Wilmington KOA Holiday Blog
80+ RV Sites, 20 Cabin Rentals & Coastal Camping in Wilmington, NC. View Site Options.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From I-40 - Take exit 416B. This will put you on the I-140 bypass. Follow this for 5 miles and take exit 25, signage will read, 17 S./Market St. At the stop sign take a right, this is Market St. Follow for 2 miles, turn right in-between the Speedway Gas Station and the Ogden Carwash. You will see the sign for KOA on the right, above the Ogden Carwash.
From Rt. 17 S. - Follow 17N, take exit 39 on to I-140 (US 17 N/Wilmington/New Bern/Jacksonville).Follow I-140 approx. 25 miles. Take exit 25 , signage will read 17 S./Market St. At the stop sign take a right, this is Market St. Follow for 2 miles, turn right in-between the Speedway Gas Station and the Ogden Carwash. You will see the sign for KOA on the right, above the Ogden Carwash sign.
From US 74/76 - Take exit on to I-140 (US 17 N/Wilmington/New Bern/Jacksonville). Follow I-140 approx. 25 miles. Take exit 25, signage will read 17S/Market St. At the stop sign take a right, this is Market St. Follow for 2 miles, turn right in-between the Speedway Gas Station and the Ogden Carwash. You will see the sign for the KOA on the right, above the Ogden Carwash sign.
From Rt. 17 N. - Follow 17S through Hampstead. Take exit to the right (about 8 miles past Hampstead), signage will read 17 S./Market St. This is Market St. Follow for 2 miles, turn right in-between the Speedway Gas Station and the Ogden Carwash. You will see the sign for KOA on the right, above the Ogden Carwash.
GPS: N34.27778. W77.81417
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Wilmington is not just dog-friendly; it’s dog-welcoming, which means you can experience much of the city’s best sites and experiences with your pup by your side. You can explore Historic Downtown Wilmington, visit local breweries and eateries, hike through native Venus flytrap habitat, and find places where your dog can play off leash.
Wilmington KOA Holiday is a dog-friendly home base for your adventure, with pet-friendly RV sites and cabins, a Kamp K9 dog park, Paw Pen sites, and an on-site dog wash. Once you are settled in, here are seven of the best dog-friendly things to do in Wilmington, NC.
Best for: A classic Wilmington sightseeing experience
Start your visit with a leashed walk along the Wilmington Riverwalk in Historic Downtown Wilmington.
The Riverwalk follows the Cape Fear River for 1.75 miles, stretching from the foot of Nun Street to the Isabel Holmes Bridge. Along the way, you will pass waterfront views, shops, restaurants, galleries, and some of downtown Wilmington’s most recognizable historic streets. Leashed dogs are welcome along the Riverwalk.
From the Riverwalk, continue toward Front Street and the Cotton Exchange or explore the surrounding blocks at your own pace. Individual stores maintain their own pet policies, so check before bringing your dog inside.
Local tip: Summer pavement and wooden decking can become hot. Plan your walk during the morning or evening and bring water for your dog. Many local businesses also put out dog bowls with water during the hotter months!
Best for: Relaxing together after a walk or day of exploring
Wilmington has several breweries, coffee shops, and outdoor gathering spaces that welcome leashed dogs.
Located in the Brooklyn Arts District of Historic Downtown Wilmington, Flytrap Brewing specializes in small-batch American and Belgian-style ales. Its shaded beer garden welcomes leashed dogs and often features food trucks, live music, and community events.
Java Dog Coffee House is located in the Cotton Exchange near the Riverwalk. Dogs are welcomed both inside and outside, making it an easy coffee or breakfast stop during a downtown outing. Pup cups may also be available upon request. Patrons rave about the mocha lattes.
Tap Yard offers a one-acre beer garden in Wilmington’s Cargo District. The dog-friendly and family-friendly outdoor space serves craft beer, cocktails, and wine and regularly hosts rotating food trucks and live entertainment.
Best for: Dogs that love the sand under their paws
A beach day is one of the most popular activities near Wilmington, but pet access varies considerably by location and season. Some beaches welcome dogs year-round, while others limit access during the warmer months.
Here is a quick overview of the nearby options:
Wrightsville Beach: Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach strand from October 1 through March 31. Dogs are not permitted on the strand from April 1 through September 30. During the summer, you can still take your leashed dog for a walk along the 2.45-mile John T. Nesbitt Loop, which includes pet water fountains and waste-bag stations.
Carolina Beach: Dogs must remain leashed. From April 1 through September 30, they may visit the municipal beach strand before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Dogs are welcome throughout the day from October 1 through March 31.
