Backcountry Campsite #87 - Fontana Dam, NC
Backcountry Campsite #87 is a unique destination for those seeking a dog-friendly adventure in Fontana Dam, North Carolina. Located in a scenic, natural setting, this campsite offers pet owners the perfect base for exploring the great outdoors with their dogs. While not a traditional off-leash dog park, it’s ideal for hikers and campers looking for a place where their pets are welcome to join in the outdoor experience.
The campsite provides access to pet-friendly trails and is surrounded by beautiful wilderness, making it a great choice for dog owners who enjoy dog-friendly hiking near Fontana Dam. Visitors should be prepared for primitive camping conditions and practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the area clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the campsite offers access to pet-friendly hiking trails in the area.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Typically, backcountry campsites may require a reservation or permit, so be sure to check locally for requirements.
Reviews
We camped at this site in October. The lake water levels were very low which made I difficult to get gear up the bank. As other reviews have stated, it’s a 150 yards all uphill to the camp sites at the top of the island. There are multiple tent locations once you reach the top. My advise would be to pack light.
We camped at this site in October. The lake water levels were very low which made I difficult to get gear up the bank. As other reviews have stated, it’s a 150 yards all uphill to the camp sites at the top of the island. There are multiple tent locations once you reach the top. My advise would be to pack light.
Great campsite, with one caveat – to get to the actual campsite is about 150 yd steep hike up to the top of the island. This isn’t so bad, but it gets a little old considering you have to go all the way down to the lake to fetch water. Overall though, the campsite is great! The main camp area has plenty of room for a few tents (albeit, a bit sloped) and there is another smaller flat area about 10 yards from the main camp area that can be utilized for more space. The views from around the island are great (as is bout anywhere around Lake Fontana really). Will definitely be staying here again at some point!
Great campsite, with one caveat – to get to the actual campsite is about 150 yd steep hike up to the top of the island. This isn’t so bad, but it gets a little old considering you have to go all the way down to the lake to fetch water. Overall though, the campsite is great! The main camp area has plenty of room for a few tents (albeit, a bit sloped) and there is another smaller flat area about 10 yards from the main camp area that can be utilized for more space. The views from around the island are great (as is bout anywhere around Lake Fontana really). Will definitely be staying here again at some point!
Great views. An island so isolated from the coyotes/dogs that howl at night. A bit of up and down to get to the campsite, but a nice adjoining island to hike around once you make it through the thick stuff.
Great views. An island so isolated from the coyotes/dogs that howl at night. A bit of up and down to get to the campsite, but a nice adjoining island to hike around once you make it through the thick stuff.
Great campsite, but omg the bugs. Have your fire going before dark, and don’t use headlamps at night and then the bugs aren’t as bad. A screen room with a floor would have been a good thing to bring. Mosquito net does nothing since the real problem is flying palmetto bugs and beetles that attack from the ground. You get on the island from the north point where there may be a land bridge depending on the lake level. You have to carry what you bring up hill about 200 yards, then down hill another 75 yards to the bear cables and a bit more beyond that to the actual campsite. The site isn’t very level, and the little bit that is level has a lot of tree roots. Hammock suggested over tents. There’s a second area beyond the main campsite where more hammocks/tents could go also. Further south on the trail you’ll unfortunately have no problem finding the area everyone has chosen to use as the bathroom since leave no trace doesn’t seem to have been a priority for most people. Lots of bees near that spot. They seem to be attracted to urine. There are two fire pits, one at the main site, and one just inside the tree line up hill from the landing area when you first come ashore. There’s also a little clearing at the 100 yards from camp marker, so if you cook away from camp as a bear precaution thats a good spot. We didn’t see any bear evidence though. If not for the bugs, this would be a 5 star camping spot. It’s absolutely beautiful.
Great campsite, but omg the bugs. Have your fire going before dark, and don’t use headlamps at night and then the bugs aren’t as bad. A screen room with a floor would have been a good thing to bring. Mosquito net does nothing since the real problem is flying palmetto bugs and beetles that attack from the ground. You get on the island from the north point where there may be a land bridge depending on the lake level. You have to carry what you bring up hill about 200 yards, then down hill another 75 yards to the bear cables and a bit more beyond that to the actual campsite. The site isn’t very level, and the little bit that is level has a lot of tree roots. Hammock suggested over tents. There’s a second area beyond the main campsite where more hammocks/tents could go also. Further south on the trail you’ll unfortunately have no problem finding the area everyone has chosen to use as the bathroom since leave no trace doesn’t seem to have been a priority for most people. Lots of bees near that spot. They seem to be attracted to urine. There are two fire pits, one at the main site, and one just inside the tree line up hill from the landing area when you first come ashore. There’s also a little clearing at the 100 yards from camp marker, so if you cook away from camp as a bear precaution thats a good spot. We didn’t see any bear evidence though. If not for the bugs, this would be a 5 star camping spot. It’s absolutely beautiful.
(visited site late-May 2016) Campsite is located at top of island; not on the water although you can see water from most anywhere you are while on the island. There are not multiple places to set up camp at this site as there are other back country sites I’ve visited so you’ll be cozied up next to one another around the fire pit. The north side of the island has a good spot to stop and have lunch if not staying at the campsite. I’m giving it 4 stars because once you’re on the island, there’s only 1 real pathway across the top of the island; the rest is covered by undergrowth (during summertime). Other locations allow for more exploring and room to stretch. Beautiful otherwise!!!
(visited site late-May 2016) Campsite is located at top of island; not on the water although you can see water from most anywhere you are while on the island. There are not multiple places to set up camp at this site as there are other back country sites I’ve visited so you’ll be cozied up next to one another around the fire pit. The north side of the island has a good spot to stop and have lunch if not staying at the campsite. I’m giving it 4 stars because once you’re on the island, there’s only 1 real pathway across the top of the island; the rest is covered by undergrowth (during summertime). Other locations allow for more exploring and room to stretch. Beautiful otherwise!!!