Whether the spring months are warming up or summer is coming to an end, bringing with it cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors to the Charlotte landscape, it’s always the perfect season for camping near Charlotte, North Carolina. There’s rarely a good time to get out and enjoy a night or two under the stars at one of the spectacular campsites in and around Charlotte. If you enjoy being one with nature and spending a few days in the peace and quiet of the forest, then you must grab your gear and head out to one of these awesome campgrounds.

1. Anne Springs Close Greenway

Anne Springs Close Greenway - Adventure Road, 104 Adventure Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29715, USA
Anne Springs Close Greenway/TripAdvisor
The Anne Springs Close Greenway is located in Rock Hill S.C., just 30 minutes away from Uptown Charlotte. The Greenway has lakeside campsites that accommodate up to three tents per site and they offer gorgeous views of Lake Haigler. Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit and picnic table, and campers can enjoy up to one week of camping. You do need a reservation to camp here and the camping fee is $8 per night for Anne Springs Close Greenway Camping Members and $16 per night for non-members. Individual camping is not currently allowed, so grab your family or a group of friends and make plans for a great camping experience at Anne Springs Close Greenway

In addition to camping, there are numerous other activities you can enjoy while at the Greenway. There are plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and kayaking and fishing are allowed at the lake. This site even has horse camping where paddocks and frost-free hydrants are available for the horses. This place is absolutely amazing for a scenic night under the stars! This is one of the best campgrounds near Charlotte.

2. Lake Norman State Park

Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166, USA
Freddy Payne/Google Reviews
Searching for a place to go "camping near me?" Lake Norman State Park is located on the northern shore of Lake Norman, about an hour north of Charlotte. The park has a family and group campground with 44 individual campsites that can be rented during the warm weather months of the year. Rates vary depending on the season and campground amenities include drinking water stations, a bathhouse, fire pits, lantern posts, picnic tables, and more.

Camping at Lake Norman State Park offers amazing views of the lake and tons of things to do. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and exploring the grounds. A lakeside beach is also available for swimming and enjoying some fun in the sun. For more information, be sure to visit the Lake Norman State Park website. This is one of the best parks with campgrounds near Charlotte, NC.

3. McDowell Nature Preserve

McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278, USA
Elli I./Yelp
McDowell Nature Preserve is located on York Road in Charlotte and provides 56 campsites ranging from full RV hook-ups to primitive tent sites. Reservations must be made at this campsite 48 hours in advance and camping fees range from $15 per night (county residents) for primitive camping and $36 per night (county residents) for RV sites. The campgrounds have a bathroom, laundry facilities, and a playground, so bring the whole family and enjoy a few days in the outdoors!

McDowell Nature Preserve sits on Lake Wylie and is one of Charlotte's most undeveloped preserves. In addition to camping, visitors can boat, fish, hike, and visit the Nature Center to learn more about the plants and animals in the surrounding area. McDowell Nature Preserve is a great choice for those who want to stay within city limits while enjoying a great camping experience. You can check out the McDowell Nature Preserve website for more details to help plan your experience camping in North Carolina.

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4. Ebenezer Park

4490 Boatshore Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732, USA
Lindsay G./Yelp
Editor's Note: Ebenezer Park is closed as of Sept. 15, 2023 for renovations. Check back on the website below for news on reopening.

Ebenezer Park is a camping spot located north of Rock Hill on Lake Wylie. Only half an hour from Charlotte, this campground is a go-to spot for those who want to stay close to the city and enjoy a great lakeside view. There are 66 campsites and each one has fresh drinking water, a picnic table, electrical hook-ups, and a fire pit. Rates range from $26.00 per night for some York County residents and $31.00 per night for non-residents.

Activities at the park include boating and fishing, swimming, hiking, and more. Ebenezer Park is a great, close spot for a fun family camping weekend or a camping trip with friends. For more information, visit the Ebenezer Park website.

5. South Mountain State Park

3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612, USA
HungryHatfield/TripAdvisor
If you are able to travel a little further north, South Mountain State Park is worth the trip. Located about an hour and a half from Charlotte, South Mountain State Park covers approximately 19,000 acres and includes part of the South Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, and High Shoals Falls.

South Mountain State Park is a great place for those who enjoy backpack camping and offers 20 backpacking campsites at six locations off the trails. The park also offers equestrian campsites for horseback riders and drive-in campsites for those who prefer to bring their vehicle or RV. The mountain views and extensive hiking trails are some of the major draws of this campsite, and visitors often get a glimpse of the gorgeous High Shoals waterfalls when staying here. If you are looking for a more rugged, mountainous camping experience, South Mountain State Park is the place to visit. Be sure to explore the South Mountain State Park website to learn all the information to plan your campout!

6. Linville Falls Campground

717 Gurney Franklin Rd, Newland, NC 28657, USA
Matthew King/AllTrails
Linville Falls Campground is another majestic camping spot if you are willing to drive a little further. Located near Linville, North Carolina, about two hours from Charlotte, Linville Falls offers campers primitive campsites, an RV Park, and even rustic log cabins if you prefer camping indoors. Each site is equipped with a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. Learn more about your camping experience when you check out the Linville Falls Campground website.

This campground is in close proximity to the renowned Linville Gorge and the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. Linville Gorge is an outstanding site that surrounds the Linville River located 1,400 feet below. Some call Linville Gorge the "Grand Canyon of North Carolina." There are many hiking trails that lead you around the gorge, and this place is a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

Have you been camping in North Carolina at any of these locations? Do you have other places for camping near Charlotte, North Carolina that you enjoy? Be sure to tell us in the comment section. We would love to hear from you!

Need new camping gear? Check out the awesome selection from our friends at REI!

If you love exploring the great outdoors of North Carolina, take a look at this video from OnlyInYourState and plan a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

 

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More to Explore

Camping In North Carolina

Katie Feldkamp | April 12, 2023

What are some adventurous campgrounds in North Carolina?

While many people like to camp to get away from the daily hustle and bustle to just relax, sometimes a bit of adventure and activity is a great pairing with your campout. The next time you’re looking for more than just a gorgeous setting, consider the following:

  • Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Golden Valley, Bostic
  • Broad River Campground in Mooresboro
  • Grumpy Bear RV Park and Campground in Bryson City

For more information on these and several other locations, check out this article on campgrounds for adventurous camping in North Carolina.

Where are some beach campgrounds in North Carolina?

North Carolina offers a wide range of scenery for camping. One of its more unique opportunities is the chance to camp on the beach. The next time you’re looking to go camping in North Carolina, consider the following beach options:

  • Ocracoke Campground
  • Hammocks Beach State Park
  • Freeman State Park
  • North Beach Campground

 

What are some inexpensive campgrounds in North Carolina?

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to sleep under the stars. The next time you’re looking for a site that offers inexpensive camping in North Carolina, consider the following:

  • Arrowhead Campground in New London
  • Bandit’s Roost Campground at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkesboro
  • Julian Price Campground in Laurel Springs
  • Cape Point Campground at Cape Hatteras
  • Carolina Hemlocks Campground near Burnsville

For more information on these and more inexpensive campsites in North Carolina, check out this article!

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