New Bern KOA Holiday Blog
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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.
GOING 17 North (FROM WILMINGTON) - take 17 Bypass to Hwy 70 East, exit (147A). Follow 70 East to exit 417 onto Hwy 17 North (toward Washington). Campground on left in 4.8 miles on Hwy 17 North.
GOING 17 South (FROM WASHINGTON) - Campground on right 5 miles from historic New Bern.
GPS: N35.136150, W77.027164
Get Google Directions
A New Bern getaway does not have to mean leaving your dog at home. This historic waterfront town in Eastern North Carolina’s Inner Banks offers riverfront walking paths, locally owned shops, dog-friendly patios, breweries, and even pet-friendly boat tours. New Bern KOA Holiday sits along the Neuse River about five miles from historic downtown, giving you a convenient dog-friendly home base for exploring the city with your dog. Be sure to join us for our weekly Yappy Hour every Friday from 4-5 for free pup cups and a tail-wagging good time.
Start your day at Union Point Park, a six-acre waterfront park where the Neuse and Trent rivers meet in historic downtown New Bern. The park includes open lawns, picnic tables, a fishing pier, restrooms and a walkway that connects toward Bicentennial Park.
Best for: A morning walk, river views and an easy introduction to downtown New Bern.
After a walk through historic downtown, request an outdoor table at Morgan’s Tavern & Grill on Craven Street. The restaurant’s covered outdoor patio welcomes dogs and offers shade and fans for summer visits and propane heaters for cooler seasons.
Best for: Lunch or dinner with your dog in the heart of historic New Bern.
For a casual local stop, visit Brewery 99 on Pollock Street. The brewery is dog-friendly and family-friendly and regularly hosts community events, music and gatherings. They also offer baked goods! The blueberry muffins are a must-try.
Best for: Local beer, a relaxed atmosphere, and community events.
Located on Middle Street, The Black Cat Shoppe is known for quirky gifts, games, toys and unusual souvenirs. Plus, this shop allows well-behaved pups to browse, as well.
Best for: A quick downtown shopping stop and one-of-a-kind New Bern gifts.
Another dog-friendly option is Freshwater Beer Co. on Pollock Street. The locally owned beer and wine bar hosts regular food trucks. They welcome dogs. They’re also veteran-friendly, military-friendly, and ADA-friendly!
Best for: A casual drink with your dog away from the busiest downtown blocks.
See New Bern from the water with 2 River Cruises. The company offers pet-friendly boat tours, and leashed dogs may ride at no additional charge. Dog life jackets are recommended for extra safety, and advance ticket purchase is required.
A daytime or sunset cruise offers river views, waterfront homes, wildlife and a different perspective on New Bern’s history.
Best for: A memorable activity or sunset outing with your dog.
Martin Marietta Park offers over 7 miles of walking trails, giving you and your pup ample space to stretch your legs in a beautiful waterfront setting. Visitors can also take advantage of amenities such as picnic shelters, observation decks, and restrooms, making this park the perfect location to spend a day with your furry friend just 9 miles from the New Bern KOA.
Dogs that need more room to play can visit Down East Dog Park at the entrance to Glenburnie Park. The fenced facility is membership-based, but the City of New Bern offers one-day, weekend and monthly passes for nonresidents.
Guests staying at New Bern KOA Holiday also have access to the campground’s KampK9® dog park.
Best for: Off-leash exercise during a weekend or extended stay.
Make the outing special for your dog with a stop at Nauti Paws Pet Boutique on South Glenburnie Road. The locally owned shop carries natural treats, toys, puzzles, bedding, apparel, and pet wellness products. It is also a practical stop when you need travel supplies or a reward for a well-behaved camping companion.
Best for: Healthy treats, pet supplies, and a souvenir for your dog.
Morning: Walk along the downtown riverfront and through Union Point Park.
Late morning: Browse Middle Street and stop at the Black Cat Shoppe.
Lunch: Request an outdoor table at Morgan’s Tavern & Grill.
Afternoon: Pick up a treat at Nauti Paws or relax at a dog-friendly brewery.
Evening: Reserve a pet-friendly sunset cruise on the Neuse and Trent rivers.
Back at camp: Enjoy a walk along the Neuse River and playtime at the New Bern KOA KampK9® dog park.
Yes. Visit New Bern identifies the city as pet-friendly, with riverfront walkways, parks, restaurant patios, shops and accommodations that welcome four-legged visitors.
Union Point Park and the downtown riverfront are convenient places for a leashed walk. The waterfront paths offer views of the Neuse and Trent rivers and connect visitors with downtown shops and restaurants.
Yes. New Bern KOA Holiday welcomes dogs on RV Sites at no additional charge and in Camping Cabins and Deluxe Cabins for a nightly pet fee. Dogs must remain leashed outside the RV or cabin and may not be left unattended outdoors. Dogs are not permitted at Tent Sites.
Visitors can apply for a short-term pass to Down East Dog Park. Registered guests at New Bern KOA Holiday can also use the campground’s fenced KampK9® play area.
The closest dog-friendly beach is Atlantic Beach, which is about 40 miles from New Bern, making it a great day-trip destination. Dogs are welcome year-round, but they must remain on leash.
Pack a leash, waste bags, drinking water, a portable bowl, identification tags, and any medications your dog needs. During warmer months, avoid long walks on hot pavement and plan outdoor activities earlier or later in the day.
New Bern KOA Holiday offers pet-friendly RV camping and dog-friendly cabin rentals near historic downtown New Bern. Spend the day exploring the city’s waterfront paths, local shops, patios and river attractions, then return to peaceful views and memorable sunsets along the Neuse River.
Explore our RV Sites and dog-friendly cabin rentals, or call 252-638-2556 to plan a New Bern getaway that includes the whole family.
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