Best Camping near Cornelius, NC

Cornelius is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Cornelius is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Cornelius, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Cornelius, NC (101)

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Showing results 1-10 of 101 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Cornelius

Recent Reviews in Cornelius

609 Reviews of 101 Cornelius Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morrow Mountain State Park Campground
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    Good campground.

    Stayed four days at state park. I campground as well kept and clean. The bathhouse is brand new. The camp host was very helpful and checked on everybody, every day. The only drawback was that there was no Wi-Fi. I will stay at this campground when I come back in this area again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Campground
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Arrowhead Campground

    Love this “Lake” !

    Came through early November. This camp ground has everything you need. It is well kept. The bathhouse facilities are brand new and well kept. The area around the campground has multiple things to keep you busy. If you’re an outdoors person, this is a great place to be located.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park
    Dec. 15, 2024

    Cane Creek Park

    Great place !

    I stayed here for nine days. The campground is clean and well-maintained. The bathhouse is in good shape and clean. I will come back when I’m in this area.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Norman State Park Campground
    Dec. 8, 2024

    Lake Norman State Park Campground

    Well kept and clean.

    I stayed at this location for 10 days. The campground is well kept and clean. The staff and the camp host were very courteous. It was a very quiet stay. The bathhouse was new and well maintained. I would recommend this place to anyone.

  • Mambo M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Campground
    Nov. 12, 2024

    Arrowhead Campground

    One of my faves!

    Happy to report that there is a new host here as the one that was working in 2021 was AWFUL. Great sites but hardly any are level so be prepared to manage that. Nice fire pits and grills - love having both. Great bathhouse with hot showers. Terrific paved trail that is awesome for walking, biking, strollers, wheelchairs. Plenty of hammock trees! Zero noise except from other campers/vehicles and the occasional aircraft passing over. Cell signal is pretty spotty but passable. Would need a booster or satellite internet in order to work or attend school, though. Nearby El Dorado Outpost has everything you might need (gas, ice, hot food, small groceries, outdoor supplies, GREAT biscuits!!, etc) and locals sell firewood bundles for $4-5/each. 10-15 min drive into Troy where there are restaurants, gas stations, small regular grocery stores. Really nice new playground and skate park in Troy, too. Tons of hiking, offroading/overlanding, mountain biking, horseback riding nearby.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dan Nicholas Park
    Nov. 8, 2024

    Dan Nicholas Park

    Traveling

    This campground is not well-maintained. The bathhouses are in very poor shape. There appears to be suspect, microbial growth all over the men’s side (black mold). The bath houses also aren’t cleaned on a regular basis. I was here a week and they cleaned it after I complained. They were only cleaned one time in a one week period. The campground manager doesn’t appear to care about anything. Keep it business only with this person. The sites are completely covered with leaves. You can’t even see the parking area for your site. I travel full-time. I will not be coming back to this location.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron City Campground, Inc.
    Oct. 30, 2024

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    Very nice family friendly camp

    The campground is well kept and clean. The owners are wonderful and all amenities are maintained in a like new state. They are constantly improving the campground and have family friendly activities for all. Halloween is a must see event in this camp with everyone decking out their sites.

    We are well traveled and have visited many campgrounds in various states. This is among the best we have ever experienced.

  • Jerry O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Campground
    Oct. 26, 2024

    Arrowhead Campground

    Great getaway

    This is a great little place to get away from it all. The sites have electric but you will need in-house water and septic. There is a dump station along with a potable water source at the entrance to the campground.

  • Davis
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    Oct. 26, 2024

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    It was very peaceful

    My husband and I stayed here for a few days at the beginning of October. It's very quiet and peaceful. What I didn't like was they had no activities like most other camp sites. They do have hiking trials and fishing until 8pm. The staff was friendly and very helpful but they leave at 4pm and you can't check in till 3pm. I guess there's good and bad like with all places.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Cane Creek Park

    Great spot for families

    Awesome spot for families and multiple night stays. Family environment comes with more noise but as long as you are expecting it you won’t be disappointed.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Morrow Mountain State Park Campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    Great

    My wife and I stayed here with our 2 daughters. The campsite was spacious, flat and shaded. There was plenty to do for the kids for the weekend. The bath house was very nice and clean. The camp host drove his golf cart around selling firewood. Will definitely return

  • Thunderroad 5.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dan Nicholas Park
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Dan Nicholas Park

    Enjoyed Our Stay

    Stayed a couple of nights for first time. Staff was very nice. Grounds were well maintained, not crowded and nice and quiet. 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.

  • Carol J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    Disappointing

    I recently stayed for 3 nights with my popup in site#10.  The site is a good size for a tent or small camper only.  Overall we were surprised by the campground based on other reviews .  In my opinion The sites are close together, poorly maintained, and most are very small.  The Trading Post is nicely stocked, and open all day.  The bathrooms near my site were the best part…it was modern, clean and the showers were hot with good pressure.  But other than the bathrooms everything felt like it hadn’t been maintained at all. Won’t be coming back.

  • Kathryn C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Springs Campground
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Indian Springs Campground

    Peaceful and fun!

    This place is tucked away near a river, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, plus a nice laundromat. One of the quietest RV parks I've ever been to! The owners are nice and the grounds are well kept. Only reason it's not 5/5 is they currently lack a bathhouse.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Canebrake Horse Camp
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Canebrake Horse Camp

    Love it!

    I was there alone and had the whole campsite to myself. The camp host was so kind. He always made sure me, my horses and my grandson were comfortable and safe!

