6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Camping options around Concord, North Carolina range from developed campgrounds to RV parks, with several facilities catering to motorsports enthusiasts due to the proximity of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway offers RV camping with full hookups, while Lake Norman State Park Campground, located about 30 miles north, provides a more natural setting with tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins. Other nearby options include Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury and McDowell Nature Preserve in Charlotte, both offering a mix of tent and RV camping with lakeside views. The region's campgrounds typically feature amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails.
Access to campgrounds in the Concord area varies by location, with most developed sites offering paved or gravel roads suitable for standard vehicles. "The campground was quiet day and night. The sunset across the lake was gorgeous and relaxing," noted one visitor to a nearby lake campground. Weather conditions remain relatively mild throughout the year, though summer humidity can be significant. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during peak seasons from late spring through early fall when NASCAR events and summer vacations create high demand. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may be spotty in more remote locations. Elevation changes are minimal compared to western North Carolina, making most camping areas accessible without specialized vehicles.
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites at nearby lakes, including Lake Norman and Badin Lake. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful atmosphere and recreational opportunities as highlights of their stays. According to one review, "The campsites are spacious, and surrounded by woods with plenty of shade to keep the summer heat in check." Fishing access is commonly cited as a benefit at lakeside campgrounds, with bass fishing particularly popular. While some campgrounds offer seclusion and natural settings, others provide convenient access to urban amenities in Charlotte and surrounding communities. Families appreciate campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas, while outdoor enthusiasts value proximity to hiking and mountain biking trails. Noise levels vary significantly between more remote nature-focused campgrounds and those near the speedway, which can be busy during race weekends.
"While that may not sound appealing to some, race fans will love it because it is so close to all the racing action of the Charlotte Motor Speedway."
"Campground is huge & within walking distance of the raceway. Camping world is across the street if you forgot anything! Win!"
"LNSP is just a 45 minute drive from Charlotte and 1.5 hours from Asheville. The campsites are spacious, and surrounded by woods with plenty of shade to keep the summer heat in check."
"Trails all around that were both long and short. Ranger was friendly, helpful and good to talk to. Bathrooms were clean, water spigots to get drinking water from, sink waste water disposal sites too."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $75 / night
"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."
"It’s the quietest stay we’ve had yet, and we go camping nearly every weekend. I will say, having the ADA tent site makes a huge difference."
from $10 - $30 / night
"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."
"Nice lake to walk around, but paddle boats and center were closed. Lots of ducks that were used to human presence and feeding. Located in a nice sized park. Would definitely go back."
"Site next to one of the lake access trails. Spacious site. We were able to get our 37 ft camper level. Shaded so the a/c s were able to keep up with the heat no issue."
"Morrow Mountain State Park, near Albemarle, NC, has something for everyone. Many hiking and equestrian trails are within the park. "
"Water spigot close by, the pressure is high so slowly lift the handle haha. The sites are not too close together. Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $107 / night
from $25 - $75 / night
"It has a stocked pond with beautiful woods surrounding it."
from $25 - $75 / 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
GuideStopped in to get a spot for a few nights nights because it said they had available rv spots Unfortunately they didn’t know which end was up and tried to squeeze us into a spot that might have hookups that maybe worked but they couldn’t be sure. It was a joke. We left after waiting several minutes waiting while they were looking for a place to maybe squeeze us in because we had a small camper. No thanks. Would not recommend staying here til they get there act together
RangerThis is a newer campground. It has a stocked pond with beautiful woods surrounding it.
RangerThis is a newer campground. It is peaceful.
RangerWhen I’m traveling through the area, I do my best to stay here. It is a peaceful and well kept campground. It is an adult and a kid friendly environment. It’s one of the few places you can feel safe. I highly recommend this place.
TravelerIt’s a small, clean campground but we are next to a busy road (site 28) and also the entrance to the public access of Moss Lake. It’s a tight squeeze for us as a 33’ fifth wheel.
GuideTight fit, we stayed here with our 20ft trailer and it is a little tight. The site was at a slight angle and I noticed a lot of sites are the same way. Plus side is there is a security gate with code entry. Easy access to lake. Good clean boathouse and nice full hookups.
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.
TravelerThis is/was marked as dispersed camping but this is primarily an OHV area, with a shooting range nearby that can be heard from some campsites. Most, if not all, of the campsites are intended to be large group sites. The empty site we found was filled with trash, discarded tents, air mattresses, and trashed electronics from OHVs. There's so much trash we would not even be able to take it all out with us if we wanted to. This may be a national forest, but it is not peace and quiet as one would expect from "dispersed and primitive" camping.
Camping options near Concord, North Carolina range from lakeside locations with fishing access to motorsports-adjacent RV parks. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 600-800 feet, with minimal terrain challenges for vehicle access. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F during July and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with daytime averages of 70-80°F.
Mountain biking trails: Lake Norman State Park Campground offers extensive mountain biking opportunities on well-maintained trails. "I have camped all across the US and this was the nicest and cleanest campground I have ever been in. Fantastic experience. I highly highly recommend!" notes Andrew G. The park maintains over 30 miles of bike-specific trails ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty levels.
Swimming at park pools: Several campgrounds in the region provide swimming options during summer months. At Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, "There is a swimming pool that is open after Memorial Day. They also have a museum you can check out during the day," according to Jen P. The swimming pool typically charges a small entry fee separate from camping costs.
