McDowell Nature Preserve spans 1,132 acres along Lake Wylie with terrain ranging from wooded hills to lakeshore areas. The campground sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with temperatures averaging 50°F in winter and 88°F in summer. Sites are positioned on gentle slopes with gravel tent pads throughout the preserve's camping areas.
What to do
Hiking trails at Cane Creek Park: Multiple trail systems range from 0.5 to 3 miles in length with lake views throughout. "Beautiful place to camp, hike, and kayak! A few of the trails are right on the lake and the dogs love to hop in and cool off," notes Emily B., who brings her labs there regularly.
Mini golf for free: Cane Creek Park offers complimentary putt-putt for campers, making it ideal for budget-conscious families. "The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use area and be over there," shares Sarah B., who regularly visits for week-long stays.
History tours: Kings Mountain State Park connects to significant Revolutionary War sites. "Tons to do, including hikes and history. Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event," recommends Don H.
What campers like
Proximity to Charlotte with forest seclusion: McDowell Nature Preserve offers wilderness camping minutes from the city. "This campground is just minutes from Charlotte, but secluded from the city noise. Nice open spaces with shade," writes Nora C., highlighting the park's convenient location.
Well-maintained bathroom facilities: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Charlotte maintain clean shower facilities. "Great restrooms and showers with hot water, power even at the Tent sites, super nice staff, and priced right," notes Ryan B. about his McDowell Nature Preserve experience.
Security features: Gated entrances and regular patrols add safety at several Charlotte-area pet-friendly camping options. "The camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe," explains Ryan B., who appreciated this feature during his first camping trip in 20 years.
What you should know
Campsite leveling challenges: Kings Mountain State Park has topography issues that affect RV setup. "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," explains Richard E. in his recent experience.
Seasonal closures: Swimming areas at certain parks operate on restricted schedules. "The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side," notes Sarah B. about Cane Creek Park's facilities.
Site size variations: Not all designated RV sites accommodate larger vehicles. "There aren't many sites for RVs and some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks," explains Kathy L. about her McDowell Nature Preserve stay.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers family-centered amenities beyond pet facilities. "We parked across from the playground for the kids and it was so nice. They have a sand volleyball court there too," shares Aimee B., who found the campground's layout convenient for family activities.
Educational opportunities: Look for nature centers with programming for children. "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area," notes I.R. about their extended stay at McDowell Nature Preserve while relocating to Charlotte.
Holiday programming: Some parks offer special activities during peak vacation periods. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids," mentions Sarah B. about Cane Creek Park, where her family regularly spends week-long stays.
Tips from RVers
Park shuttle services: When staying at Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, utilize the convenient transportation. "Free transit to the park... free bus rides to and from the park from open until close," explains Creighton C., who appreciates not having to drive after long days at the amusement park.
Weather preparedness: Power outages can occur during storms at certain campgrounds. "Only problem is that both times we visited there was a storm and power went out for hours," shares Jeanette M. about her experiences at Cane Creek Park.
Tent pad protection: Bring proper ground protection for stone camping pads. "When I got home I was patching holes in the floor of my tent from where the stone pad had caused damage... a seasoned camper would've put down a tarp," advises Michelle L. about her McDowell Nature Preserve experience.
