The best pets off leash campgrounds in North Carolina

Crank up the fiddle-and-banjo tunes while driving through the High Country, where campsites and high-altitude views along the Blue Ridge Parkway are marked by mists and mountains. The parkway rolls up to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, not far from the gorgeous homelands of the Cherokee tribe. Just east in Asheville, the Ale Trail rivals the Biltmore as the top draw, though live music and a fantastic culinary scene are close behind. Drive east to the windswept barrier islands of the Outer Banks for coastal camping, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures that tear across sea and sky. Charlotte, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh anchor the booming Central Piedmont.

96% (10.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near North Carolina

/ night

5. At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

95%

(183)

14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Balsam Grove, NC

Welcome to At the Ridge Camp – “Simple Mountain Camping” at Its Best. Nestled just seven miles from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, At the Ridge Camp offers a peaceful escape in the heart of North Carolina’s stunning Pisgah National Forest—also known as the Land of the Waterfalls. We offer 7 cozy camping cabins, 14 spacious tent/RV sites, and two convenient bathhouses to make your stay comfortable. Whether you're here to hike to breathtaking waterfalls, cast a line in a quiet stream, or simply unwind by the campfire under the stars, this is your place to reconnect with nature. And one of our favorite pastimes? Just sitting back and watching the water flow by. Come enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains—without breaking the bank.

6. Waterfall camping close to CLT

99%

(361)

1 site · Tent, RV · Bessemer City, NC

My Neighbor has started his own Campsite, "The Swimming Hole". If mine is booked up and you still want to camp, look him up. His is better suited for small groups but has much more privacy. We have a new road to the campsite; you can now drive down with two-wheel drive vehicle or RV down and park near your tent! There is plenty of soft sand to set up one tent or ten tents; large groups are welcome for an extra fee. A Porta-Potty is available at the campsite. Swimming is usually possible at the base of the falls; however, large amounts of rain can change conditions and make it unusable. I should also add, this is not a completely private campsite deep in the woods. The camp is visible from a shared driveway, and my residence is up a hill that overlooks the area. Also, I do not own the land on the other side of the stream. Occasionally, the owners of that land will spend a weekend afternoon enjoying the waterfall view also. Still much quieter and more private than a regular campground. Glamping tents and additional camping tents are available through a local company. Look in the pictures for the tent with red, white, and blue balloons. Message me for details. Close to US National Whitewater Center (mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking), Kings Mountain National Military Park (Horseback riding and history), Crowders Mountain (Hiking), 3 miles off of I-85 and US-321 for people passing through.

7. Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

99%

(67)

4 sites · Lodging · Broadway, NC

Situated on over 400 acres, Sugarneck has private and communal gathering areas to stay put and soak in the escape or take a short drive to great things to and places to eat. Private Amenities include: Bathrooms, Mini Refrigerators, Heat & A/C, Luxury Bedding and Private Solo Stove Campsites. Communal Amenities include: TV/Game room, Grill, Fire Pit, Walking trails and lawn games.

8. The Human Spirit

99%

(191)

1 site · Tent, RV · Hays, NC

True off-grid, primitive camping in untouched nature with almost 100 acres all to yourself! The entire property is secluded with an amazing view of Stone Mountain. - Perfect for 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, side by sides. - Firepit provided. Firewood bundles and starter bundles are available for purchase. - You can pull right up to the campsite. - Higher clearance vehicle is recommended (truck, SUV, or crossover), however, 4-wheel drive is unnecessary. Please know the 2-mile road up to the campsite is bumpy and narrow. ~70 minutes from Charlotte ~20 minutes from Wilkesboro ~50 minutes from Boone ~50 minutes from the Winston-Salem area ~30 minutes off I-77 ~30 minutes from Stone Mountain public entrance ~30 minutes from Warrior Creek trails ~10 minutes from Doughton Park trailhead Unplug, recharge, and immerse yourself in untouched nature! A couple of highly recommended nearby restaurant options: (both ~20 minutes from campsite) Roaring River Vineyards - great outdoor atmosphere right on the banks of the Roaring River, pet friendly, entertainment, wine, and beer tasting 493 Brewer Mill Rd, Traphill, NC    Nonna & Pops Mercantile - small sandwich and ice cream shop catered to campers, the homemade focaccia bread is TO DIE FOR 6278 Sparta Road North Wilkesboro, NC

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Alicia

1 day ago

32 ft toy hauler

3 nights at Cherokee Waterfall Campground

Very cool place we would definitely come again. Driveway down needs to be trimmed a little.

