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Best Campgrounds near Bessemer City, NC

538 Reviews

Camping near Bessemer City, North Carolina includes a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and lakeside recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. Crowders Mountain State Park, located just east of Bessemer City, offers hiking trails and day use facilities, though camping options are limited. Kings Mountain State Park, situated along the North Carolina-South Carolina border, provides established campgrounds with both tent and RV sites. McDowell Nature Preserve on Lake Wylie offers a natural retreat with well-maintained facilities despite being close to Charlotte. According to reviews, McDowell Nature Preserve "feels remote but is literally minutes from the full metropolis of Charlotte," making it convenient for urban campers seeking a quick escape.

Most campgrounds in the Bessemer City area are open year-round, though summer brings higher occupancy rates and occasional heat advisories. Cell service varies significantly by location, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to urban areas and limited or no service in more remote locations. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in late summer and early fall. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping, especially at popular destinations like Kings Mountain State Park and Iron City Campground. Winter camping is available but with reduced services at some locations. Many campgrounds require advance booking through their respective reservation systems.

The region offers distinct camping experiences based on proximity to urban areas. RV-friendly sites with full hookups are available at Iron City Campground and Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, which cater to larger rigs with amenities like concrete pads and 50-amp service. For more secluded experiences, primitive sites can be found at locations like Hippie Holler, which offers tent camping and yurts in a more natural setting. John H. Moss Lake Campground provides boat-in access for campers seeking waterfront sites. Visitors note that campgrounds near interstate highways may experience road noise, while those nestled in state parks or preserves offer quieter surroundings with better access to hiking trails and natural features.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bessemer City, North Carolina (103)

    1. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, SC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 222-3209

    $13 - $31 / night

    "When not in the side, a short walk takes you to the Trading Post, a small store selling firewood ($7), ice, souvenirs, and sundries. Next to that is a large playground connected to a pavilion."

    "There are lots of trails close to the campground with one around a lake and a stream off of it. Facilities were very well maintained."

    2. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 853-5429

    $17 - $47 / night

    "The part of the park that is best to go to is the Sparrow Springs access, some folks may not be aware that there are actually several entrances to the park, and the main entrance with trails to the Crowder"

    "The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out."

    3. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (980) 314-2267

    $15 - $33 / night

    "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area. Staff were polite and helpful. Washrooms are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean!"

    "The park is located southwest of Charlotte off of hwy 49 near Lake Wylie, SC."

    4. Iron City Campground, Inc.

    25 Reviews
    Blacksburg, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 491-2874

    $40 - $45 / night

    "ICC is a nice place just over the NC border on I85 in SC. Very close to Charlotte and Greenville areas. Lots of southern pines provided shade."

    "Our site was very level and tucked back in the corner of the campground. If we are ever in the area again we would definitely stay here again."

    5. John H. Moss Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Shelby, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 482-7926

    $35 / night

    "The lake has great fishing."

    6. B&D Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 739-2958

    $400 - $500 / night

    "Great campground near Moss Lake, Shelby and Gastonia/Charlotte."

    7. Hippie Holler

    1 Review
    Bessemer City, NC
    4 miles

    $40 - $60 / night

    8. Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    20 Reviews
    Rock Hill, SC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 366-6620

    "We live nearby so this is a nice little place to camp at. Nice sites, close to places to eat. Bathhouse was clean and well kept."

    "This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"

    9. Primitive Camping By the Creek

    4 Reviews
    Grover, SC
    14 miles
    +1 (864) 761-6297

    $30 / night

    "This place was close to the interstate but still very secluded. Plenty of firewood and next to a creek. I highly recommend."

    "There are log seats around a nice campfire with a picnic table. Lots of room for multiple tents. The shed also has lots of tools such as an axe and rake."

    10. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 588-2600

    "The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."

    "The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bessemer City, NC

205 Photos of 103 Bessemer City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bessemer City, NC

538 Reviews of 103 Bessemer City Campgrounds

  • madison F.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    great stop & stay

    nice campground. bathrooms and pool are CLEAN!!!! private bathrooms with showers. also has laundry ($) but has change for quarters in shop!! super big plus . also got a buddy site for the price of a normal one!

    not super crowded but still a nice community to be around :) 10 min drive into town as well. all sites have full hookups which was also super handy. not a bad price for what you get. only stayed two nights but would definitely stay again

  • J
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Golden Valley

    Disgusting with horrible customer service. Scam!

