5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Lake Norman State Park Campground houses comfortable glamping accommodations along the shoreline of North Carolina's largest man-made lake. The park's glamping cabins feature modern amenities including electricity, comfortable beds, and climate control, providing a luxurious alternative to traditional camping. Recently added glamping cabins are situated within easy walking distance to clean, spacious bathroom facilities with hot showers. "We stayed in the new glamping cabin #2. Very clean, comfortable bed, nice AC, lovely porch to relax on," noted one visitor. The pathways to facilities are illuminated at night for convenience, and each site includes a picnic table and fire ring on compacted gravel. Statesville RV Park I-77 and Midway Campground Resort also offer glamping accommodations near Catawba, with amenities including electricity, water hookups, and furnished outdoor spaces.
Hiking trails branch directly from Lake Norman State Park's glamping area, allowing guests to explore the natural surroundings without driving to trailheads. The park features swimming access at a clean beach area described by one camper as "like a piece of heaven. Small not to overly packed, very clean beach." Water activities include fishing and boating, with Lake Norman offering over 500 miles of shoreline to explore. Mountain biking enthusiasts appreciate the extensive trail system throughout the park. Most glamping accommodations remain open year-round, though some nearby options like Lake Myers RV Resort operate seasonally from April through November. According to a recent visitor, "It's in a beautiful area with a lot of available outdoor activities," making it ideal for families seeking a luxury outdoor stay with abundant recreation opportunities.
"We stayed in the new glamping cabin #2. Very clean, comfortable bed, nice AC, lovely porch to relax on. All cabins are in walking distance to the bathrooms and showers."
"It was very shaded and surrounded by woods. The tent pad was super spacious and made of gravel. There was also a picnic bench, fire pit, and a lantern pole."
Available next weekend
from $27 - $75 / night
"Close to I77 ample space, cable available ,electric service tested good o n 50 amp, and pizza 🍕 delivery available."
"Luckily, John, who works maintenance, was near by. He opened up the office, checked me into a tent site and figured out how to give me a military discount even though that is not his job. "
Available next weekend
from $50 - $95 / night
"Driving 14 1/2 hrs I was cooked called and had the most easiest booking. There was a sites available so I booked it."
"This is wooded campground a short distance off of I-40. Beautiful pool with bounce house and playground. Concrete pads. Quiet at night. Great for relaxation."
"Super nice park, lots of kids around when we stayed so our kids had lots of new friends to play with. One even set up a lemonade stand."
"The club house is the place to go shower if you need to use the showers as the front bathhouse was closed and the bath house in the back had no hot water when we where there but the clubhouse definitely"
"We tow a 19' a-frame camper with a Toyota Tacoma and had lots of room on the pad. The pad was pretty level so set up was easy."
"We were in loop A which had no electric hook ups. Each site has the usual fire pit, picnic bench and a pole for your trash bag. It was very roomy and well maintained."
Available next weekend
from $17 - $72 / night
"The people were friendly and the staff was accommodating. Definitely not the campground to book if you are looking to enjoy the surroundings/scenery as things are very packed in."
"The staff is wonderfully nice and helpful. We took our three boys (all under 5) for the weekend. There was not much at all for them to do other than play in the pool, which was a tad bit dirty."
"While there's a few dozen great places to stay in and around the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway, there are few campgrounds as prized as Julian Price, which has plenty to explore just steps from your tent's"
"Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"The campers before us were slobs with kids, there were little bits of plastic packaging all over the site along with their hanging neon night light which they were too lazy to put in the trash, apparently"
"Warrior Creek Campground is located on the Kerr Scott Reservoir. It's beautiful and peaceful, at least Monday through Friday."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $85 / night
"See the camping info here: https://www.ncparks.gov/crowders-mountain-state-park/camping](https://www.ncparks.gov/crowders-mountain-state-park/camping)
It isnt a rugged hike, but you must be prepapred"
"We arrived late almost at sundown but they had an envelope waiting with instructions, a parking tag and a map. This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry."
Available next weekend
from $17 - $47 / night
"Staff are great and helpful. No hot water at bath house beware."
"Very close to my home. I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen and trash since the scum can’t seem to pick up after themselves. The cabins here are also great."
from $10 - $30 / night
GuideDriving 14 1/2 hrs I was cooked called and had the most easiest booking. There was a sites available so I booked it. Needless to say I got there in the dark and a kind person helped me to my site and got me backed in. Soo exhausted I hooked up electric only hit the bed passed out
RangerWas a monthly Camper when I came in to the campground. Nobody was cleaning the men’s room. No one was trying to collect the fall leaves. This is an old run down campground. I cleaned the men’s room for free because there was no staff to clean. I regret helping the owner for free on multiple occasions.
ScoutThe campsite was absolutely terrific. Everything was very well thought of and well kept. The owners were extremely friendly as well. My friend and I had a very peaceful stay. There were really nice bathrooms and showers as well. I am planning on staying again soon.
ScoutWe loved our stay at the Starlite! My husband and I are exploring NC and stumbled upon the this campground. It’s nestled right next to a beautiful stream and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The campground is so nicely kept up! But what we loved the most was the community of the campground. We were welcomed right away and had the best time getting to know folks. If you’re in the area (or even if you’re not!) make sure to stay at the Starlite!
TravelerThere wasn’t very good pictures of the sites. We chose our site because we thought it was on the river (based on the map) and it was on a very tiny, buggy, creek. Would have chosen different site if there was better pictures.
