Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bristol, VA

Sugar Hollow Campground permits dogs throughout its wooded sites for $20 per night. This secluded park offers electric hookups, shared water spigots, and tent and RV camping options under dense shade trees. Campers appreciate the park's affordability and forest setting, making it popular for pet owners seeking budget-friendly options. Little Oak Campground and Observation Knob Park also welcome pets with picnic tables and fire rings at most sites. The campgrounds feature varying levels of hookups, with some offering full RV connections including water, electric, and sewer. Bath facilities are clean but basic, with most campgrounds providing toilets and hot showers for campers and their four-legged companions.

Warriors' Path State Park provides numerous pet-friendly hiking paths accessible directly from the camping area, allowing dogs daily exercise opportunities while on leash. Shady sites throughout these campgrounds keep pets comfortable during hot summer months, with many campsites positioned under mature tree canopy. Nearby veterinary services can be found in Bristol for emergency care. Riverside Campground in Abingdon and Cherokee Trails Campground in Bluff City extend the pet-friendly options with cabin accommodations that accept dogs. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies and request that owners clean up after their pets. The heavily forested setting of Sugar Hollow provides excellent protection from summer heat, with campsites receiving shade throughout most of the day—an important consideration when camping with pets in warmer months.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Bristol, Virginia (169)

    1. Little Oak Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $12 / night

    "Long way from Bristol, so don't forget anything."

    "**Holston Lake is absolutely beautiful. The campground is deep in the national forest, out on a series of peninsulas, making all the campsites quite close to the water."

    2. Sugar Hollow Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bristol, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 645-7275

    $20 / night

    "Trails right off the campground to walk around the park, not huge but nice. Close off the highway but no road noise."

    "From the road you wouldn’t guess there’s a giant park beyond the entrance. The rangers at the entrance were super friendly, but they patrol a lot, so often no one is actually at the gate house."

    3. Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground — Warriors' Path State Park

    26 Reviews
    Kingsport, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 867-2757

    "We had a change of plans and made reservations at Warrior Path State Park on a whim - and are VERY glad we did."

    "This park is located about 15 minutes off I-81 just south of the VA/TN border, making it extremely convenient, and a great place to stop for anyone traveling that stretch of the country."

    4. Observation Knob Park

    4 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 878-1881

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Large County campground with electric and water with two pump out stations. spacious, hilly sites with some tree coverage along lake with boat ramp and capacity to tie your boat up at your site."

    "Great for kids and dogs!! Spots are a little hard to find if you aren’t familiar, and there is no septic at each site, but other than that, it’s exactly what you’d expect."

    5. Cardens Bluff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Hampton, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $12 / night

    "Situated on a peninsula, Cardens Bluff has great views and access to the lake for the outer campsites."

    "Great camp sites right on Lake Watauga with nice little coves and private beaches. The Appalachian Trail runs by the lake and not far from the campsites."

    6. Shadrack Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bristol, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 217-1181

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Close to Bristol Speedway, immaculate bath house and laundry, office staff is very friendly and helpful,well kept sights and maintenance and camp host during race time are superb"

    7. Friendship Rd

    3 Reviews
    Shady Valley, TN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    $30 - $95 / night

    "I came here on a couple of break days while working at a nearby summer camp and it was such a fun experience. The lake surrounded by mountains was breathtakingly beautiful."

    "Nestled next to the.Holly River. Prices were good."

    8. Riverside Campground

    7 Reviews
    Abingdon, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 628-5333

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Close to charming Abingdon VA with great local restaurants, the Barter Theater and the Virginia Creeper Trail."

    "There are about 8-10 sites that are right behind the pool and more sites down a short hill all along the river. This campground accommodates tents, pop ups and RV's comfortably."

    9. Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

    2 Reviews
    Bristol, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 391-0118

    $15 - $45 / night

    "Campground consist of a fire ring in the middle with benches and tables surrounded by back-in camp sites. There was a nice clean bathhouse with showers. Free firewood."

