The best dog-friendly camping in North Carolina

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For dog owners seeking an adventure-packed playground for their four-legged companions, North Carolina offers so many possibilities and a wide array of dog-friendly camping opportunities. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, ideal for spring through fall outdoor stays, pups and people can hike, splash, swim, and camp under the stars. For the Piedmont, coast, and Outer Banks, swimming, kayaking, and hiking are best enjoyed fall through spring, as the summer months bring high heat and crowds. North Carolina has some pet-friendly beaches, though beaches are more so in the off-season. Across the Tarheel State are many public campgrounds and state parks, as well as private camping spots on farms and wooded properties that can accommodate tents or RVs with electric hookups. There are also some truly unique camp experiences as well—all dog-friendly. Campers can pitch a tent at a mountain biking retreat near Asheville, stargaze from their campsite atop a mountain, or RV camp under live oaks near the coast. Rustic stays range from a barn loft to a riverside platform camping deck to creekside campsites with a firepit. More comfy stays include an adorable A-frame cabin with a queen-size bed and private privy, a tiny house for glamping, or an overnight stay in an orchard house complete with a clawfoot tub.

97% (26.8K) 2,774 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Carolina

Above the Fray Glamping, Black Mtn.

1. Above the Fray Glamping, Black Mtn.

98%
(384)
Black Mountain, NC · 6 sites
The views are hypnotic, looking down and out over the continental divide. Good morning, and sunsets can be seen from the same spot. Your car is parked within feet of your deck, so Car Campers and experienced campers can enjoy. Designed with campers and dogs in mind. The deck is large (384 square feet) with a tin roof. Some roofs are full size, some are two-thirds, and some are one-third, depending on what one wants for tent size or sun exposure. (See pictures of each site/deck) Each deck features sun and rain curtains to help keep you comfortable in normal weather conditions. Dogs enjoy a two-gate system, allowing guests and dogs be leash-free and away from the road. All dog owners know to pick up after their pets. The human Private Porta John is cleaned on a weekly basis. Lights and electrical outlets are 110V (3 prongs) for YOUR coffee pots, electric grills, mattress inflators, crockpots, electric blankets, fans, et I do not provide any electrical appliances, other than counter area lighting and low-level string lights, so one can see the night sky Many of my campers will "Pay it Forward" and leave coffee pots, hot plates, fans and such, so count yourself lucky to find a deck with them. I provide chairs, 5 gallons of fresh water in containers, a fickle solar shower, and a pop-up changing room, along with an assortment of camping supplies from dog bowls to antimicrobial. I provide various-size garbage bags to manage your garbage. Your parking area is next to the deck. Black Mountain’s tasty restaurants are 4 miles away, and All Trails is an excellent app for finding trails suited for your interests. Be respectful to the place and please be friendly to the people yo Learn more about this land: Private Glamping Decks with a view that pictures do not do justice. Private decks on a dead-end gravel road mean hopefully the sounds will only be of nature. The conveniences of electricity, porta john, water, chairs, table, roof, cleaning supplies, rain curtains, and astounding views have my Glampers coming back often. Designed with Dogs in mind with a two-gate system and no need for a leash when on the deck. Obnoxious, barking dogs are not welcome, so bring only controlled and well-socialized dogs. Help me keep it dog-friendly. Never block the road with a park car.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$68
 / night
JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

2. JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

100%
(496)
Chinquapin, NC · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Finalist for Best NC Hipcamp in 2023 and 2024! This is a Family Venue! No Parties and/or drunkenness allowed. We strive to create an environment for nature viewing, dark night stargazing, fishing, and unwinding in nature. We truly believe that being in nature is essential for a happy and healthy human life. Quiet time enforced 10pm-6am. Check in strictly 2-8pm. We do not allow late check ins for respect of other campers and our family. We meet and greet all guests, and all vehicles must be registered. The Jones Family owns and operates JCO (Juniper Creek Outfitters) since 2020. The Historic Pond dates back to 1773 where a grist mill, sawmill, general store, and blacksmith shop were established. The land was once our 6th Great Grandfather's and how Fountaintown was formed. The property consists of 84+ acres: 22-acre lake, swamps, creeks, and farmland. We are in a farming community. We take pride in stewardship of the land and waters to keep its natural beauty and help with keeping the balance of the ecosystem. Many animals call it home! (Heron, Ducks, Osprey, Turkey, deer, beaver, fish, and many other wildlife) We have a lake Cat named Tail. She may greet you! The Ponds are stocked with Bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and more. Catch and release. NC fishing license required. JCO currently has 9 RV/Travel Trailer sites on main side that wrap around the lake. A Floating cabin and an A-frame Glamping cabin on main side. Across the lake we have 12 primitive tent sites that spread-out around the property. Views of lake and sunset, little pond, swamp and creek views. The lake is a Fishing lake. Kayaks and trolling boats are welcome. No gas motors. Upon booking we can send a local tourism guide for the area. We are only 50 minutes from the beach and coastal towns. Pet Friendly campsites. Check Out our social media links or ask about events coming up. Sunrise Easter Service April 5th at 6:45am Southeast Trail Life Junction April 10th-12th Carolina Critters Nature Classes April 11th and May 9th 6th Annual Youth Fishing Tournaments May 2nd Bluegrass in the Grove (Event we are sponsoring in next county) June 13th Campfire Stories and Smores Nights (to be determined)
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$25
 / night
Trails & Tails Waterfalls Retreat

3. Trails & Tails Waterfalls Retreat

100%
(84)
Pisgah Forest, NC · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautifully landscaped grounds of this once tobacco farm then 30 year nursery, offer a peaceful setting to follow your days on the trails. Enjoy the greenhouse/shade area set up with lights, tables & WiFi, dip your toes in the creek and watch your dog(s) get their zoomies out in the large dog run or just sit back and relax. Perfectly situated just 3 miles to the entrance of Pisgah Forest, 25 minutes to DuPont, five minutes to downtown Brevard, fifteen from Ashville airport and 30 minutes to downtown Asheville . ***Central potable water hookup, NO water hookup at sites. Even though the site states "Water Hookup", it's actually a central fill-up station. The way this appears through the platform is confusing, we know but it's a HipCamp glitch that we have asked them to address. *****No arrivals after 10:00pm. We're available to answer questions and provide assistance between the hours of 7:00am-10:00pm. ** Overall length of more than 50' will not be able to make the turns on the property. ie. if your tow behind is 30' and truck is 22' you will will not be able to make the turns
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$23
 / night
Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins

4. Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins

100%
(10)
Cherokee, NC · 32 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins No matter the weather, no matter the time of year, here at Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins, a perfect relaxing stay is what we are all about. Enjoy a picturesque creekside retreat in Cherokee, NC, the hub of activity for Western North Carolina in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Our full-hookup campsites and vacation log cabins feature just exactly what you need to get away and have some fun. Explore our peaceful setting and convenient amenities designed for your comfort and enjoyment. *We are open May-October for stays in the campground, and year-round for the cabins and campsite #19. If traveling West from I-40, we recommend taking Hwy 74 through Waynesville and Sylva to Cherokee for the best roads.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$60
 / night
Canter Lakes Farm

