Tent camping near Catawba, North Carolina offers experiences in both mountain foothills and lakeside environments with elevations ranging from 800 to 3,000 feet. The region's mixed hardwood forests provide moderate shade for summer camping when temperatures average 85-90°F during day and 65-70°F at night. Fall camping is particularly popular from September through early November when humidity drops and colorful foliage emerges.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1-2 mile trails lead to several falls in the area. At Mortimer Campground, "There are two trailheads on the campground, one of which is a beautiful and easy hike to a small waterfall." Families enjoy playing in the water, with one camper noting "Lots of places to play on the river, rock hopping or swimming around the Jacob Fork Parking area."
Mountain biking: 13+ miles of trails start near Wilkesboro. W. Kerr Scott Visitor Assistance Center serves as the trailhead for the Overmountain Victory Trail where riders find "Great trails for all levels of mt bikers. About 13 miles one way and return to visitors center."
Rock climbing: Beginner-friendly routes available for first-timers. Crowders Mountain provides accessible climbing options as one visitor explains, "My brother and I spent the day rock climbing. It was his first time climbing, and we were able to set up some beginner-friendly routes."
Fishing: Stocked waters offer good catches year-round. One camper at Lake Curriher Wilderness mentioned, "I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen..." The area has multiple fishing spots within 30 minutes of most campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. Visitors to Crowders Mountain State Park Campground appreciate the seclusion: "It isn't a rugged hike, but you must be prepared to pack everything in... It is well worth the hike in for a terrific rustic camping experience!"
Bear boxes for food storage: Several backcountry sites provide secure storage. A camper at Upper Falls Backcountry Campground called it "amazing during winter," while another camper noted the Jacob Branch area has "Three sites arranged around a clearing. Two pit privies and a BEAR BOX! Woot!!"
Winter camping opportunities: Fewer crowds and different views in cooler months. Some campgrounds remain open year-round, with one visitor recommending: "Upper Falls Campground is amazing during winter."
Swimming holes: Natural water features for cooling off. Mortimer Campground visitors enjoy "Hiking, fishing, swimming, and waterfall splashing abound on, and around, this campground. Many of the campsites are situated along Thorps Creek, so the sound of the creek can lull you to sleep."
What you should know
Gate closing times: Check seasonal schedules before arrival. A camper at Lake Curriher Wilderness noted, "The gates close at 5pm during the fall/winter. Slightly around that time, the retired police chief came around to introduce himself and give me his cell number."
Dirt road access: Some campgrounds require driving unpaved roads. For Mortimer Campground, "Be prepared for zero cell service and a dirty vehicle….NC HWY 90 turns into a gravel highway just outside of Lenoir."
Water source distances: Plan for hiking to collect water. At Little River backcountry campground, "the closest water source is a creek 0.6 miles (1.2 miles round trip) away- filter it- the walk back to camp is a steep uphill."
Reservation systems vary: Some sites are first-come, first-served. At Growing Faith Farms & Retreat, reservations are required in advance, while other campgrounds like Mortimer have no reservation system: "Come early to reserve. You must set up camp immediately. No reservations."
Tips for camping with families
Easy-access tent sites: Some locations are more kid-friendly. One visitor noted about Mortimer Campground, "This is a great family campground. There are bathrooms and showers. There are trails and even a waterfall within half a mile from camp."
Kid-friendly campground activities: Look for sites with built-in entertainment. At Self Sufficient Holler, families find "hidden surprises in every nook and cranny. Tiny fairy gardens and hammocks, and variegated plants! Elizabeth even has a rock painting kit at the campsite."
Campgrounds with gentler terrain: Some locations offer flatter, easier access. For families with young campers, Shinny Creek sites were described as "Perfect trip if you have kids…or just want something close by. It's only a bit over a mile to these four sites nested by a stream. Clear, flat sites."
Consider site privacy: Open fields vs. wooded sites makes a difference. One camper warned about Lake Curriher: "The regular tent 'loop' is just one big open field with few trees around it, so there's absolutely no privacy. If you end up with someone who want to be rowdy, you are in for a long night."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Few full-service RV sites exist in the immediate area. At Yates Family Camping, one RVer noted, "There aren't really any extras here but if you're just looking for reliable water/electrical/sewer and wifi near Charlotte this is a fantastic option."
Road access challenges: Some sites are difficult for larger rigs. A visitor cautioned about Mortimer: "We stayed in a tent. Had some friends stay next to us in a class b. A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place."
Advance planning needed: Services are often limited near tent camping sites. Multiple visitors stressed the need to bring supplies, with one noting, "This campground is down a pretty long gravel road, so it's best to have what you need when you arrive. No quick trips to Wally World for resupply here."
