced area.  The larges rig I saw in there was a Solitude at  38 ft.

    Over all, if you want the peace and quiet in the North Carolina foot hills with your furry friend and have a good time.  This is the place to be.

    One other note:  It is the only park in NC that is a dedicated dog campground.

  • Małgorzata R.
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Daddy Joe's

    Winter trip

    Nice family friendly campground. Plenty of things to do for the kids. Water park, swimming pools, playgrounds, laser tag area. Golf carts are of you both for the rent. Nice size convenient store you can also purchase homemade ice cream. Pet friendly with two dog parks.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Jason F.
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Asheville West KOA

    Far enough away to feel like camping and still close to the city

    The Asheville KOA is very pet and RV friendly. There are a number of walking trails of easy to moderate difficulty that run throughout the property. The dog park is a great place to let the pups off of the leashes for a bit. Staff pickup trash daily between 10-11AM at your site, but dumpsters are easily accessible.

    We camped here in our 22' travel trailer. The back in sites are mostly level with a mix of dirt and gravel. If you're looking for a sunny spot, request one of the even-numbered back-ins. If you would prefer to be mostly in the shade, go for an odd-numbered spot. 20/30/50 amp electric, cable, water and sewer were easily accessible at each site. Camp sites are not very large, so be mindful of volume and lights with respect to your neighbors.

  • 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!

  • Ellen K.
    Sep. 2, 2019

    Jackrabbit Mountain

    Great basecamp for multi-sport adventures

    If you’re into hiking, water sports and/or mountain biking you’ll love Jackrabbit Campground. Located on Lake Chatuge in both North Carolina and Georgia, you can ride right to the biking trails or launch your paddleboard right from your lakeside site.  RVers will have to rough it with no hookups, but there is access to a dump station. There are 95 sites with bathrooms and showers, a beach area and motorboat launch. Make reservations through Reserve  America.  Open April 1 through October 1.

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.

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