5. Canter Lakes Farm

99%
(96)
Rocky Point, NC · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Canter Lakes Farm offers waterfront camping on 47 acres. We are a private horse farm with beautiful swimming lakes and river access on site via “Sand Hill Creek” At canter lakes farm you can explore over 10 acres of water without ever leaving our property, and hike almost 3 miles of manicured trails here! If you’re an early riser you can witness the magnificent steam rolling in over the lakes, creek and cypress swamp while you sip your coffee at sunrise. Bring your paddle boards and cruise, or warm up with sunny yoga on your private dock. Kayak or John boats can explore the river bends from our property, or even make it out to the big wide cape fear. We are very close to two public boat ramps suitable for larger boats and jet skis. Holly Shelter boat ramp is literally 2 minutes away, Shelter Creek boat ramp is 10 minutes away. Both ramps have a fishing area and allow kayaks/paddle boards. Fishing is good on our ponds and the river year round, (bass, catfish, crappie, bowfin, gar, etc) in June hundreds of wild blueberry plants you can pick and eat. We also have prickly pear cacti for harvesting which you can cook the fruit and paddles over the fire and enjoy. If our trails aren’t enough and you want more adventure, just two miles away is the Holly Shelter game lands entrance where you’ll find thousands of acres for hunting, biking, hiking or horseback riding. And if you’re craving a beach day, Wrightsville beach is just a 30 minute drive away as well as is downtown Wilmington where you can enjoy walking the riverfront for shopping or dining. Stargazing galore! Surrounding the property is privately owned country land- this is a phenomenal place to be amazed by the stars. Photography lovers will be in heaven from the sunrises and sunsets golden hour is magical here! And with the diverse landscape there’s always something to capture. Tent camping or dry rv camping only at this time. Hot Shower, sink and full size toilet are provided in the bath house. No feeding of the horses allowed, or entering fencing. campers are welcome to visit or partake in farm experience with permission. If you’re looking for a yummy bite to eat we recommend chilitos, about 10 minutes away, for some authentic Mexican food! •Nearest gas station, grocery store and restaurants are in Rocky Point, just 12 minutes from us. •Wrightsville Beach - 30-40 minutes depending on traffic •Surf City/Topsail - 35 minutes •Hampstead- 15 minutes •Jacksonville - 38 minutes •Downtown Wilmington - 30 minutes (riverfront/live oak bank pavilion) •urgent care address: 7910 US hwy 117, Rocky point. (10 minutes from our farm) “novant health express care”.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$47
 / night

For dog owners seeking an adventure-packed playground for their four-legged companions, North Carolina offers so many possibilities and a wide array of dog-friendly camping opportunities. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, ideal for spring through fall outdoor stays, pups and people can hike, splash, swim, and camp under the stars. For the Piedmont, coast, and Outer Banks, swimming, kayaking, and hiking are best enjoyed fall through spring, as the summer months bring high heat and crowds. North Carolina has some pet-friendly beaches, though beaches are more so in the off-season. Across the Tarheel State are many public campgrounds and state parks, as well as private camping spots on farms and wooded properties that can accommodate tents or RVs with electric hookups. There are also some truly unique camp experiences as well—all dog-friendly. Campers can pitch a tent at a mountain biking retreat near Asheville, stargaze from their campsite atop a mountain, or RV camp under live oaks near the coast. Rustic stays range from a barn loft to a riverside platform camping deck to creekside campsites with a firepit. More comfy stays include an adorable A-frame cabin with a queen-size bed and private privy, a tiny house for glamping, or an overnight stay in an orchard house complete with a clawfoot tub.

97% (26.8K) 2,774 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Carolina

Above the Fray Glamping, Black Mtn.