  • Kirby B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dan Nicholas Park
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Dan Nicholas Park

    Decent campground. Needs work, nothing to do.

    We went to Dan Nicholas Park earlier this year (around the spring time) and it was decent. Staff was nice, our campground was set up well, we had no noise problems and the campground was pretty much close to a bathhouse. However the one complaint is that the advertisement of this park— being that you can go to their attractions, is kind of faltered out. Nobody works at the park anymore, everything’s kind of closed— and what isn’t closed due to no work is under renovation. Nice place for younger kids! Not for teens. However all together a cheap and decent park! Stayed for 3 nights and 4 days with 2 sites for only 120 dollars, so a good deal. I would recommend for family camping trips as it’s nicely snuggled in Salisbury NC and an all around friendly campground. The bonus is it’s gated!

  • L&A C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tellurian Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Tellurian Campground

    Love this Rustic & Quaint Family owned CG

    FHU, picnic table and fire ring, gravel sites, firewood available, for purchase, all with amazing views! Bathhouse being built now, but. Shower & stall usable. Used our Starlink, but did get 1 bar with reception, on T-Mobile. Owners very friendly and responsive with any questions. Must use the directions, on their website, to get to the campground, as GPS is incorrect.

  • James M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Statesville RV Park I-77
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Statesville RV Park I-77

    Great place to stay

    I showed up after hours on a motorcycle looking for an overnight tent site.  They didn't have tent sites available in the after hours check in.  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.  John saved my night!  The tent site was clean, level, grass and water and electric worked great.  There was some noise from the interstate but expected in a tent.  Restroom and shower facilities were clean and functional.  My only staff interaction was with John and he was outstanding in customer service and going over the top to take care of getting me set up.  Thank you!

  • Bethany I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Green Mountain
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Thousand Trails Green Mountain

    A week at Green Mountain

    I honestly love this park. It is my favorite TT park. The staff is friendly and helpful, the annuals mind their business, and the other campers are friendly. I work from home and the internet is iffy, I had to buy the campground internet and then use an antenna to make it strong enough to work, but hey, that's camping for you. The water pressure is low, so we just filled our tanks so we had enough water pressure for our tank less water heater. We are parked right on a creek and love sitting out here at night. So many things to do here as well. This is a great park and I cannot wait to return.

  • Deanna L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Elmore RV Park
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Elmore RV Park

    Good for staying close to city

    I lived here for two years on a long term spot. If short term you will be In a small gravel lot. There are no amenities, no shower houses. No frills.

  • Morgan L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Midway Campground Resort
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Midway Campground Resort

    First camping experience in new camper!!

    This place was the first place we stopped along our trip to test out the new camper we just purchased, and this place was so wonderful and fun. We played mini golf, had a view of the lake, and enjoyed a great campfire on our little porch they provided. We truly had so much fun even though we only stayed one night! Can’t wait to come back.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Badin Lake Campground
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Badin Lake Campground

    Cheap campsite with a lot to offer

    For only $20 you get so much. They have really nice established spots with great views of the lake, a very long trail to walk, nice clean bathrooms, and a shower for only $3. The lake is swimmable from any point and you have use of the entire campgrounds area except other direct sites.



Guide to Cornelius

Camping near Cornelius, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent or an RV.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have access to beautiful hiking trails. For example, at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, visitors enjoy "lots of hiking nearby" and the "beautiful area" that surrounds the park.
  • Fishing and Boating: If you love water activities, Lake Norman State Park Campground is a great choice. Campers have mentioned, "well-maintained hiking trails branch out from the campground" and the lake is perfect for fishing and boating.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like South Mountains State Park Campground offer opportunities to see deer and other wildlife. One camper noted, "the park is very pretty and the water is nice."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept bathrooms and showers. At Kings Mountain State Park, one reviewer said, "the park rangers are all nice and respectful, and they keep the place clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide roomy sites. A visitor at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "spacious site! We were able to fit 2 tents."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. At Iron City Campground, one guest said, "Lisa is the best host."

What you should know:

  • Check Site Descriptions: Some sites may not be level. A camper at South Mountains State Park Campground advised, "the sites are a bit difficult to pitch on, due to the abundance of roots."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell coverage in some areas. A visitor at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground warned, "cell/internet coverage is non-existent unless you can get to a high Vista lookout."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Norman State Park Campground suggested, "you must really check the site description or plan on bringing lots of levelers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Iron City Campground has a "nice playground" that kids will enjoy.
  • Safety and Security: Many campgrounds have security measures in place. A visitor at McDowell Nature Preserve mentioned, "the campground is guarded by two gates."
  • Plan for Rain: Bring tarps or canopies for unexpected weather. A camper at Kings Mountain State Park noted, "when it rains, you would be in mud."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Make sure to choose sites that are level for a comfortable stay. A reviewer at Badin Lake Campground mentioned, "the sites are not all level, so pay attention to the description."
  • Electric Hookups: Check for electric hookups if you need them. At Lake Norman State Park Campground, one camper said, "RV sites are paved, with a picnic table and fire ring."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station for convenience. A visitor at Iron City Campground appreciated the "sanitary dump" available on-site.

Camping around Cornelius, NC, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, the campgrounds in this area have you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Cornelius, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Cornelius, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 101 campgrounds and RV parks near Cornelius, NC and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Cornelius, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cornelius, NC is Lake Norman State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cornelius, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Cornelius, NC.

  • What parks are near Cornelius, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Cornelius, NC that allow camping, notably Uwharrie National Forest and W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir.