Lake Norman State Park camping facilities offer options for glamping in Davidson, North Carolina across 1,940 acres of forest along the largest man-made lake in the state. The park maintains dedicated camping areas with varying levels of amenities at elevations between 760-900 feet, providing moderate temperatures even in summer months. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F with occasional freezing conditions, requiring glamping guests to prepare for cooler evenings.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Norman supports multiple fish species accessible from shoreline fishing areas. At McDowell Nature Preserve, campers report good catches without needing a boat. According to one visitor, "We were able to fish, rode bikes, hiked and saw plenty of wildlife. Not too close to the neighbors, and the camp host were nice."
Hiking trail variety: Many campgrounds offer interconnected trail networks with varying difficulty levels. The Crowders Mountain State Park Campground features paths leading to scenic overlooks. One camper notes, "There are plenty of walking trails and mountain bike trails with a boat ramp and 'beach' a short drive or a hike away."
Swimming options: Several parks maintain designated swimming areas with varying amenities. A visitor to McDowell Nature Preserve mentioned, "What a campground should be. It is hard to believe that you are in the city limits of Charlotte in this campground. It is very rustic, with lots of trees and nature."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded spots than others. A camper at Lake Curriher Wilderness shared, "I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen... I would suggest the overlook cabin. I generally tent camp and the Point, not many know of this location as it's a decent hike in."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. A reviewer at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground stated, "Stayed four days at state park. Campground was well kept and clean. The bathhouse is brand new. The camp host was very helpful and checked on everybody, every day."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. One camper reported, "Very clean and quite and very close to Charlotte. Nice, moderate hiking trails. Swimming and kayaking. You'll probably see deer but have never seen a bear."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities operate with reduced services during winter months. A visitor to Midway Campground Resort advised, "The gates close at 5pm during the fall/winter. Slightly around that time, the retired police chief came around to introduce himself and give his cell number. He is just up the street and was kind to offer this for extra safety."
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. One camper noted, "This is wooded campground a short distance off of I-40. Beautiful pool with bounce house and playground. Concrete pads. Quiet at night. Great for relaxation."
Terrain challenges: Some sites present leveling difficulties for certain camping setups. A visitor mentioned, "Recent blacktop not properly compressed. Had to use Anderson leveling buckets only on front of motorhome to level. The next morning they had sunken into the soft blacktop."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreational facilities for younger visitors. At Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, a family reported, "Private but great for families and bike ridding. Private pool game room. Laundry and camp store."
Safety features: Many parks implement security measures for family comfort. One visitor noted, "We spent the last few days at the Carowinds Camp Wilderness campground in Site 70 with full hook-ups. Sites were clean, level, and reasonably spaced."
Educational opportunities: Some locations offer nature programs specifically designed for children. A visitor shared, "Rangers give guided informative hikes (a mile or so) at different times in season and there are plenty of hiking trails."
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Experienced campers recommend researching specific site characteristics before booking. One RVer at Statesville RV Park I-77 advised, "Based on the previous reviews, this campground has come a long way. The road are freshly paved and the pull through sites are level. Some of the smaller sites appear to not be as well maintained but I'm sure this is on the list of the new owners."
Connectivity concerns: Cell service and internet access vary widely between campgrounds. A visitor reported, "Starlink was great for connectivity in most sites. Some sites are shaded around the edges and would be tough for starlink."
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways affects the camping experience at some locations. One RVer mentioned, "1 night stay while traveling the east coast. Sites are on top of each other with no privacy and limited shade. Only bathroom is at the main entrance so if you're not equipped with your own bathroom you're doing a lot of walking. Campground is right next to the interstate so you definitely could hear road traffic all night long."