1. Above the Fray Glamping, Black Mtn.

98%
(384)
Black Mountain, NC · 6 sites
The views are hypnotic, looking down and out over the continental divide. Good morning, and sunsets can be seen from the same spot. Your car is parked within feet of your deck, so Car Campers and experienced campers can enjoy. Designed with campers and dogs in mind. The deck is large (384 square feet) with a tin roof. Some roofs are full size, some are two-thirds, and some are one-third, depending on what one wants for tent size or sun exposure. (See pictures of each site/deck) Each deck features sun and rain curtains to help keep you comfortable in normal weather conditions. Dogs enjoy a two-gate system, allowing guests and dogs be leash-free and away from the road. All dog owners know to pick up after their pets. The human Private Porta John is cleaned on a weekly basis. Lights and electrical outlets are 110V (3 prongs) for YOUR coffee pots, electric grills, mattress inflators, crockpots, electric blankets, fans, et I do not provide any electrical appliances, other than counter area lighting and low-level string lights, so one can see the night sky Many of my campers will "Pay it Forward" and leave coffee pots, hot plates, fans and such, so count yourself lucky to find a deck with them. I provide chairs, 5 gallons of fresh water in containers, a fickle solar shower, and a pop-up changing room, along with an assortment of camping supplies from dog bowls to antimicrobial. I provide various-size garbage bags to manage your garbage. Your parking area is next to the deck. Black Mountain’s tasty restaurants are 4 miles away, and All Trails is an excellent app for finding trails suited for your interests. Be respectful to the place and please be friendly to the people yo Learn more about this land: Private Glamping Decks with a view that pictures do not do justice. Private decks on a dead-end gravel road mean hopefully the sounds will only be of nature. The conveniences of electricity, porta john, water, chairs, table, roof, cleaning supplies, rain curtains, and astounding views have my Glampers coming back often. Designed with Dogs in mind with a two-gate system and no need for a leash when on the deck. Obnoxious, barking dogs are not welcome, so bring only controlled and well-socialized dogs. Help me keep it dog-friendly. Never block the road with a park car.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$68
 / night
JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

2. JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

100%
(496)
Chinquapin, NC · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Finalist for Best NC Hipcamp in 2023 and 2024! This is a Family Venue! No Parties and/or drunkenness allowed. We strive to create an environment for nature viewing, dark night stargazing, fishing, and unwinding in nature. We truly believe that being in nature is essential for a happy and healthy human life. Quiet time enforced 10pm-6am. Check in strictly 2-8pm. We do not allow late check ins for respect of other campers and our family. We meet and greet all guests, and all vehicles must be registered. The Jones Family owns and operates JCO (Juniper Creek Outfitters) since 2020. The Historic Pond dates back to 1773 where a grist mill, sawmill, general store, and blacksmith shop were established. The land was once our 6th Great Grandfather's and how Fountaintown was formed. The property consists of 84+ acres: 22-acre lake, swamps, creeks, and farmland. We are in a farming community. We take pride in stewardship of the land and waters to keep its natural beauty and help with keeping the balance of the ecosystem. Many animals call it home! (Heron, Ducks, Osprey, Turkey, deer, beaver, fish, and many other wildlife) We have a lake Cat named Tail. She may greet you! The Ponds are stocked with Bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and more. Catch and release. NC fishing license required. JCO currently has 9 RV/Travel Trailer sites on main side that wrap around the lake. A Floating cabin and an A-frame Glamping cabin on main side. Across the lake we have 12 primitive tent sites that spread-out around the property. Views of lake and sunset, little pond, swamp and creek views. The lake is a Fishing lake. Kayaks and trolling boats are welcome. No gas motors. Upon booking we can send a local tourism guide for the area. We are only 50 minutes from the beach and coastal towns. Pet Friendly campsites. Check Out our social media links or ask about events coming up. Sunrise Easter Service April 5th at 6:45am Southeast Trail Life Junction April 10th-12th Carolina Critters Nature Classes April 11th and May 9th 6th Annual Youth Fishing Tournaments May 2nd Bluegrass in the Grove (Event we are sponsoring in next county) June 13th Campfire Stories and Smores Nights (to be determined)
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$25
 / night
Trails & Tails Waterfalls Retreat

3. Trails & Tails Waterfalls Retreat

100%
(84)
Pisgah Forest, NC · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautifully landscaped grounds of this once tobacco farm then 30 year nursery, offer a peaceful setting to follow your days on the trails. Enjoy the greenhouse/shade area set up with lights, tables & WiFi, dip your toes in the creek and watch your dog(s) get their zoomies out in the large dog run or just sit back and relax. Perfectly situated just 3 miles to the entrance of Pisgah Forest, 25 minutes to DuPont, five minutes to downtown Brevard, fifteen from Ashville airport and 30 minutes to downtown Asheville . ***Central potable water hookup, NO water hookup at sites. Even though the site states "Water Hookup", it's actually a central fill-up station. The way this appears through the platform is confusing, we know but it's a HipCamp glitch that we have asked them to address. *****No arrivals after 10:00pm. We're available to answer questions and provide assistance between the hours of 7:00am-10:00pm. ** Overall length of more than 50' will not be able to make the turns on the property. ie. if your tow behind is 30' and truck is 22' you will will not be able to make the turns
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$23
 / night
Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins

4. Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins

100%
(10)
Cherokee, NC · 32 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins No matter the weather, no matter the time of year, here at Lazy Turtle Campground & Cabins, a perfect relaxing stay is what we are all about. Enjoy a picturesque creekside retreat in Cherokee, NC, the hub of activity for Western North Carolina in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Our full-hookup campsites and vacation log cabins feature just exactly what you need to get away and have some fun. Explore our peaceful setting and convenient amenities designed for your comfort and enjoyment. *We are open May-October for stays in the campground, and year-round for the cabins and campsite #19. If traveling West from I-40, we recommend taking Hwy 74 through Waynesville and Sylva to Cherokee for the best roads.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$60
 / night
Canter Lakes Farm

5. Canter Lakes Farm

99%
(96)
Rocky Point, NC · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Canter Lakes Farm offers waterfront camping on 47 acres. We are a private horse farm with beautiful swimming lakes and river access on site via “Sand Hill Creek” At canter lakes farm you can explore over 10 acres of water without ever leaving our property, and hike almost 3 miles of manicured trails here! If you’re an early riser you can witness the magnificent steam rolling in over the lakes, creek and cypress swamp while you sip your coffee at sunrise. Bring your paddle boards and cruise, or warm up with sunny yoga on your private dock. Kayak or John boats can explore the river bends from our property, or even make it out to the big wide cape fear. We are very close to two public boat ramps suitable for larger boats and jet skis. Holly Shelter boat ramp is literally 2 minutes away, Shelter Creek boat ramp is 10 minutes away. Both ramps have a fishing area and allow kayaks/paddle boards. Fishing is good on our ponds and the river year round, (bass, catfish, crappie, bowfin, gar, etc) in June hundreds of wild blueberry plants you can pick and eat. We also have prickly pear cacti for harvesting which you can cook the fruit and paddles over the fire and enjoy. If our trails aren’t enough and you want more adventure, just two miles away is the Holly Shelter game lands entrance where you’ll find thousands of acres for hunting, biking, hiking or horseback riding. And if you’re craving a beach day, Wrightsville beach is just a 30 minute drive away as well as is downtown Wilmington where you can enjoy walking the riverfront for shopping or dining. Stargazing galore! Surrounding the property is privately owned country land- this is a phenomenal place to be amazed by the stars. Photography lovers will be in heaven from the sunrises and sunsets golden hour is magical here! And with the diverse landscape there’s always something to capture. Tent camping or dry rv camping only at this time. Hot Shower, sink and full size toilet are provided in the bath house. No feeding of the horses allowed, or entering fencing. campers are welcome to visit or partake in farm experience with permission. If you’re looking for a yummy bite to eat we recommend chilitos, about 10 minutes away, for some authentic Mexican food! •Nearest gas station, grocery store and restaurants are in Rocky Point, just 12 minutes from us. •Wrightsville Beach - 30-40 minutes depending on traffic •Surf City/Topsail - 35 minutes •Hampstead- 15 minutes •Jacksonville - 38 minutes •Downtown Wilmington - 30 minutes (riverfront/live oak bank pavilion) •urgent care address: 7910 US hwy 117, Rocky point. (10 minutes from our farm) “novant health express care”.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$47
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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