The best dog-friendly RV camping near Shelby

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Shelby, North Carolina is east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides a mix of camping options from rugged backcountry areas to pet-friendly cabin rentals and RV parks outfitted with full hookups. Walk oak-tree-lined streets in town before paying a visit to Shelby’s City Park, which offers 155 acres of green space, including an original wooden carousel from 1919 and the Rotary Special mini train. Campers can then trek to Stone Mountain State Park for hiking, day-trip to Lake Norman State Park to float the day away in a kayak, or hop the border to South Carolina to view Whitewater Falls.

96% (3.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Yadkin Mountain Farm

2. Yadkin Mountain Farm

89%
(14)
49mi from Shelby · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Lenoir, NC
The 27-acre site is centrally located in beautiful Happy Valley, NC and accessed via Indian Grave Roady from the NC 268 Scenic Byway, which is frequented by motorcyclists, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts in general. You and your party will be the ONLY campers here. We offer 3 options for our one site based on your camping style, but once the property is booked, we close off the additional two site options. The site features uncommon privacy along with exclusive access to a beautiful section of the Yadkin River featuring a wadable and swimmable series of mostly rock filled pools and riffles. Approximately 1 acre of shaded lawn-like grass with an established fire ring is suitable for tents, camper vans, and large RV’s. Your dogs are welcome to roam off leash! The site is accessed through an almost entirely flat hayfield via a mowed trail that is easily accessible throughout the year via a 23-foot-wide entrance, except for during extreme wet weather. Nearby tourist attractions include: The Chapel of Rest, The Patterson School, Fort Defiance, the Happy Valley Filling Station, and much more with Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway being on 15 minutes away.
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
GOLDENSTONE CAMP

3. GOLDENSTONE CAMP

100%
(5)
20mi from Shelby · 3 sites · RVs · Bostic, NC
GOLDENSTONE CAMP (GSC) is in beautiful, peaceful Golden Valley (Bostic), NC. Golden Valley is in the center of the majestic South Mountains, a mountain range carved out of the Blue Ridge by erosion and lying just east of the main Blue Ridge Mountain range. It is a broad belt of peaks and knobs rising abruptly from a deep valley (Golden Valley). These steep, rugged mountains encompass 100,000 acres (404 km2) in Rutherford, Burke, and Cleveland counties, away from the lights and sounds of the city. GSC sits at the intersection of NC 226 (South Mountains Scenery scenic byway and Golden Valley Church Road and provides easy, paved access from all points north, south, east, and west. Except for an occasional passing vehicle, all you will hear are the sounds of the river that runs behind the campsites and the sounds of nature at your doorstep. You will also enjoy nights away from the city lights, where the moon and stars in the clear mountain sky and fireflies are your primary light sources (the camp does provide lights at each site for hooking up). The First Broad River is steps from your campsite and perfect for wildlife and bird watching. The camp provides easy access to the river for bathing, fishing, and tubing. GSC provides innertubes at a minimal cost per stay for those who want to take a leisurely float down the river. GSC offers easy, nearby access to the South Mountains State Park for hiking, picnicking, nature watching, and trekking to the many beautiful waterfalls in the park. There are also many other wonderful trails and waterfalls in the surrounding area. For our hunters, the South Mountains Game Lands is just up the road. If you are seeking to Glamp, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is approximately 5 minutes away and offers a day pass for purchase to enjoy their resort amenities, especially for the kids. GSC provides easy access to/from Forest City (20 minutes), Morganton (30 minutes), luxurious Lake Lure (45 minutes), Chimney Rock (55 minutes), Asheville (55 minutes), and Charlotte Airport (1 hour). Inquire! If you are interested in a full hook-up site month-to-month rental.
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Eggs And Embers

