Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in North Carolina

Discover the best dog-friendly campgrounds across North Carolina. Verified pet policies with trails, swimming, and welcoming sites.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Year-round (weather dependent)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.6

(530)

Standing Indian Campground

Franklin
National Forests in North Carolina

Dogs roam freely along miles of interconnected trails that lead deep into Nantahala National Forest, including direct access to the legendary Appalachian Trail for multi-day adventures.

Tsali Recreation Area

Robbinsville
National Forests in North Carolina

Your pup can join you on miles of forested trails winding through the Appalachian wilderness, where leashed dogs share the paths with mountain bikers and equestrians exploring four interconnected loops.

Ocracoke
Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Your dog can roam leash-free across miles of windswept Atlantic beaches, chasing ghost crabs through the surf and exploring tidal pools along this remote barrier island.

Tents

RVs

About Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in North Carolina

Pet-friendly camping in North Carolina offers an extraordinary range of experiences where your four-legged companions can join you in exploring everything from misty mountain peaks to windswept barrier islands. The state's diverse geography creates a paradise for campers traveling with pets, spanning the ancient Appalachian ranges in the west to the pristine beaches of the Outer Banks.

Best Time

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for pet-friendly camping in North Carolina, with mild temperatures that keep both humans and animals happy on the trail. April through May brings wildflower blooms in mountain regions and pleasant beach weather along the coast, though spring break crowds can fill popular campgrounds.

What to Expect

Verified pet-friendly policies
Hiking trails for dogs
Spacious campsites
Swimming access at many locations

More Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in North Carolina

Discover 17 additional top-rated pet-friendly campgrounds in North Carolina

Your dog can explore miles of riverside trails and splash in shallow coves along one of North America's oldest rivers, with meadow campsites offering plenty of room to roam.

Your pup can splash through mountain streams and explore cascading waterfalls like Rainbow Falls on miles of pet-friendly trails winding through this rugged wilderness.

Carolina Beach State Park

Wilmington

Your dog can explore winding trails through ancient maritime forests where carnivorous Venus flytraps grow wild in their native habitat. Leashed pups discover diverse ecosystems from cypress-lined waterways to coastal dunes, with marina access providing refreshing water views after every adventure.

MILLS RIVER
National Forests in North Carolina

Your dog can splash through the Mills River's shallow waters, then explore miles of forest trails winding through Pisgah National Forest's ancient hardwoods.

Hayesville
National Forests in North Carolina

Your dog can explore woodland trails winding through Nantahala National Forest and sniff along the shoreline where the peninsula meets Lake Chatuge's pristine waters.

Lake Norman State Park

Troutman

Your four-legged companion can explore over 30 miles of wooded trails winding through pine forests and along the shoreline, with leashed access throughout the park's diverse terrain.

Frisco
Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Your dog can explore miles of sandy Atlantic shoreline along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where boardwalks lead directly from camp to wide-open beaches for morning runs and sunset strolls.

Curtis Creek Campground

Old Fort, NC
National Forests in North Carolina

Your dog can splash through pristine Curtis Creek while you cast for trout, with wooded trails winding directly from camp through ancient forests where wildlife sightings are common.

Goose Creek State Park

Washington

Dogs can explore miles of forested trails winding through coastal marshlands and pine forests, with leashed adventures leading to wildlife-rich waterfront areas.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in North Carolina

Map of campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in North Carolina

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Map Key

Standing Indian Campground

Tsali Recreation Area

Ocracoke Campground

New River State Park

Gorges State Park

Carolina Beach State Park

North Mills River

Jackrabbit Mountain

Lake Norman State Park

Frisco Campground

Curtis Creek Campground

Goose Creek State Park

Davidson River

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Briar Bottom Group Campground

Raven Rock State Park

Medoc Mountain State Park

South Mountains State Park

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Jordan Lake State Rec Area

View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Hiking on pet-friendly trails through diverse terrainSwimming and wading in mountain streams and riversBeach walking and coastal exploration with leashed dogsPaddling and kayaking with pets in calm watersMountain biking on designated multi-use trailsWildlife viewing from campsite and trails

Tips & Recommendations

1Always verify specific pet policies before arrival, as regulations vary significantly between campground types and managing agencies—state parks typically allow pets in campgrounds but may restrict them from certain trails or beach areas during nesting seasons.
2Bring proof of current rabies vaccination and keep tags visible, as rangers occasionally check compliance.
3Pack a pet first aid kit including tweezers for tick removal, as the state has significant tick populations from March through November, particularly in wooded areas.
4Bring extra water and a collapsible bowl, especially for mountain hikes where stream access may be limited.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in North Carolina

Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in North Carolina FAQ

We've curated 20+ pet-friendly campgrounds in North Carolina based on verified pet policies, user reviews, and trail access. Each campground welcomes dogs and many offer hiking trails, swimming areas, and spacious sites.

Not all campgrounds allow pets. Our North Carolina pet-friendly list only includes campgrounds with verified dog-friendly policies. Always check specific leash requirements and pet fees before booking.

Essential items include: leash and harness, food and water bowls, dog bed or blanket, waste bags, current vaccination records, flea/tick prevention, and a first aid kit. Also bring familiar toys to keep your pup comfortable.