Freeman Park: Dogs are allowed year-round. They must remain leashed from April 1 through September 30. From October 1 through March 31, dogs may be off leash when they remain under voice command and close to their owner.
Kure Beach: Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the day from October 1 through March 31. From April 1 through September 30, dogs may visit before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area: Leashed dogs are permitted throughout much of the park year-round, including its trails and undeveloped coastal areas. Pets must remain on an attended leash no longer than six feet and are not allowed on the designated swim beach or inside park buildings.
Freeman Park and Fort Fisher offer some of the most flexible year-round options, while Wrightsville Beach is best suited to dog-friendly beach walks during the fall and winter.
Beach ordinances can change, so check the current rules before heading out and always bring water, waste bags, and a leash.
Best for: Nature lovers and longer walks
For a uniquely Cape Fear experience, take your dog to Carolina Beach State Park, where free day-use access includes trails through rare coastal habitats, longleaf pine forest, wetlands, and native Venus flytrap territory. The park is also a great place for birding with your pup. Dogs are welcome on trails with a leash no longer than six feet. During summer, choose an early-morning or evening walk, since exposed sandy areas and dunes can become very hot for paws. Stay on marked trails and never touch or disturb the park’s fragile native plants.
Best for: Active and social dogs that need room to run
Empie Park is home to Wilmington’s first off-leash dog park. The fenced facility gives dogs room to exercise and socialize, with separate areas for different dog sizes.
Dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving the park. They must also have current licenses and vaccinations, and owners must supervise their pets and clean up after them. Children under age 12 are not permitted inside the dog park.
Empie Park also connects to the 15-mile Gary Shell Cross-City Trail, which runs through several Wilmington parks before reaching the Intracoastal Waterway.
Best for: A peaceful, low-key walk with good smells
The New Hanover County Arboretum is not only a dog-friendly garden experience, but it’s also free. Open year-round, the Arboretum offers landscaped gardens, native plants, sculptures, and walking paths near Oleander Drive.
Leashed dogs are permitted throughout the gardens. The quieter setting makes the Arboretum a good option for older dogs, smaller dogs or pets that may not enjoy the activity level of downtown Wilmington or an off-leash park.
Best for: Dogs comfortable around boats and small-group sightseeing
Experience Wilmington from the water with Wilmington Water Tours, which departs from South Water Street along the downtown riverfront.
The company offers narrated cruises and specialty excursions on the Cape Fear River. The tours are listed as pet-friendly, but the captain makes the final call.
Before booking, ask about:
Pet rules for your selected cruise
Boarding access for large or older dogs
Available shade and water
Leash requirements
The expected number of passengers
Wilmington KOA Holiday gives travelers a convenient home base between Historic Downtown Wilmington and the nearby coast.
Located in North Wilmington, the campground is approximately six miles from Wrightsville Beach and a short drive from the Riverwalk, local restaurants, parks and other Cape Fear attractions. Guests can choose from full-hookup RV sites, Deluxe Cabins and Camping Cabins, then return to a clean and comfortable campground after exploring the area.
Dog-friendly campground features include:
Kamp K9 dog park
On-site dog wash
Paw Pen RV sites with private enclosed pet areas
Pet-friendly full-hookup RV sites
Pet-friendly Deluxe Cabins and Camping Cabins
No breed restrictions for well-behaved dogs
Pet supplies in the camp store
Pets stay free at RV sites. Cabin stays include a nightly pet fee, and pets are not permitted at tent sites. Dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet when outside a designated enclosed area.
Whether your ideal Wilmington getaway includes downtown sightseeing, a local brewery, a coastal hike, or an off-leash play session, Wilmington KOA Holiday makes it easy to bring your dog along for the adventure.
Yes. Wilmington is a fantastic pet-friendly travel destination with many businesses welcoming and catering to dogs.
Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome along the Wilmington Riverwalk in Historic Downtown Wilmington. The waterfront path extends 1.75 miles along the Cape Fear River.
Empie Park offers a public fenced dog park, and Wilmington KOA offers a large dog park for registered guests.
Yes, but the rules depend on the beach, season and time of day. Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Freeman Park, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher each maintain different pet regulations.
Yes. Dogs are allowed on Carolina Beach State Park trails but must remain on an attended leash no longer than six feet. They are not permitted inside buildings or cabins.
Yes. Wilmington KOA Holiday allows pets in both Deluxe Cabins and Camping Cabins for a nightly pet fee. Dogs are also welcome at RV sites with no fee. Dogs are not permitted at tent sites.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
