South Mountains State Park

Take your pupper to the mountains of North Carolina for a trip into the wild that you'll both enjoy! South Mountains State Park offers miles of untamed terrain for you to explore during your stay, including an impressive 80-foot waterfall! The park is open year-round, so you can get out into this beautiful forest any time you'd like.

Various camping arrangements are offered in the South Mountains, meaning there will likely be something that fits your trip needs. For the real outdoors-person, backpacking campsites are just the ticket, where no amenities are provided (other than a pit toilet), and you must trek into the woods to set up camp. For those that would rather not "ruff" it, a camping area that accommodates tents and RVs is located near the Jacob Fork River. Two of the 18 sites here even offer electric hookups, and a bathhouse, drinking water, and hot showers will keep you comfortable throughout your stay in the woods. Equestrian sites with access to a barn are also in this area for any visiting with their equine pals. Pricing for campsites starts at $10 per night and can increase up to $28 per night depending on the amenities you need.

It may take you and your furry friend quite some time to make it through the 40+ miles of trails that run through this state park. Practice extra caution while on the trails -- there are snakes in South Mountains State Park, and while most of them aren't venomous, unlucky hikers might spot a rattlesnake or copperhead.

If mountain biking is more your thing, many of these trails make for excellent two-wheel excursions, and horseback riding is also common throughout these paths. For the camper that prefers staying in one spot, the streams at South Mountains offer great trout fishing, though certain areas do have fishing restrictions.

Canines are welcome on all of the sites in the park as long as they are kept on a standard leash throughout their visit. During the campground's quiet hours, make sure to keep your doggo inside your shelter with you. To make sure woofers stay welcome in North Carolina state parks, always remember to clean up after your fur-baby and dispose of all waste properly. 

If you'd like to get away into North Carolina's wilderness, South Mountains State Park is a great place to go.