K

Kenny

2 weeks ago

22 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at The Mill Creek Spread

Patricia has been the best host! Very kind, and super easy to work with! The accommodations have far exceeded my expectations! The camp is just what I was looking for. Off beaten path enough for some privacy, yet realistically close enough to civilization.

Welcome to Double L Farms RV Park. We hope you will let this be your "home away from home."

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Mary

2 weeks ago

31 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Double L Farms RV Park, LLC

Very easy to get to from 95. We stopped over one night on our way south. Great hookups. Clean bathhouse with hot shower. Everything you need. Would definitely recommend.

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Kenny

2 weeks ago

22 ft campervan

5 nights at The Mill Creek Spread

Patricia and Vader have been the best hosts I have come across!! Vader and my dog May, became instant best friends. And to say that Patricia has been extremely kind and accommodating , would be an understatement. I'm seasonally traveling on a very strict budget, and this camp by far has exceeded my expectations! This camp will for sure be part of my yearly seasonal rotation.

Bonnie

2 weeks ago

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

Had a great time at the campground in my trailer. Peaceful location on the river. Hosts are very helpful and friendly.

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David

2 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mystic Meadow Farm Glamping.

This place has become one of my favorite places to camp. Everything about this place was amazing. Wendy messaged us asking if we needed anything while we were there and responded back very quickly after we found out we needed more wood. 10/10

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Cris

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Black Barn Farm

This is an adorable little farm resort. We stayed in the off season so we didn’t play in the lake. If you’re looking for a Pinterest perfect boutique glamping situation this might not be a good match, but if you’re looking for a place to chill and disconnect from the outside world, this is the place! Plenty of fire pits and your basics are covered so bring your cooler and a marshmallow and relax! Your abode is an 8x10 shed with a bed with grandma’s nic-nacks and a cozy quilt. Perfect if you like camping but you don’t feel like packing all of your gear. We stayed here and day-tripped to Beaufort. Was a low-cost alternative to the expensive hotels there.

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Connor

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Gusher Knob

We loved our stay! William has a beautiful campsite and beautiful property that he let us explore. We saw wild deer, wild geese, and signs of some bobcats, even got to hear a pack of coyotes each night! We felt incredibly safe and it was a very private area. We met one of the neighbors when unloading our gear who was incredibly helpful and nice, and everyone we drove by waved as well so it was a nice welcoming stay which was one of our concerns when coming from 6 hours away. Our car was safe the entire time and no signs of anyone messing with anything around it which is a huge plus! The sunrise and sunset are beautiful, especially with a mountain backdrop, and the drive up there was also nice. We stopped at one of the overlooks about 20-30 minutes away from the site and just took in the scenery. The hike has some pretty steep parts. We made 4 full trips with gear, food, and wood. I feel like some of the other reviews don’t touch on it as much, but with just two of us it absolutely wore us out. I believe we took 4 breaks along the trail (even though it’s a fairly short hike) just because of the elevation and how steep it was in some parts. While we are both 5-6 days a week in the gym, carrying everything was still a challenge that we will not forget. Very thankful there were two of us. William let us explore the side trails but remember to still ask for permission for yourself as this is still someone else’s property and should be treated as such. Thank you again William!!

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Savannah

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

Andrew was an amazing host he checked in on us and also brought our wood up since he happened to be there during our stay. The camps are well spaced and the toilets were very clean as well as the shelter over them. The ground was well maintained and not over grown. It’s a beautiful drive going up to the campground and into the small town. We will definitely stay again.

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Ian

2 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Starlight Hills

I stayed in one of the MTG sites and it was great! The heater works very well in the winter and was super clean for me and my party. The views were great and the restrooms were clean. I’ve been here multiple times and always enjoy coming back. I would highly recommend this campground.

