Located off Interstates 85 and 95, Charlotte, North Carolina is conveniently located near many great campgrounds. Camp near an amusement park. Camp near Charlotte Motor Speedway. Or explore one of the state’s stunning state parks.
This guide will breakdown some of the best campgrounds in North Carolina, including RV parks and primitive campgrounds you can explore within driving distance of the Queen City.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Charlotte NC
1. McDowell Nature Preserve Campground
Amenities:
- Level RV sites with full hookups (max length 38’)
- Primitive tent camping sites
- Clean bathhouse, showers, and laundry facility
- Fire pits & firewood
- Hiking trails, fishing, and more
Nicknamed the “Great Urban Escape,” this beautiful campground sits only 30 minutes outside downtown Charlotte and offers fantastic RV and tent camping options.
McDowell Nature Preserve has 56 campsites to choose between and over 7 miles of hiking trails close by with scenic views of Lake Wylie and the nearby forests and streams.
Multiple picnic areas are available throughout the park. Fishing is also permitted in the lake or with a valid license. Reserve your spot online at least 48 hours before the date you arrive to secure a spot.
2. Crowders Mountain State Park
Amenities:
- Secluded, primitive tent sites (No RVs)
- Primitive outhouse & potable water
- Fire pits & firewood
- Hiking trails, fishing, paddling, rock climbing
Crowders Mountain State Park offers some of the best backpacking campsites near Charlotte if you’re looking for a true backcountry experience. Note that this campground does not have any RV sites.
Open year-round, this primitive campsite is a slightly steep, 1.5-mile hike from the parking area where you’ll find several sites with everything you’ll need.
Each site is equipped with a fire pit and level tent pit, then a water spigot and pit toilet are a short walk away if you need to use the restroom or boil water. If you keep to the right when the trail splits, there’s also a group campground with sites fit for up to 16 people.
Reserve your spot online or view all the hikes in Crowders Mountain State Park that you can explore when you visit!
READ MORE: Best Highlands, NC Campgrounds & RV Parks
3. Camping World Racing Resort
Amenities:
- Level sites with full hookups (no length limitations)
- Pull-through & back-in sites
- Free-wifi
- Modern shower & bathroom facility
- Dump station
Just over 20 minutes from Charlotte, the Camping World Racing Resort is easy to get to from the highway and a perfect destination if you have a large rig. It accommodates any RV length with sites up to 100 ft long.
The campground is spacious and quiet when no events are going on. Each one is equipped with a picnic table you can enjoy meals at.
It’s also paradise if you’re a racing fan. Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMax Dragway, and a dirt racetrack are all walking distance from the sites. The Speedway hosts a light show that you can drive your car through during the holidays if you’re towing it along.
Prices may vary depending on the season you’re reserving a spot online. Check their website before booking!
4. Carowinds Camp Wilderness
Amenities:
- Level sites with full hookups (max length 45 ft)
- Cabin rentals
- Bathroom facility with hot showers
- Dump station
- Linen service
- Camp store & games
Explore over 60 world-class rides or take the kids to the Carolina Harbor Water Park if you visit this next campground 23-minutes outside of Charlotte, North Carolina.
With large sites, full hookups, and a laundry facility, the Carowinds Camp Wilderness hosts all the amenities you need to enjoy the parks while staying in the comfort of your camper or RV.
Please note that you won’t have a ton of privacy at this campground as it is an amusement park. There are better options on this list if you’re looking for a secluded experience.
READ MORE: 10 Gorgeous Waterfalls Near Boone NC
5. Ebenezer Park
Amenities:
- Level sites with full hookups (max length 89 ft)
- 1 RV & 1 tent or 2 tents per/site
- Bathroom facility with hot showers
- Dump station
- Playground, basketball, volleyball, fishing
Camp at one of the 67 campsites at the gorgeous 26-acre Ebenezer Park in York County, SC.
The park is about 35 minutes outside Charlotte and is open year-round to tent and RV campers looking for a place to stay away from the bustle of the inner city.
Ebenezer Park sits on the banks of Lake Wylie where you can walk along the shore and the bridge that extends out into it. The campground also offers several recreational activities like basketball, volleyball, and fishing if you have a permit.
READ MORE: Best Boone, NC Campgrounds
6. Lake Norman State Park
Amenities:
- Paved sites with full hookups
- Paved sites without full hookups and tent pads
- Fire rings and picnic tables
- Dump station
- Cabin rentals
Explore around Lake Norman, the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, and the various trails the state park offers when you camp at this next-best campground near Charlotte.
45-minutes outside of town, Lake Norman State Park offers 44 sites; 32 without hookups, then another 12 with full electric, water, and sewer hookups. The sites without hookups have pads you can pitch a tent on if you’re looking to car camp or just stay outside your RV.
You’ll likely come across mountain bikers as you explore the trails around this park. The area is home to some of the most famous mountain biking in the state. There are also several fishing opportunities as you travel along them if you have a license.
READ MORE: 8 Best Campgrounds Near Wilmington, North Carolina
7. Uwharrie National Forest
We couldn’t end this list without mentioning these final 2 destinations. While they’re not as close to Charlotte as others on this list, they provide some of the premier outdoor and camping experiences in North Carolina.
The Uwharrie National Forest is located just over an hour from Charlotte and hosts a handful of developed campgrounds for RVs and tent campers.
There are also several dispersed camping areas where you can pitch a tent anywhere you’d like for free. Note that you only stay in areas outside organized campgrounds without a no camping sign. Many of them include fire rings and barbeque grills.
8. South Mountains State Park
Amenities:
- 18 campsites drive-to campsites, 2 with electric hookups
- Bathhouse with hot showers
- 24 backpacking camping sites (permit required)
2 and half hours outside Charlotte, South Mountains State Park Campground also boasts several camping sites if you’re looking to get a little farther away from the city and enjoy one of the most beautiful areas in the state.
Choose between 18 different sites, all with a fire circle, picnic table, and well-kept bathhouse close by so you can explore all of the trails throughout the park.
You could also backpack to one of the 24 sites offered throughout different areas of the park, but a permit is required to stay overnight at those. See the South Mountains State Park website to make a reservation or find more details on those sites.
READ MORE: 8 Best Campgrounds Near Raleigh, North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Outdoor Adventures
The state of North Carolina is home to endless trails. There’s something available for both the experienced hiker and camper. Check out our list below of some of the most beautiful hiking trails nearby!