Best Campgrounds near Cornelius, NC

The Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains sit within driving distance of Cornelius, North Carolina, giving campers several good options nearby. Iron City Campground keeps things low-key with its dog park and swimming pool for cooling off during summer. Not far away, Morrow Mountain State Park Campground has well-kept sites and recently upgraded its bathhouse. Kings Mountain State Park draws hikers with its trail network that winds through the woods. Many campers head to Lake Norman State Park Campground because it's clean and puts you right on Lake Norman's shores. Wildlife is common throughout the Cornelius area, so storing food properly prevents unwanted animal visitors. Weather varies significantly by season - expect hot, sticky summers and sometimes cold winter nights. Most campgrounds connect to decent roads that regular vehicles can handle, though some spots might need higher clearance after rain. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures that make for more comfortable camping. Cornelius works well as a base camp whether you want quiet time outdoors or active days hiking and swimming.

Best Camping Sites Near Cornelius, North Carolina (112)

    1. Lake Norman State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Troutman, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 528-6350

    $27 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "After a beautiful drive through the woods, I arrived at my site. The pad was well maintained and clean. The lake was about 100 yards from my campsite, with a nice trail down to the waters edge."

    2. Statesville RV Park I-77

    18 Reviews
    Statesville, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 873-5560

    $50 - $95 / night

    "You will hear the road 24/7 due to proximity of the interstate but its convenient to run chores or pull during your travel. The sites were fairly spacious for this type of place."

    "I have seen a complaint about highway noise. Well, when you stay at a campground with close, easy access to the Interstate, you can expect to hear it."

    3. Cross Country Campground

    3 Reviews
    Denver, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 483-5897

    "Close to a pretty busy road, but The traffic noise doesn't seem bad. Most roads are paved and some are packed gravel."

    4. Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway

    6 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 455-4445

    "Campground is huge & within walking distance of the raceway. Camping world is across the street if you forgot anything! Win!"

    5. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, NC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (980) 314-2267

    $15 - $33 / night

    "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area. Staff were polite and helpful. Washrooms are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean!"

    "The park is located southwest of Charlotte off of hwy 49 near Lake Wylie, SC."

    6. Lake Curriher Wilderness

    4 Reviews
    China Grove, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 857-4114

    $10 - $30 / 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."

    7. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 588-2600

    "The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."

    "The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."

    8. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, SC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 222-3209

    $13 - $31 / night

    "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."

    "There are lots of trails close to the campground with one around a lake and a stream off of it. Facilities were very well maintained."

    9. Yates Family Camping

    3 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 773-9349

    "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."

    10. Elmore RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Charlotte, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 597-1323
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Recent Reviews near Cornelius, NC

634 Reviews of 112 Cornelius Campgrounds


  • madison F.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    great stop & stay

    nice campground. bathrooms and pool are CLEAN!!!! private bathrooms with showers. also has laundry ($) but has change for quarters in shop!! super big plus . also got a buddy site for the price of a normal one!

    not super crowded but still a nice community to be around :) 10 min drive into town as well. all sites have full hookups which was also super handy. not a bad price for what you get. only stayed two nights but would definitely stay again

  • madison F.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Cobble Hill RV Campground (Formerly) Carolina Rose

    good stop & stay

    campground being remodeled so bathhouses were a little walk away but not too inconvenient. pool was also closed for now BUT overall cute location. did park on site 59 (pull through) but was SUPER unlevel. cute pond and amphitheater too! has laundry as well.

    coolest part about this spot is that it’s about a 10 min drive into Catawba college town which was a super nice area for us being younger. perfect mix of Boulder & Philly :)

    hosts were SUPER friendly and nice :)

  • Lanna M.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Love Valley Campground

    Clean

    Probably the second cleanest campground I had ever been to

  • wesley L.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Tanglewood Park

    Shaded and clean

    No permanent sites so it's clean with no clutter, host greeted upon arrival, lots of access to hike/bike trails, near park with ponds, pool, ball courts. Several sites including mine very hard to level

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Arrowhead Campground

    Perfect spot

    Nicely spaced, shaded, and quiet camp ground. A lot of people camp here with their jeeps, sidexsides, and 4wheelers. The bathrooms and showers aren’t fancy but are clean. There’s a boat ramp right by the entrance. Overall an awesome camp ground!

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Always a great time when we go

    We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it. Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dan Nicholas Park

    We will be back for sure

    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.

  • D
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Dan Nicholas Park

    Beautiful campground

    Very limited wi-fi, dated bathrooms, most amenities closed

  • Chris K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    Superb Accommodations

    Always very clean, with meticulously maintained and picturesque grounds, the Camp Wilderness at Carowinds is well-appointed with amenities and attended to by helpful and friendly Carowinds staff. Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings.


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

Where are the best campgrounds near Cornelius?

Several excellent campgrounds surround Cornelius. Badin Lake Campground offers spacious sites with water access, great fishing opportunities, and hiking paths nearby. The sites are notably large, providing privacy and easy water access. For those looking for a quieter overnight option, The Home Depot — Cornelius provides a safe, well-lit parking lot with tree shade and a peaceful atmosphere away from highway noise. Also consider Lake Norman State Park Campground, which features lakeside camping with swimming and boating opportunities just a short drive from Cornelius.

Is there camping available near the Cornelius amusement park?

While Cornelius itself doesn't have a major amusement park, families looking for amusement park camping can find excellent options nearby. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers convenient camping adjacent to the Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, just a short drive from Cornelius. For those heading toward Charlotte's entertainment districts, Elmore RV Park provides accessible camping with full hookups near the city attractions. These options allow families to enjoy both camping and amusement parks during their visit to the greater Charlotte/Cornelius area.

What amenities do Cornelius campgrounds offer for families?

Family-friendly amenities abound at campgrounds near Cornelius. Norwood Campground features a fishing pond, swimming pool, and on-site store, making it convenient for families with children, though note the pool has ladder-style entry only. COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground offers comprehensive family recreation with swimming areas, kayaking opportunities, boat launches, hiking trails, fire pits, picnic tables, and grills at each uniquely designed site. Many sites offer waterfront access with varying layouts including some with steps down to fire pit areas, perfect for families seeking outdoor adventure.