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Alex

3 weeks ago

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Black Barn Farm

Stayed the night with our small RV in site #1. Owner was very helpful and responsive. Rough road heading to the property.. big potholes.. drive slow! Site had a normal house plug so bring an adapter if you need one. Ours worked fine. Water hose is available across the road about 75’.. well water. Will hopefully stay again in the summer!

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Patrick

3 weeks ago

Tent

4 nights at Black Barn Farm

This was my second visit to Black Barn. Jennifer was so helpful when this trip became unexpectedly complicated by car trouble. Would definitely recommend.

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Danielle

3 weeks ago

1 night at Tails and Trails

Jeremy had all the essentials there for us! He checked in several times to make sure we were comfortable and was very friendly! Highly recommended!

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Kenny

3 weeks ago

22 ft campervan

1 night at The Mill Creek Spread

This is such an amazing spot I decided to extend my stay a little! Secluded wood area, far enough off the beat and path that you don't have to worry about anything. Absolutely love it! And this will be probably end up being one of my go to campsites!

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Jordan

3 weeks ago

3 nights at Outercamp, Blue Ridge Falls Retreat

Super unique little yurt camp out in the NC Blue Ridge. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an easy glamping experience that's a very affordable way to stay in the area really nearby Little Switzerland, Linville, Grandfather mountain, etc..The property itself still feels remote as it is situated on the side of a nearby mountain. That being said, be prepared to drive carefully on the property, especially if you have a smaller car, as the drive is a bit rugged. Very doable even in our little hybrid 2 seater, but take your time in inclement weather (even in early December, we still had a lovely time, and enjoyed the tranquility). Would totally return if we come back through the area!

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Elizabeth

3 weeks ago

24 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Waterfall camping close to CLT

Absolutely love the place..We have family in the area and every time we visit from Ohio we stay here.

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Kevin

3 weeks ago

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Mitchel River Camping

This was our second time. Very quiet and peaceful. Lots of room for the dog to play.

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Irene

3 weeks ago

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Cherokee Waterfall Campground

This campsite offers ample room for any size family or camping group. The grounds are safe, clean and comfortable, with electric hookups, hot showers, and a toilet—all while being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of untouched wilderness. Being here brought back childhood memories of exploring and charting unknown territory. The peaceful waterfall sings a gentle lullaby each night, carrying you into the deepest sleep. There is truly no campsite that compares. My only complaint? I lost track of time. I enjoyed myself so much and felt so disconnected from the outside world that days effortlessly blended into nights before it was suddenly time to leave. This was my parents’ first-ever camping trip, and the host did not disappoint! He was readily available to help them hook up their new RV and made sure they felt at home. By the end of the stay, they felt like pros thanks to his guidance. You can’t go wrong with this site—book now and make those special memories. We are so glad we did!

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Robin

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

Lil Snowbird is the best! This was our 4th or 5th visit and we will be back. The host goes above and beyond in many ways.

Stargazers Paradise

95%

(66)

6 sites · RVs · Flat Rock, NC

Learn more about this land: Ten beautiful acres to choose a location to camp on. Open grassy field located 10 min from downtown Hendersonville, and 30 min to Asheville. Great place to escape for a little while. Accessible by any vehicle. Motorhomes are welcome and have easy access as well.

Jessup Mill

99%

(82)

