Many places in North Carolina are open for business, including a dog-friendly dome accommodation in Clyde, North Carolina. Yes, a dome. This week, dogtrotting.net hosts a guest post from Atlanta-based travel writer Hope S. Philbrick about dog-friendly glamping in North Carolina.

Here’s how and why to relax in the Round at The Glamping Collective with your dog:

When you’re adopted by a travel writer, you get to do some pretty cool stuff. At least that’s what I like to imagine Lula, our Boykin spaniel, thinks of her lot in life. Whether we’re headed to a glamping tent or a five-star hotel, she’s game to go and thrilled when we get there.

At home, Lula sleeps in a crate—mainly to give the cats a break. When we stay overnight at dog-friendly accommodations, however, she is allowed to sleep in bed with me and my husband. (I bring extra blankets to try and help keep things clean.)

When we walked into our geodesic dome at The Glamping Collective in Clyde, North Carolina, I pulled back the curtains that were drawn until our arrival to help keep the space cool—our dome faced West and the sun was already heading toward the horizon, shining straight into our windows.

The view from the dome at the Glamping Collective was stunning:

• a wavy backdrop of blue-green mountains
• seasonal yellow, purple, and orange wildflowers across the landscape
• birds and bugs zooming around
• a blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds

It’s the sort of nature-perfect scene you might spot as a painting hanging over somebody’s couch and assume it was an artist’s imagination. But here, it’s real.

Lula took one look at the bed, another look at me to confirm that she was indeed allowed on it, jumped up, and spent the next half-hour or so gazing out the arched wall of windows from her perch on the soft bed. She had claimed the primo spot in the dome and wasn’t about to give it up. I can’t blame her.

Dog-friendly Dome Amenities

The dome had a kitchenette, and we filled its mini refrigerator with drinks and food. A grocery store is about 10 miles away from The Glamping Collective, but we brought food from home knowing that once we arrived we wouldn’t want to leave.

Loop around to the other side of the dome to find the spacious bathroom with its luxurious shower. Slippers and logoed bathrobes are ready to wear if you want to lounge comfortably gazing at the view from the bed, from the bistro table and chairs, or from the private deck that’s equipped with two Adirondack chairs, a gas fire table, and a hot tub.

We savored the opportunity for privacy. But if you’re feeling social, you can head to the common amenity area with a large fire pit, outdoor grill, picnic tables, games, and more stunning views.

Hiking with your dog

This unique mountaintop glamping destination in the Southeastern United States is a great place to relax surrounded by nature. The property also boasts five miles of hiking trails so you and your furry friend can get steps in while discovering the views, native plants, and a 70-foot cascading waterfall. A piece of space debris is on display near the entrance of the Sunset Trail. It’s believed to be from SpaceX’s Crew-7 Dragon.

Located away from the glare of city lights, at The Glamping Collective you can indeed see the stars in the night sky.

We spent our two-night stay appreciating the views, exploring the trails, napping by the cutest little candlelit ‘fireplace,’ roasting marshmallows, and doing the one thing that seems elusive at home: relaxing.

The Glamping Collective feels miles away from it all, but you can drive a few minutes to reach I-40, Ingles Grocery Store, Starbucks, a brewery, and restaurants. It’s about a 20-minute drive to Asheville and a 30-minute drive to Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

Glamping with your dog today

In the fall of 2024, Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina hard. Fortunately, The Glamping Collective experienced minimal damage and is ready to welcome visitors, including dogs.

In addition to its domes, The Glamping Collective also offers luxury cabins. Note that The Glamping Collective has dog-friendly cabins and domes available in every unit type.  The dog fee is $50 per night for one dog and $75 for two dogs. Unfortunately, there is a size limit: 28 kg or 60 pounds. Of course, a leash is required on the property and you’re expected to pick up after your dog. The property asks that you mention your dog at the time of booking.

Book your experience at The Glamping Collective easily via Expedia here:

This guest article is written by Hope S. Philbrick, a freelance writer/editor based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her articles about travel, food, wine and spirits (as in booze, not ghosts) have appeared in dozens of publications. When not writing, she’s either on the road (sometimes with her Boykin spaniel Lula) or savoring something tasty. Follow her adventures on Instagram @21plusTravel.