McDowell Nature Preserve offers waterfront camping within 15 miles of Belmont, North Carolina on the shores of Lake Wylie. The park contains 7,100 acres of protected land with tent pads for campers who prefer ground sleeping and seven RV sites with limited leveling options. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and August, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping in the region.
What to do
Hiking with trail access: At McDowell Nature Preserve, trails connect directly to the campground for convenient day hiking. "So awesome to have hiking trails that lead right out of the campground," notes camper Kathy L. The preserve offers several short trails through wooded areas surrounding Lake Wylie.
Boat access and fishing: Lake access at Ebenezer Park Campground provides opportunities for boating and fishing. "Fun beach within easy walk from campsite!" reports Frankie E. The park includes boat ramps and dock facilities for water activities, though recent renovations have temporarily limited some lake access.
Historical exploration: Kings Mountain State Park connects to Kings Mountain National Military Park, offering historical sites alongside camping. "Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event," advises Don H. The battlefield commemorates a pivotal Revolutionary War battle with interpretive displays and ranger programs.
What campers like
Privacy and natural settings: The primitive camping at Copperhead Island offers seclusion for those willing to boat or hike in. "Tent pads, picnic tables, fire grates, and docks are provided, and campsites are wooded, well spaced, and secluded," shares Janet R., who visited during fall when the location was particularly quiet.
Convenience to attractions: Proximity to Charlotte and its amenities ranks high among camper preferences. "This campground is just minutes from Charlotte, but secluded from the city noise," reports Nora C. about McDowell Nature Preserve. Sites throughout the region balance natural settings with quick access to urban conveniences.
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly across campgrounds. At Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, the washroom facilities receive consistent praise. "Restrooms were clean and the showers were hot with good pressure," notes one camper. The campground also offers premium amenities including a pool and shuttle service to the adjacent amusement park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. Ebenezer Park Campground fills quickly during summer weekends and holidays. Many facilities use reservation systems that open 3-6 months in advance.
Airport proximity: Some campgrounds experience aircraft noise due to proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. At Fieldridge Acres, "There is noise from planes taking off and landing between 6 AM and 10 PM," according to Barry S. Sites farther from Charlotte typically experience less air traffic disruption.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways," warns Richard E. about Kings Mountain State Park. RVers should come prepared with leveling blocks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Ebenezer Park includes playground facilities near the beach area, making it convenient for families to combine water activities with play time.
Security considerations: Gated campgrounds provide additional safety for family camping. "The camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe," reports Ryan B. about his experience at McDowell Nature Preserve. Many campgrounds implement after-hours security measures.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs benefit young campers at several locations. "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area," shares a camper about Anne Springs Close Greenway, which offers structured nature activities when camping events are scheduled.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Choose sites carefully based on specific RV needs. At Kings Mountain State Park, "Some sites are listed as RV sites but are half as large as they need to be to accommodate a medium size RV," warns Richard E. Calling ahead to discuss specific vehicle dimensions can prevent arrival disappointment.
Hookup positioning: Water and electrical hookups aren't standardized across campgrounds. "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site," notes Karen S. about Kings Mountain. RVers should bring extension cords and extra water hoses to accommodate varying hookup locations.
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction," reports Karen S. Larger rigs should research access conditions before booking.