4. Eggs And Embers

16mi from Shelby · 1 site · Tent, RV · Caroleen, NC
Rustic Creekside Farm Camp with Easy Highway Access Camp beside a peaceful creek and wake up to the sounds of goats and chickens at our small, developing homestead—just minutes from the highway and easy to get to! Whether you’re on a road trip or looking for a quiet spot to unplug, this rustic site offers a simple farm setting with fresh air, farm animals, and open space. We’re building our dream of a self-sufficient farm, and while things are still in progress, we love sharing the land and the journey with guests who appreciate the real, raw side of country life. You can stay at one of our named spots—like Goat Gate, Hen Haven, or hike in to Pokey Broke near the stream—and experience the peaceful rhythm of the farm. ⸻ What Makes It Special: • Just off the main road with quick, easy access to the highway • Friendly goats, chickens, and ducks on site • Short hike to a peaceful creek for relaxing or dipping your feet • Visit The Coop, our open-air communal hangout space ( work in progress) • Optional farm Q&A or tour when available • A quiet place to rest without being far from civilization ⸻ What to Expect (Please Read): This is a barebones, rustic site right now: • No fire ring (feel free to bring a raised fire bowl or camp stove) • No toilet or outhouse yet ( working towards amenities) • No drinking water (bring your own potable water) • No electricity or RV hookups (dry camping only — but flat spots are available) We’re working on adding more features—and your stay directly supports those improvements. ⸻ The Vibe: This is a raw, natural space on a farmstead in progress. If you love animals, open sky, quiet nights, and want a safe place to crash close to the road—but far enough to feel peaceful—you’ll enjoy staying here. It’s real, simple, and full of heart. ⸻ Support the Farm (Optional): If you’d like to support our growth, we’ve set up a small wishlist and donation option. Even small items help a lot! • Amazon Wishlist: Coming soon • Venmo Examples: chicken feed, buckets, fencing tools, gloves, solar lights, or a bale of hay.
Campfires
from 
$16
 / night
Ramble on Rose Pets welcome

5. Ecusta Trail Campsite

95%
(10)
52mi from Shelby · 3 sites · RVs · Hendersonville, NC
Come stay with us! Bring the whole family, there is something for everyone here! You can bring your own RV! We can hold up to two campers onsite, plus a tent, and up to four personal vehicles! Our site is located minutes from Main Street in Hendersonville NC in the Lenox Park area! We are literally trailside, along the, "Ecusta Trail", with a brewery(Trailside), food truck(s), live music, coffee shop, brandy bar a stones throw away! You are nestled in the city with the feel of nature with a trail as your backdrop! With a short walk to downtown Hendersonville, located in historic Lenox Park, this adorable camp site is on the end of a quiet neighborhood street on the Ecusta trail! Private, safe, carefree setting. The perfect starting point to visit WNC/the Asheville metro area. Again we are next door to Lenox Station/Trailside Brewing (lesss than 200 feet away) with live music, food trucks, a coffee shop, and Brandy bar+. Minutes to Rhododendron Park, Patton/Jackson, and Lil Bradley Falls. Besides Main St., Another few minutes away 7th Ave (gentrified w/ Kava bar, shopping, fabulous bakery, coffee, plus free parking). Minutes to Glassy Mtn, Carl Sand Burg, and all the parks and national forests in WNC are nearby. You can bike, hike, walk, and more from your RV/campsite!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night

Shelby, North Carolina is east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides a mix of camping options from rugged backcountry areas to pet-friendly cabin rentals and RV parks outfitted with full hookups. Walk oak-tree-lined streets in town before paying a visit to Shelby’s City Park, which offers 155 acres of green space, including an original wooden carousel from 1919 and the Rotary Special mini train. Campers can then trek to Stone Mountain State Park for hiking, day-trip to Lake Norman State Park to float the day away in a kayak, or hop the border to South Carolina to view Whitewater Falls.

96% (3.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Yadkin Mountain Farm

2. Yadkin Mountain Farm

89%
(14)
49mi from Shelby · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Lenoir, NC
The 27-acre site is centrally located in beautiful Happy Valley, NC and accessed via Indian Grave Roady from the NC 268 Scenic Byway, which is frequented by motorcyclists, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts in general. You and your party will be the ONLY campers here. We offer 3 options for our one site based on your camping style, but once the property is booked, we close off the additional two site options. The site features uncommon privacy along with exclusive access to a beautiful section of the Yadkin River featuring a wadable and swimmable series of mostly rock filled pools and riffles. Approximately 1 acre of shaded lawn-like grass with an established fire ring is suitable for tents, camper vans, and large RV’s. Your dogs are welcome to roam off leash! The site is accessed through an almost entirely flat hayfield via a mowed trail that is easily accessible throughout the year via a 23-foot-wide entrance, except for during extreme wet weather. Nearby tourist attractions include: The Chapel of Rest, The Patterson School, Fort Defiance, the Happy Valley Filling Station, and much more with Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway being on 15 minutes away.
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
GOLDENSTONE CAMP

3. GOLDENSTONE CAMP

100%
(5)
20mi from Shelby · 3 sites · RVs · Bostic, NC
GOLDENSTONE CAMP (GSC) is in beautiful, peaceful Golden Valley (Bostic), NC. Golden Valley is in the center of the majestic South Mountains, a mountain range carved out of the Blue Ridge by erosion and lying just east of the main Blue Ridge Mountain range. It is a broad belt of peaks and knobs rising abruptly from a deep valley (Golden Valley). These steep, rugged mountains encompass 100,000 acres (404 km2) in Rutherford, Burke, and Cleveland counties, away from the lights and sounds of the city. GSC sits at the intersection of NC 226 (South Mountains Scenery scenic byway and Golden Valley Church Road and provides easy, paved access from all points north, south, east, and west. Except for an occasional passing vehicle, all you will hear are the sounds of the river that runs behind the campsites and the sounds of nature at your doorstep. You will also enjoy nights away from the city lights, where the moon and stars in the clear mountain sky and fireflies are your primary light sources (the camp does provide lights at each site for hooking up). The First Broad River is steps from your campsite and perfect for wildlife and bird watching. The camp provides easy access to the river for bathing, fishing, and tubing. GSC provides innertubes at a minimal cost per stay for those who want to take a leisurely float down the river. GSC offers easy, nearby access to the South Mountains State Park for hiking, picnicking, nature watching, and trekking to the many beautiful waterfalls in the park. There are also many other wonderful trails and waterfalls in the surrounding area. For our hunters, the South Mountains Game Lands is just up the road. If you are seeking to Glamp, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is approximately 5 minutes away and offers a day pass for purchase to enjoy their resort amenities, especially for the kids. GSC provides easy access to/from Forest City (20 minutes), Morganton (30 minutes), luxurious Lake Lure (45 minutes), Chimney Rock (55 minutes), Asheville (55 minutes), and Charlotte Airport (1 hour). Inquire! If you are interested in a full hook-up site month-to-month rental.
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Eggs And Embers

4. Eggs And Embers

16mi from Shelby · 1 site · Tent, RV · Caroleen, NC
Rustic Creekside Farm Camp with Easy Highway Access Camp beside a peaceful creek and wake up to the sounds of goats and chickens at our small, developing homestead—just minutes from the highway and easy to get to! Whether you’re on a road trip or looking for a quiet spot to unplug, this rustic site offers a simple farm setting with fresh air, farm animals, and open space. We’re building our dream of a self-sufficient farm, and while things are still in progress, we love sharing the land and the journey with guests who appreciate the real, raw side of country life. You can stay at one of our named spots—like Goat Gate, Hen Haven, or hike in to Pokey Broke near the stream—and experience the peaceful rhythm of the farm. ⸻ What Makes It Special: • Just off the main road with quick, easy access to the highway • Friendly goats, chickens, and ducks on site • Short hike to a peaceful creek for relaxing or dipping your feet • Visit The Coop, our open-air communal hangout space ( work in progress) • Optional farm Q&A or tour when available • A quiet place to rest without being far from civilization ⸻ What to Expect (Please Read): This is a barebones, rustic site right now: • No fire ring (feel free to bring a raised fire bowl or camp stove) • No toilet or outhouse yet ( working towards amenities) • No drinking water (bring your own potable water) • No electricity or RV hookups (dry camping only — but flat spots are available) We’re working on adding more features—and your stay directly supports those improvements. ⸻ The Vibe: This is a raw, natural space on a farmstead in progress. If you love animals, open sky, quiet nights, and want a safe place to crash close to the road—but far enough to feel peaceful—you’ll enjoy staying here. It’s real, simple, and full of heart. ⸻ Support the Farm (Optional): If you’d like to support our growth, we’ve set up a small wishlist and donation option. Even small items help a lot! • Amazon Wishlist: Coming soon • Venmo Examples: chicken feed, buckets, fencing tools, gloves, solar lights, or a bale of hay.
Campfires
from 
$16
 / night
Ramble on Rose Pets welcome