    10. Pole Position Campground

    1 Review
    Bristol, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 573-7768

    "Great campground that is very close to both Bristol Motor Speedway and Thunder Valley. Open only during race weeks, but great facilities Elec., water and sewer at every site. 3rd stay here."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Bristol, VA

982 Reviews of 169 Bristol Campgrounds


  • Lawrence P.
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Little Oak Campground

    Quiet place to stay for a few days!

    Quiet, secluded little gem in the woods! Sites and facilities are well kept and clean. Camp hosts are wonderful. Friendly and helpful! Lots to do while you're out here. Long way from Bristol, so don't forget anything.

  • Kirsten J.
    Jun. 4, 2019

    Mountain River Family Campground

    Pristine, friendly, communal, peaceful campground on the river!

    This campground was pristine - from the moment we turned the corner, until the moment we left!  

    We met Kimberly within seconds of pulling on the property.  She was incredibly kind and made us feel at home immediately.  As tent campers, she told us our best choices were a 30 amp site on the river ($50) or a 30-amp site off the river ($44).  These prices are steep for tent camping, but include 2 adults, kids and pets.  Additional adults come with a fee, but we were happy the kids were included.  Not only were the pets included, but they have a dog park area that they can run free and stretch their legs!  

    We came into the cute little office where Kimberly gave us a campground map (which was painted by a resident camper glass blower) and told us about her property. Several items were on sale inside the store, including many shirts, sweatshirts, hats, etc. They also sell kids fishing poles, stickers and even a fresh coffee cup machine.  They have recently renovated the bathhouse (wait until you see it!) they have a library with books and games, an outdoor sink to wash dishes etc. and even a laundry room that operates on the honor system.  How great is that!  I thought it was wonderful that we could wash a wet sleeping bag or a quick load of stinky hiking clothes if necessary!  Kimberly explained that they have a pretty good mix of short and long term campers (primarily RV's) and even a cute little cabin that can be rented.  

    Kimberly said that they choose not to allow on-line bookings to maintain the atmosphere that they desire.  You can call, or submit a request, but they want to have a conversation with you before booking.  The campground was calm, friendly and so so clean.  Campers were friendly, the campground host was as kind as could be, and so proud about her new bathrooms.  (See below).  This is the kind of campground we would feel good about our kids biking around in the evening as they chase fire flies and meet new friends!  

    The campground was located on the river, but the slope was challenging from several sites.  With kiddos, I may prefer a site closer to the road because it was nearly a flat walk out to the river.  We will surely be back!

  • D
    Nov. 1, 2021

    Lakeview RV Resort

    Clean and well maintained, friendly staff

    Campground sites are a bit close together but it is well maintained and has friendly staff.  Wifi works well.  Nice dog park.

  • Riley R.
    May. 29, 2019

    Down by the River Campground - 55+

    Everything you need in a campground

    I’m not even sure you can call this a campground! A majority of those staying here were in top of the line campers. It truly felt like a community. There are two bath houses, a dog park, an activity center, and a river flowing behind the sites. It was beautiful and had a cheery atmosphere. They even had WiFi! I was definitely spoiled here.

  • Jennifer  J.
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Loved it!

    Great campground! We are tent campers and loved our time here! There are A LOT of spots in a small area. That would be my only complaint if you want to call it that. The campgrounds clean and the owners are super nice and helpful. We have a dog and love the dog park! The bathrooms are very clean and nice! I would definitely recommend this campground!

  • Susan E.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    What luck!