Amusement park access: For families seeking thrills beyond camping, Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort provides direct shuttle service to the adjacent theme park. "You can purchase Carowinds tickets right here and ride a shuttle all day long to the park rather than fight traffic. They enforce the rules really well so quiet time is actually just that," writes Nate G. Shuttle service runs continuously during park operating hours.
Private camping areas: Some campers appreciate secluded spots away from crowds. At Dan Nicholas Park, "The campsites are nice and the facilities are fairly clean. We really enjoyed fishing and caught a couple of fish as well. The sites are pretty roomy too!" reports Lisa L. The park offers fishing opportunities at its on-site lake.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Newly renovated facilities make a big difference for many campers. "The bathhouse is brand new. The camp host was very helpful and checked on everybody, every day," writes Robert D. about Morrow Mountain State Park Campground. Most state park campgrounds in the region have upgraded their facilities within the past few years.
Motorsports proximity: Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway offers unique access for racing enthusiasts. "Campground is huge & within walking distance of the raceway. Camping world is across the street if you forgot anything! Win!" states Aimee B. During non-race periods, the campground provides expanded sites - "Off season, they turn two sites into one so you get 100' to yourself."
Site terrain variations: Campsite quality can vary significantly within the same campground. "So, if you end up in a crap site you might drop those 4 stars to 3. Its going to be impossible to determine a great site from a bad without going there since the only pic they have online is from site 1," warns Jennifer R. about her Morrow Mountain experience.
Limited privacy at some locations: Not all campgrounds offer secluded sites. At McDowell Nature Preserve, "The hwy is busy and neighboring Lake Wylie is also busy. however, once you pull off the road and back into the nature preserve, all of the noise (except for airplanes) falls away," notes Lee J. The preserve provides a buffer zone from surrounding development.
Off-season benefits: Several campgrounds offer improved conditions during non-peak times. "It was surprisingly busy, almost all sites occupied. There is not much space between the sides, but the park is huge and right at the lake," reported Birgit H. about her Thanksgiving weekend at Lake Norman State Park Campground.
Activity variety: Families need options beyond basic camping. "We have been to this park before for fishing in different areas and have really enjoyed ourselves. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The bathhouses for the most part are well maintained and cleaned," reports Michelle L. about McDowell Nature Preserve.
Kid-friendly amenities: Lake Norman State Park Campground offers dedicated children's areas and programming. "My wife and our four kids have had a great time. Plenty of shade and plenty to do. We fished, rode bikes, hiked and saw plenty of wildlife. Not too close to the neighbors, and the camp host were nice," shares Caleb S. The park also offers junior ranger programs during summer months.
Multiple-day entertainment: Dan Nicholas Park provides extensive on-site attractions beyond camping. "Great place to camp with your family. The park has more to do other than the campground it is a wonderful place if you have young kids," notes Eddie B. The park includes a petting zoo, carousel rides, and gem mining activities at additional costs.
Hookup quality checks: RV campers should verify electrical service reliability. At Charlotte Motor Speedway, "One of our A/C units kept tripping the breaker. The power to the pedestal was fluctuating and causing us to drop power levels," reports Sean N. During summer months when multiple air conditioners run simultaneously, electrical capacity becomes a critical consideration.
Site leveling challenges: Not all RV sites provide level parking areas. At Lake Curriher Wilderness, "It's the quietest stay we've had yet, and we go camping nearly every weekend. I will say, having the ADA tent site makes a huge difference. The regular tent 'loop' is just one big open field with few trees around it," explains Shannon S.
Long-term stay options: Some campgrounds accommodate extended stays. "We've loved staying at Yates due to the flexibility and excellent communication of the owners. 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," notes Mariah S. Extended stays often require advance reservations, especially during race events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find campgrounds with hiking trails near Concord?
Yes, the Concord area has excellent options for campgrounds with hiking opportunities. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground offers amazing hiking trails with scenic views, though note that it's primarily a day-use facility. For a more remote experience with extensive trail systems, Uwharrie National Forest provides numerous hiking paths through its woodland terrain. The forest offers both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping options. While not in immediate Concord, these locations are within reasonable driving distance and provide the hiking-camping combination many outdoor enthusiasts seek.
What campgrounds are available in Concord, NC?
While Concord itself has limited camping options, there are several campgrounds in the surrounding area. Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway offers convenient camping with water, toilets, and is suitable for larger RVs. For those seeking a more traditional camping experience, Glenwood Acres RV Park provides reservable sites near Concord. Within driving distance, you'll also find Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury and several options in the Uwharrie National Forest area. These locations offer a range of amenities from basic tent sites to full hookups depending on your camping preferences.
Are there RV parks and campgrounds near Concord, NC?
Yes, several RV-friendly options exist near Concord. Badin Lake Campground offers spacious sites with water access, fishing opportunities, and hiking paths nearby. The campground features two loops with relatively large sites suitable for RVs. Norwood Campground provides amenities including a fishing pond, swimming pool, and store, making it a comfortable option for RV campers. For overnight parking, some RVers utilize The Home Depot in Cornelius or the Mooresville Sam's Club parking lot when passing through the area. Most developed campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during peak seasons.
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