Charlotte is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Charlotte is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Charlotte, NC. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"I've stayed here twice while visiting nearby Charlotte, and was pleased with the facility. RV spaces are a nice size with plenty of grass."
"The sites are tight but there's shade and since we have to be close to the Charlotte airport it was perfect. Far enough not to have super loud plane noise but a very easy drive."
$13 - $31 / night
"There is a nice playground, hiking trails, a lake, canoe rental, and a trading post with some food, ice, camping supplies, firewood and souvenirs. There is also a separate Equestrian campground!"
"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."
"Great spot only 45min from Charlotte."
"It is located south and east of the town of waxhaw, and an easy drive from Charlotte."
"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."
$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."
$17 - $107 / night
"Glad to finally find a nice campground just over an hour away from Charlotte. Easy trek for a short weekend trip. We exhausted ourselves hiking and canoeing and much more stuff to do!"
"Morrow Mountain State Park, near Albemarle, NC, has something for everyone. Many hiking and equestrian trails are within the park. "
$20 - $54 / night
"Equestrian campgrounds, hunting camps and then Arrowhead and Badin Lake campgrounds, along with the boat launch area."
"The campsites do not offer a view of the water of Badin Lake, but it is nearby with a drive or hike. "
"Stayed 1 night, sites are close to each other. Small cabins available, walk-in campsites and restrooms are clean and updated."
"When I checked in, the lady was nice enough to find a site with grass behind the gravel so I could set up my tent. She didn’t warn me that it was sloped."
"We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April. "
"There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake. Pretty good fishing too."
$75 / night
"There is plenty to do like hiking, fishing, swimming, and even horse back riding. And it you are an off road enthusiast, they have made some fantastic off road trails south of the Forrest."
"While at Uwaharrie NF stayed at Biden Lake campground. Beautiful place with great views. Clean facilities close to sites."
ScoutGreat spot only 45min from Charlotte.
TravelerWe loved our stay! Glad to finally find a nice campground just over an hour away from Charlotte. Easy trek for a short weekend trip. We exhausted ourselves hiking and canoeing and much more stuff to do! Nice sites with electric hookups. Firewood available. Will definitely be back!
LegendThis review is probably not representative of what will be many people’s experience or opportunity, as I visited in November in the off season, albeit an unusually warm weekday! Cane Creek Park is a county park that is of state park caliber. It is located south and east of the town of waxhaw, and an easy drive from Charlotte. It is a large park on both sid s of a large lake, beautifully maintained, clearly with a variety of family recreational activities that are surely heavily used in the high season. The park offers everything from day use, to car and rv camping, to hike in tent sites and wilderness group areas, to cabins. This review is for the hike in tent sites, which are large, well spaced, heavily wooded and private, with lake access for good fishing and paddling. There are restroom and shower facilities in walking distance, though not at the campsites themselves. This is a simpler and quieter camping opportunity than the drive in sites. In fact, no one else was in this section of the campground on this fine autumn day, yet the weather was beautiful and the setting so peaceful. I would recommend this campsite location for fall camping
LegendI saw state park and was excited about the potential of another great site in North Carolina. I was not disappointed in that it offered amazing hiking. But signs clearly depicted it to be a day use only facility which was a little bit of a bummer.
I spent the afternoon hiking on a trail which was marked moderate but I’d honestly say was more strenuous. Lots of people come to do the Tower hike here!!
When I pulled out I saw even more signs just further reminding me of the day use …. for camping it’s a 1 (which is what matters on this site) however for the activities it is a 4. I found it to be a good compromise to give it a 3 overall because I did like the site, just wish it had organized camping because limited information was available about permits for potential back country camping like I had seen on here.
ScoutCampground is part of Carowinds amusement park. Cabins and RV spaces are available. Prices are rather expensive during the season, but reasonable off-season. I've stayed here twice while visiting nearby Charlotte, and was pleased with the facility. RV spaces are a nice size with plenty of grass. Some airplane noise from planes using CLT, but wasn't bothersome. It's a short drive to restaurants and shopping, and very convenient if visiting Charlotte and surrounding cities. Will stay again.