5. Ecusta Trail Campsite

95%
(10)
52mi from Shelby · 3 sites · RVs · Hendersonville, NC
Come stay with us! Bring the whole family, there is something for everyone here! You can bring your own RV! We can hold up to two campers onsite, plus a tent, and up to four personal vehicles! Our site is located minutes from Main Street in Hendersonville NC in the Lenox Park area! We are literally trailside, along the, "Ecusta Trail", with a brewery(Trailside), food truck(s), live music, coffee shop, brandy bar a stones throw away! You are nestled in the city with the feel of nature with a trail as your backdrop! With a short walk to downtown Hendersonville, located in historic Lenox Park, this adorable camp site is on the end of a quiet neighborhood street on the Ecusta trail! Private, safe, carefree setting. The perfect starting point to visit WNC/the Asheville metro area. Again we are next door to Lenox Station/Trailside Brewing (lesss than 200 feet away) with live music, food trucks, a coffee shop, and Brandy bar+. Minutes to Rhododendron Park, Patton/Jackson, and Lil Bradley Falls. Besides Main St., Another few minutes away 7th Ave (gentrified w/ Kava bar, shopping, fabulous bakery, coffee, plus free parking). Minutes to Glassy Mtn, Carl Sand Burg, and all the parks and national forests in WNC are nearby. You can bike, hike, walk, and more from your RV/campsite!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night

Public campgrounds near Shelby

Stories from the community

Other options near Shelby

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

The best dog-friendly RV camping near Shelby guide

Where to go

Lake Norman State Park

Find electricity-equipped cabins, RV parks with full-hookups, and tent campsites with firepits and hot showers at Lake Norman State Park. The 1.5-hour drive east brings campers to fun boating and fishing opportunities along a 375-foot long sandy beach. Rent a jet ski to cruise around, a speedboat to waterski, or a pontoon boat to leisurely experience the outdoor splendors of Lake Norman. Many companies also offer guided fishing tours as well as wakeboard, kayak, and canoe rentals. For campers looking for land activities, wander along Lake Norman Lakeshore Trail or hit the 30 miles of single-track mountain biking trails.

Whitewater Falls

Cascading 411 feet down, Whitewater Falls is dubbed the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s open year-round from dawn until dusk and is roughly a 2-hour drive east from Shelby. While there isn’t any camping right at the falls, there are picnic tables and restrooms, making it a scenic stop for snacks or lunch. Then stay and savor the stunning views of the falls from two overlook areas—one of which is wheelchair-accessible. Peak hours are in the middle of the day, making morning or evening quieter times to visit.

Stone Mountain State Park

A 2-hour drive north from Shelby, Stone Mountain State Park delivers unparalleled hiking, horseback riding, fishing, rock climbing, and a variety of camping options year-round. Find tent campsites with fire rings, or hike Widow’s Creek Trail to four primitive backcountry campsites. For more amenities, try an RV park nearby that features electrical and water hookups as well as communal dump stations. Then check out the restored Hutchinson Homestead farm and the 600-foot granite dome that looms in the background.

When to go

North Carolina experiences four distinct seasons. June, July, and August are peak summer months, with temperatures reaching a high of 89°F, accompanied by plenty of rain. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures dropping slightly below freezing. The busiest times to visit Shelby are in spring and autumn, when warm weather with less humidity makes outdoor activities like hiking and biking most comfortable.