6 sites · Tents, RVs · Westfield, NC

Hi there. Here is a little rundown of everything we do at the mill…. So, as far as camping, there are two main options on either side of the river; the mill yard or primitive camping across the river. In the mill yard, we do festival style camping, meaning that there are no individual campsites per se, but rather a large grassy lawn near the mill and bathhouse with shared fire pits, picnic tables, charcoal grill, and sinks for water/dishes. We also have two platforms up in the woods that are good for a little more privacy and are completely shaded, but do require a small climb up the hill. The bathhouse has three restrooms and hot showers in each. Across the river, there are several more primitive sites that are generally very private and offer great sounds coming from the river and waterfall, but no facilities. Most sites are car accessible, and a 5 minute walk back over to the mill (or a 1 minute drive). Lastly, our newest camping spot on the primitive side is a river front beach right by the dam with space for a several medium sized tents and a private fire pit. The beach is hike-in only (2-3 minutes along a mostly flat trail). Our normal rate is $10 per person per night. Firewood is available for $10 per wheelbarrow load. We accept cash, credit card, Venmo, Paypal, and crypto. We are also fairly flexible on check in/check out times, but just let us know if you’ll be arriving at odd hours. Dogs are generally welcome as long as they are kept on leash. Here is a little rundown of tubing at the mill (May-October, weather permitting). We have two tubing options available. We have a short Fun Run that takes roughly 45 minutes, and cost $10 per person for as many rides as you’d like. The river bends sharply like a horseshoe in this section, so it makes everything accessible by foot traffic. It’s a 3 minute walk up the trail to the dam, put in and float 30-45 minutes (depending on water level), then a 5-10 minute walk back to the mill carrying your tube. There is also the longer Forks Run, which last 3-4 hours (~2.5 river miles), and costs $15. For this, we shuttle you up the river in a vehicle, and you float back to the top of the dam, then 3 minutes walking back to the mill. Most weekends, tubing starts at 11 am and the last Forks Shuttle is around 3 pm, with the Fun Run staying open till around 5. Also, with enough heads up, we can sometimes arrange for trips during the week. Our tubes are required for each person floating for insurance and liability reasons, but you are welcome to bring your own cooler tubes to carry drinks and snacks. Technically, alcohol is not permitted on the river, but what is in your cooler is your business. Either way, please bring ALL trash out with you! Water shoes are recommended, and we have life jackets on request. Most of our tubes come with bottoms and back rests, but a few are open to the water. Most weekends, reservations are not required, but it does help tremendously if we know when you want to come and how many in your group. Lastly, check out a Facebook page for our occasional live music events and festivals!

The best campsites available this weekend near North Carolina

Sugar Creek

88%

(12)

1 site · Tent, RV · Charlotte, NC

The property is located on a large lot, approximately 2 acres, this is half wooded and half clear land. i have a parking rock driveway, If you have animals, they are welcome too. i do not have sewer hookup but will allow you to use water. This property is 20 min from uptown charlotte, 10 min from UNCC, 10 min Northlake Mall, 15 min from Concord Mills Mall. 37 min to Lake Normal, 20 from the Airport, 77, 85, 485, about 10 each way from parking spot. Restaurants nearby is about .7 miles. Entrance is on the Hubbard Rd side.

River Farm on the Neuse River Trail

100%

(38)

13 sites · Tents, RVs · Clayton, NC

River Farm is a fantastic stop if you are cycling the Neuse River Trail and need an over night stay. We are a peaceful campsite located along the Greenway Trail 20 minutes from Downtown Raleigh and 10 minutes from Clayton. The farm offers private wooded meadows with direct access to the Greenway for walking and cycling. Campers can either rent a tent or bring their own, choosing between secluded spots, shaded areas, or open spaces. The campsite is accessible via a gravel farm track and is close to the Greenway, river, and main house for bathroom access. Nearby attractions include the Bailey Sarah William Preserve with 447 acres and 16.6 miles of multi-use trails, Sandy Pines Preserve with 563 acres of trails and fishing (18 minutes away), and Robertson Mill Pond for trails and seasonal kayaking (17 minutes away). For water activities, Neuse Adventures Canoe and Kayak Rentals is just 12 minutes away. River Farm offers a tranquil camping experience with the convenience of nearby Raleigh events, including the Walnut Creek Music Park, only 20 minutes away for concertgoers.

John's Campground

12 sites · Tents, RVs · New Bern, NC

RV or camper lots for rent outside city limits in New Bern. No amenities, no water, electric or septic. The lot is 1/3 mile from the highway and in the middle of about 150 acres of woods. ATVs and dirtbikes are welcome.