GuideWell not much here , no office or bathrooms. Water and electric and a dump station. Friendly owners and very close to Charlotte motor speedway.
GuideMy husband and I stayed a night. The sites are tight but there's shade and since we have to be close to the Charlotte airport it was perfect. Far enough not to have super loud plane noise but a very easy drive.
LegendUwharrie National Forest-Arrowhead Campground
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48934
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE\_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368418.pdf
Uwharrie National Forest is fairly vast, but several camping areas are located in one general area. Equestrian campgrounds, hunting camps and then Arrowhead and Badin Lake campgrounds, along with the boat launch area. Arrowhead Campground has had a bigger budget compared to its lesser sibling Badin Lake Campground.
Campground roadways are paved, as well as the campsite parking pads, The restrooms are newer, larger and offer paved parking for users.
Sites are reasonably large and offer a picnic table, firepit, charcoal grill and metal hanging pole for lanterns, etc. some foliage exists between Campsites, but you still have a visual of your neighbors.
It appeared during my visit that most users were off-roaders with either 4x4’s or quads. The onsite host advised that it is very popular with the off-road enthusiasts. Enclosed and flatbed trailers filled most of the sites.
Caution: During hunting season, the National Forest is open to hunters...wear brightly colored or hunter orange clothing especially dawn and dusk.
Reserve well in advance if you desire a site...these campgrounds fill quickly.
Arrowhead also offers an inner-campground paved walk/bike/stroller trail...and the drive down to the boat launch(which has a fairly sizable paved parking lot and latrines). You can also pick up the lake loop trail by the Boat Ramp.
Being located so closely to the Raleigh/Durham area...and the Fayettville area...I can see this being filled to capacity most days and definitely weekends. Mid-week it was filled.
ScoutMorrow Mountain State Park, near Albemarle, NC, has something for everyone. Many hiking and equestrian trails are within the park. While the top elevation is just over 900 feet, it still has that mountainous feel in sections of the park. Likewise, there is lake access for boating and fishing. There are also historical features, a few unmarked homesteads and graves, as well as a nice (though small) museum. The campsites are my favorite of any campgrounds visited in the NC area. They are not too close to each other, well equipped, and with good visibility surrounding the sites so that you can see the deer and squirrels going by. It has been among my favorites for 50+ years.
North Carolina offers a variety of horse camping experiences, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities are available at horse campgrounds around Charlotte?
Horse campgrounds near Charlotte typically provide essential equestrian amenities. Badin Horse Camp offers hitching posts, water access for horses, and spacious camping sites that accommodate trailers. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground features equestrian trails and basic facilities while maintaining a natural setting. Most equestrian campgrounds in the area include designated areas for horses, access to trail systems, and camping sites large enough for vehicles with horse trailers. Facilities typically include water sources, fire rings, and picnic tables, though amenities like electric hookups and shower facilities vary by location.
Where are the best equestrian campgrounds near Charlotte, NC?
The Charlotte area offers several excellent equestrian campgrounds within reasonable driving distance. Uwharrie National Forest Arrowhead Campground stands out as a premier destination, featuring extensive equestrian trails throughout the forest. Another top option is Canebrake Horse Camp, which provides dedicated facilities for horse campers. Both are within 1-2 hours of Charlotte, making them accessible for weekend trips. The extensive trail systems at these locations offer varied terrain and scenic views, perfect for riders of different experience levels.
Are reservations required for horse camping in the Charlotte area?
Reservations are highly recommended for horse camping near Charlotte, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall). Cane Creek Park requires advance bookings, particularly for weekend stays when equestrian sites fill quickly. At Kings Mountain State Park, reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance and are strongly advised for holidays and weekends. Most equestrian campgrounds operate on a reservation system through their official websites or by phone. Some may offer limited first-come, first-served sites during off-peak seasons, but securing your spot ahead of time is the most reliable approach.
Keep Exploring