    Checked in around 6:00. The guy checking us in told us that the golf carts haven’t been working on hills(the whole place is hills) and to let it cool down for 10 minutes at a time if it overheats. We go to the cabin, which is littered outside with used baby wipes, get settled in, and by 8:10 realize the kitchen is infested with ants. Dozens of ants covering the appliances, counters, and kitchen sink. We asked for help and were told that maintenance would come to our cabin. They never showed up. We called the emergency line and it didn’t work, just put us in an endless loop and then hung up on us. Over and over again. We stayed that night because what other choice did we have? No one was available to help us with literally anything. Following morning, we pack up our stuff and tell the staff we’re leaving and all of our issues and ask for a refund on the room we spent 15 reluctant, ant-filled hours in. They escalate to a manager, and then tell us that another manager will call us“shortly”. The call never came. You don’t get what you pay for here. What’s advertised is a complete lie. You pay for a full kitchen? Too bad—you can’t cook or even store food here because there’s ants everywhere. Paid several hundred dollars for a golf cart to get around? It only works when it wants to. Call the emergency line for assistance? Yeah right! We spent$2k and they’re trying to dodge us for a refund. Disgusting place, disgusting behavior.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Croft State Park Campground

    Outdoor adventure awaits

    37 ft pull behind and we stayed at the upper campground (not the lakeside) close to the trail that takes you down to the creek for a swim. Lots of hiking and biking to be done which is always a great time.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Always a great time when we go

    We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it. Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there.

  • Chris K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    Superb Accommodations

    Always very clean, with meticulously maintained and picturesque grounds, the Camp Wilderness at Carowinds is well-appointed with amenities and attended to by helpful and friendly Carowinds staff. Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings.

  • Zeek A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Lake Hickory RV Resort

    Beautiful spot. Beautiful people.

    My dog and I are on a cross-country trip, on foot, on our way to NY, IL, IA, etc...with our final destination being California. We needed a safe place to sleep, and though this place doesn't rent tent spots, the people here (residents and visitors) have been very friendly. Rasa (doggo) and I weren't supposed to stay here in a tent, but we did and everyone here have been very friendly and understanding. The lake is beautiful and so are the people. Love this place. Too bad they don't cater to tent campers. I was willing to pay whatever just to have a safe place for Rasa and I for the night, but, alas, we had to sorta sneek in. Still, we received no trouble and, man, what a lovely morning!

  • k
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Lekotawind

    This is a beautiful campground. It is well maintained and the staff are excellent to work with. Very clean.

  • D
    May. 19, 2025

    Rose Creek Retreat

    Nice spot to explore Linville Gorge and Lake James

    We stayed here for the weekend in May of 25’.  The spot was easy to pull my 26’ camper in and was pretty level. Good access to 30A power/water/sewer and a serene creek just a few yards from your front door. The hosts left a great book with all the local spots on the picnic table. Between hiking on the east and west rims of Linville Gorge and mountain biking the Fonta Flora trail we didn’t spend a ton of time at the campsite but it was very a nice place to make basecamp for our adventures. Would definitely recommend.

Guide to Bessemer City

Camping near Bessemer City, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at South Mountains State Park Campground. One visitor said, "I recommend this campground and park for its trails and beauty. Very good facilities as well."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Norman State Park Campground for some fishing. A camper shared, "The campground is in a forest on the shores of Lake Norman. Well maintained hiking trails branch out from the campground."
  • Family Activities: Check out Kings Mountain State Park for family-friendly activities. One reviewer mentioned, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A visitor at Iron City Campground noted, "Clean bathhouse, clean laundry room & activities."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Bear Den Family Campground said, "The staff are super friendly and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Black Mountain Campground. One camper remarked, "The campground was very clean, the people were friendly, and the bathhouses were some of the cleanest I’ve seen."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Kings Mountain State Park, do not allow alcohol. A camper mentioned, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A visitor at Black Mountain Campground noted, "No cell service whatsoever even with a booster."
  • Seasonal Closures: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Linville Falls Campground is open from April 1 to October 28.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. At Iron City Campground, one reviewer said, "Fun for kids: Pool with splash mushroom; playground."
  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities for children. A camper at Cane Creek Park shared, "There are several playgrounds for kids to play, along with an open field by the lake."
  • Safety: Many campgrounds have security measures in place. A visitor at McDowell Nature Preserve mentioned, "Campground is guarded by two gates and I saw the police patrol around a few times after hours."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A reviewer at Croft State Park Campground noted, "Our site was very level and tucked back in the corner of the campground."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your campground has electric hookups. A camper at Bear Den Family Campground appreciated the availability of "electric hookups."
  • Dump Stations: Check if the campground has a dump station. A visitor at Kings Mountain State Park mentioned, "The dump stations also need a lot more gravel."

Camping near Bessemer City, North Carolina, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Whether you're looking for hiking, fishing, or just a peaceful getaway, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Bessemer City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bessemer City, NC is Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 46 reviews.

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