TravelerSuper simple. Big space and only 3 camping families tops. We had only one other - Yes please! Creek was so clear. BYO water and food. Fished, grilled, relaxed, kids went full feral for 24 hours. Everyone slept like logs and woke up to the creek. 5 stars always.
TravelerJust book. You will survive a night or two without electricity. Just plan accordingly. This was our third camping experience, we are learning as we go! This is the spot we wished we camped our first try. No cars on property is the bonus. Waking up to the creek is in fast the payoff! We had a waterfall to ourselves most of the time. Fishing was good (nothing too big, but plentiful). Walk up and down the creek through the neighbor's properties on both sides (which is legal), what amazing land! EB JEFFRESS is like 15 minutes away for hiking and a waterfall.
ScoutIs a very basic campground they are having allot of plumbing issues. no activities for the kids no hot tub, store, restaurant or music on weekends anymore
LegendWe pulled into Lake Norman State Park around 6 PM on New Year’s Eve, mainly because we didn’t want to drive a couple more hours to our original destination. We only planned to stay one night, but the campground surprised us—in the best way—and we ended up staying three nights instead.
There were plenty of available campsites, and every site we saw was at least decently spaced, with several feeling nicely secluded. The campground was quiet and well laid out. The bathhouse was clean and modern, and having water spigots available in the no-hookups loop was a big plus.
One of the highlights was riding our e-bikes on the Hawk, Hicks, Norwood Creek, and Monbo loops. These are the easier sections of the Itusi Trail system and were a lot of fun—though still a bit too unpaved for my wife’s taste😄. Even so, the hiking trail access from the campground made it easy to get out and explore.
This stop wasn’t planned at all, but it turned into one of those stays that makes you glad plans changed. We’ll definitely be coming back to Lake Norman State Park.
Check out all the sites in 360° in our video:
https://youtu.be/UzYublJ-BZg
Lake Norman State Park offers diverse camping options around Catawba, North Carolina, including tent sites, RV spots, and glamping cabins. The park's elevation ranges from 760 to 840 feet above sea level, with seasonal temperatures varying from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter camping typically requires additional preparation for colder overnight temperatures.
Hiking trails for all levels: Stone Mountain State Park Campground's extensive trail system accommodates hikers of various abilities. "Great sites. Clean bathrooms, close to many hiking trails and waterfalls," notes Joe B. The park features both challenging climbs and easier paths for families.
Fishing opportunities: McDowell Nature Preserve provides access to Lake Wylie for anglers. "We have been to this park before for fishing in different areas and have really enjoyed ourselves," shares Michelle L. Fishing is permitted until 8pm at most locations.
Mountain biking: Warrior Creek is known for its exceptional mountain biking trails. "Super mt bike trails that have been built and maintained by volunteers who really care and ride the trails often," says Kim L. The trails connect directly to the campground for easy access.
Clean facilities: Lake Norman campgrounds consistently earn praise for cleanliness. "I have camped all across the US and this was the nicest and cleanest campground I have ever been in," reports Andrew G. about Lake Norman State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Julian Price Park Campground offers frequent wildlife encounters. "While we were in this area, we saw several small deer, including one that came through our campsite," notes Myron C. Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing opportunities.
Lake activities: Midway Campground Resort features a fishing pond and access to water recreation. "They have a large pool during the warm season as well as a playground and a small lake to go fishing on," explains Jon W. Many campers appreciate the combination of water and land activities.
Site spacing varies: Campgrounds in the Catawba region have different site configurations. "Sites are all on top of each other with no privacy and limited shade," notes Steve V. about Statesville RV Park I-77, while other campgrounds offer more separation between sites.
Weather considerations: Crowders Mountain State Park Campground can be accessed year-round with proper preparation. "I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt," shares Les R., though winter camping requires additional layers for overnight temperatures.
Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Catawba, North Carolina is available at select locations including Lake Myers RV Resort and Midway Campground Resort. For those seeking yurt camping in Catawba, North Carolina, reservations should be made well in advance, especially during peak season from May through October.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Lake Myers RV Resort has multiple family-oriented features. "This is a small, family-friendly campground. There is a pond for fishing, a nice pool, a jump pad, playground, arcade, and mini-golf. Plenty for kids to do," advises Joy B.
Choose campgrounds with easy trails: Thousand Trails Green Mountain offers accessible outdoor activities. "A very friendly place for people and pets. Plenty of hiking trails. Activity room being remodeled after a flood," reports Cindy C. The activity director can recommend age-appropriate trails.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. "Night woody dark and quit. Kayak put in fishing is good some spots on the water," Von B. observes about Julian Price Park Campground, making it suitable for families seeking a peaceful experience.
Site leveling challenges: Pay attention to site descriptions when booking. "Site was not even close to level. Recent blacktop not properly compressed. Had to use Anderson leveling buckets only on front of motorhome to level," warns Gary R. about Statesville RV Park I-77.
Access limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "This campground is not terribly big rig friendly but still worth staying at when you are in the Charlotte Metro area," Rick B. notes about McDowell Nature Preserve. Check specific site dimensions before booking.
Seasonal availability: Several RV parks in the region have limited operating seasons. Lake Myers RV Resort operates from April 1 to November 1, requiring winter visitors to find alternative accommodations. Lake Norman State Park offers year-round options for those needing off-season camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Catawba, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Catawba, NC is Lake Norman State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Catawba, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 glamping camping locations near Catawba, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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