Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Mount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA features a large dog park with lake access for water dogs to swim without concerns about alligators. The campground accommodates pets at tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins with full hookups available. Pets must be leashed throughout the campground except in designated off-leash areas. The KOA maintains waste bag stations throughout the grounds for convenient cleanup. Oak Plantation Campground and James Island County Park also welcome pets with similar leash policies. Campground at James Island County Park offers RV, tent, and cabin camping options with electricity and sewer hookups. Many sites provide concrete pads with shaded spots under oak trees. Staff members are attentive to pet needs and maintain clean facilities for all guests. Campsites are positioned on gravel and sand surfaces which can become messy during rainy periods.
Hiking trails encircle most pet-friendly campgrounds in the area, providing exercise opportunities for dogs and owners. The Mount Pleasant KOA features a 1.5-mile nature trail loop through wooded areas and alongside the lake where leashed pets can explore. Campers should remain vigilant in wooded areas as local wildlife, including alligators in lakes and ponds, may present hazards to pets. Free primitive camping with pets is available at Halfway Creek in Huger and Caper's Island (accessible only by boat), though these locations require permits and provide no facilities. The proximity to Charleston (15 minutes) and Isle of Palms beaches (10 minutes) offers additional pet recreation options. Campgrounds typically enforce quiet hours that include restrictions on excessive barking. Many sites are situated between cabins which may not provide ideal spacing for dogs requiring more privacy or space between neighbors.