    I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. Mindful of my budget I learned to ask for a tent site with no electricity, no water, just toilets and showers. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge. Just outside the cabin was a bonfire of old wood from construction debris. I was super stoked to get this deal. I spent lots of time stoking that fire and sitting outdoors watching the evening arrive. If you’re anywhere near the area do stop in and enjoy a quiet and lovely night. You can even pet the horses nearby.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2021

    Baileyton KOA Holiday

    Country Time

    Sites: 60 Pull thrus 

    RV-Tent-Cabins 15-30-50 amp service 

    Hot showers, pool, pets allowed, toilets, laundry, small grocery store This is only of couple of miles off I40 in the rolling hills of Tennessee, very quiet and well maintained. Sites ae a bit close together but not on top of each other. Gravel pads, fire rings, picnic table, trash. Beautiful green space and dog walk area. Enjoy the hiking. 

    LNT 

    Travel safe

  • Carol J.
    Aug. 29, 2022

    Lover's Leap Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

    Come Back Again and Again

    This was my third visit to the NTSP - I really enjoy the camping, and the pool and Natural Tunnel are great fun.  Each time I've camped in Lover's Leap, and all the sites are well spaced.  Have stayed in #3 and #5, and #12 which is even more private.  The restrooms and showers are always clean, and there is a nice laundry area as well.  This trip we took a car ride to Big Stone Gap, a thriving little town about 30 minutes north of the park - it's a nice quiet but interesting town, with a nice dog park.  Took a car ride to Gate City, south of the park - wouldn't recommend it.  It's a city on it's way down.  The short ride to the Blockhouse in the park is interesting, with nice views of the mountains.  The ride and hike up and down to the tunnel is always fun.  In the summers they light the tunnel one Saturday night each month, so it's worth trying to plan for that.

  • Fuller C.
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Three Peaks RV Resort

    Gorgeous Mountain Getaway!

    When I drove up the Three Peaks driveway for the first time a couple weeks ago, I got a huge smile on my face. The big trees surrounding the campground, mountain views, and birdsong put me right at ease. I trundled my camper up the little hill to check in at the cute market, which has everything from eggs and bacon to kids' toys, treats, and locally made goods.

    My camper's only 20' long, so it's dinky in the spacious, pull-through lots they have here. The trees are still new among the sites, but the owners planted more than 400 before the resort opened this past May. The amount of work Donna and Mark Krauss and others have done to make this place wonderful is mind-boggling!

    It's awesome that Ingles grocery store, which has tons of local organic offerings, is only 3 miles away in the town of Spruce Pine. It's a great little town, with lots of art, shopping, and terrific restaurants.

    Other things I love are the huge, private shower rooms (so clean!), the kids' playground, the fenced-in dog park, the game room and laundry, and the incredible number of things to do locally. On any given day, you could take a mountain hike, go mining for your own gems (real gems!), drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, go tubing in the nearby Toe River, and all manner of other adventures depending what you're into.

    I hear a nice swimming pool will also be ready soon, so that will be fantastic.

    Highly recommended! I'd get up here soon before even more people discover it next year.


Guide to Bristol

If you're looking for a great spot to camp with your furry friends near Bristol, Virginia, there are several pet-friendly campgrounds that offer a mix of amenities and activities to ensure a fun experience for both you and your pets.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Bristol

  • At Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground, you can enjoy ranger-led hikes and wildlife lectures, making it a great place for your dog to explore nature alongside you.
  • Little Oak Campground offers access to South Holston Lake, where you can take your dog for a swim or enjoy a peaceful day by the water.
  • R&D Campground provides direct access to Doe Mountain for ATV trails, perfect for adventurous pet owners looking to explore the outdoors with their dogs.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities

  • Bristol-Kingsport KOA features a dog park and a variety of outdoor activities, ensuring your pet has plenty of space to play and socialize.
  • At Sugar Hollow Campground, you’ll find shaded lots and clean facilities, making it a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • Laurel Creek RV Park offers creekside spaces and a peaceful environment, ideal for relaxing with your dog after a day of exploration.

Tips for camping with dogs near Bristol

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bristol, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bristol, VA is Little Oak Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Bristol, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 169 dog-friendly camping locations near Bristol, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.