Bring the dog. Both of them, actually.

How many pets per site?

Up to two dogs per site. If you're traveling with more than two, email the team ahead of time — we'll find a way to make it work.

Breed restrictions

No breed restrictions. Every breed is welcome. We judge dogs the way we'd want our own judged — by their behavior, not their breed. Owners are responsible for keeping their dog under control regardless of size.

Leash rules

Dogs must be leashed any time they're outside your site or the fenced dog park. 6-foot maximum leash length — no retractables in common areas. The leash law isn't a personality test; it's how we keep the playground, the pool deck, and the picnic areas safe for guests who might be nervous around dogs.

Off-leash area

The fenced dog park is the only off-leash space. Free for guests. Open dawn to dusk. Water station, shade structure, waste-bag dispensers.

Pet fees

There are no pet fees at Island Creek. Bring your dog — it costs nothing extra.

Where pets can go

• Your campsite, on leash: always allowed.
• Park roads and trails: on leash.
• Fenced dog park: off leash.
• Camp store porch: allowed on leash — water bowl at the door.

Where pets can't go

• Pool deck (NC health code).
• Playground.
• Inside the camp store or bathhouse.
• Designated pet-free sections of the park (clearly signed).

Vaccinations

Every dog must be current on rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. We don't ask for proof at check-in, but we may if there's an incident. Bring your records to be safe.

Waste cleanup

This is the only place we get strict: pick it up, every single time. Bag dispensers are at every park-road intersection and at the dog park. Bagged waste goes in the labeled outdoor receptacles, not in your site's regular bin.

Barking and behavior

A barking dog in the next site over is the fastest way to ruin a camping weekend for everyone. If your dog has separation anxiety and barks when you leave, please don't leave them unattended at the site. The park reserves the right to ask guests with consistently disruptive pets to move to a quieter site or, in extreme cases, to leave (with refund for unused nights, no penalty — this is rare).

Service animals

Service animals are always welcome and not subject to the pet count, fee, or restrictions on where pets can go (within ADA-compliant limits). Emotional support animals are welcome under the standard pet policy.

Pet-friendly extras

• Dog-friendly Carolina Beach restaurants — list available at the camp store.
• Off-leash hours at Carolina Beach (dawn until 9am).
• Wrightsville Beach allows leashed dogs on the beach in the off-season (October through March).

Questions about pets? Email Doug at doug@islandcreekcampground.com or call (910) 520-3582.