Marshall Creek Farm

98%

(77)

2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Westfield, NC

Marshall Creek Farm is offering 2 camping spots on our 26 acres property out in the country of Westfield NC Just 15 minutes from Hanging Rock State Park where you can enjoy scenic waterfalls and breath taking views on some of our states most beautiful hiking, biking, and horse riding trails. First site is a cabin for two nestled in the private woods on a ridge on the back of the property. Second site is a tent/rv site that sits on the edge of a 3 acre pasture on the bank of Marshall Creek. Other nearby interests include kayaking, tubing, and fishing the Dan River, Zip-lining, Pilot Mt. State Park, Also the town of Mt. Airy (Mayberry) from the Andy Griffith show. You can also visit the well known Maybry Mill on a nearby section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. And of course you can always have a memorable time simply hanging around camp enjoying a cozy fire or gazing into the brightly lit starry skies that have escaped the city lights. Split firewood available on the honor system for purchase on the site of your choice. $5/bundle cash. Please scroll down and explore each listing for more detail.

OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Hot Springs, NC

My parents bought the 120 acre property in the 1960s. I started clearing and building the campsite in 2019. Watch the sun rise on one side of Troublesome Gap and watch it set on the other side.  There is a circle drive for 2 teardrop / squaredrop or pop up campers and plenty of spots to pitch tents.   There are also great spots to hang your hammock.   Camp where my family camps.  My parents bought the property in the 1960s and we have camped up here, hiked, hunted, and cut firewood many weekends.  We decided to share the property so you can enjoy camping up here too! The property is in a remote location where you can enjoy the wildlife and the cooler temps in the summer.  You'll have 3 acres all to yourself.  The closest grocery store is an hour away but the Trust General Store with a restaurant and gas approximately is 7 miles away.  There is also a burger joint (Dave's 209) on the way to the Trust General Store.   This camping site is in a remote area and the nearest neighbor about 1/2 mile away.  Max Patch is about 25 minutes away and features beautiful hiking. The quaint town of Marshall is about 30 minutes away.  Asheville is about an hour away. The campsite is easily accessible from Baltimore Branch Road.  However Baltimore Brand Road (public road) is steep in places and we don't recommend an RV bigger than a popup camper.   If you are pulling a trailer you'll really want to consider having 4wd. If you aren't used to driving on steep dirt mountain roads, you may want to bring your 4wd vehicle. If you have a 2wd vehicle, then you'll want to come to the site via Big Pine Road. This route will take you through Walnut, NC We also provide a porta-a-john for your convenience. This is a campsite where have the whole 3.5 acre property to yourself. You are surrounded by properties that vary from 40 acres to over a hundred acres. We just want you to have a great time and bring home great stories. It seems like every visitor to Troublesome Gap has a great story. Come camp with us and build your own story. Important Note: Water is only available on the site from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Otherwise you'll need to bring your own water. There is a camera on the property. It faces the gate (and away from the campsite).

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best pets off leash camping in North Carolina guide

Where to go

High Country & the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway passes overlooks, waterfalls, and campgrounds in the rugged High Country of western North Carolina as it swoops south from Virginia. Mount Mitchell State Park, Linville Gorge, and Grandfather Mountain are Instagram-pretty while hiking and mountain biking trails beg to be explored.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Cherokee

Stories about Cherokee leaders and 19th-century mountain families add historic context to the mountain-and-forest views in the deep-green Smokies. Feeling social? Hit the welcoming Nantahala Outdoor Center for all-sorts of wild adventures, from rafting to ziplining. The Appalachian Trail runs along the North Carolina and Tennessee border in the national park then veers south through Nantahala National Forest.

Asheville & the Foothills

An easy detour from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is a mountain town that’s going places. The craft beer situation is out of control—more than 30 breweries!—while innovative chefs keep the foodie scene abuzz. Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, and gorgeous waterfalls are outdoor highlights in the foothills. Mountain bikers, get your fix in Pisgah National Forest.

North Carolina Coast

Wind, water, and sunny skies set a mood for fun along the North Carolina Coast. For the best all-around beach scene head to the Outer Banks, a 100-mile stretch of rugged barrier islands marked by dunes, fishing piers, and wild horses. Try hang-gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, windsurfing off Hatteras Island, and parasailing and paddling in Corolla and Duck. For close-to-the-beach tent camping, drive south to Cape Hatteras National Seashore or ferry over to Ocracoke Island.