Primitive camping opportunities near Cramerton include walk-in sites at Crowders Mountain State Park, accessible via a one-mile hike from the Sparrow Springs access point. The campground at McDowell Nature Preserve sits just 15 miles from Cramerton and offers both RV and tent sites in a wooded setting. These camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and amenities while maintaining proximity to both natural attractions and urban conveniences.
What to do
Hiking at multiple elevations: Crowders Mountain State Park features trails for various skill levels with significant elevation changes. One camper notes, "The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out."
Lake access for fishing: McDowell Nature Preserve provides direct access to Lake Wylie. "We basically lived here in a tent, for 2 weeks in 2013, while waiting to close on our house when moving to Charlotte. We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area," shares one visitor.
Swimming at lakeside beaches: During summer months, Lake Norman State Park opens its beach area for swimming. "The beach is nice but gets very busy during the summer months. Lots of hiking trails, with lots of people using the grills etc," mentions a visitor.
What campers like
Private, peaceful sites: Most campgrounds in the area offer secluded camping spots with natural buffers. A visitor to Lake Norman State Park Campground stated, "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."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out in many reviews. At Lake Norman, a camper mentioned, "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."
Gated security: Kings Mountain State Park and McDowell Nature Preserve both feature security measures. A McDowell visitor shared, "The camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe. I can't say enough good things here."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require significant leveling equipment. A Kings Mountain visitor warned, "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."
Limited activities at some parks: Not all campgrounds offer structured activities. One McDowell Nature Preserve camper noted, "What I didn't like was they had no activities like most other camp sites. They do have hiking trials and fishing until 8pm."
Airport noise concerns: Fieldridge Acres and several other campgrounds experience air traffic noise due to proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. "It is near the Charlotte airport, so there is noise from planes taking off and landing between 6 AM and 10 PM," states one review.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers direct access to the amusement park. "This campground is owned by carowinds and has free bus rides to and from the park from open until close. Bathhouses are private and clean," one visitor explains.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds feature bike-friendly paths suitable for children. A camper at Lake Norman observed, "It was surprisingly busy, almost all sites occupied. A lot of young families were here with their bikes."
Playground access: Multiple facilities include playground equipment within the camping areas. At Ebenezer Park, a visitor shared, "Fun beach within easy walk from campsite!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Many campgrounds have variable site sizes and layouts. A visitor to McDowell Nature Preserve advised, "There aren't many sites for RVs and some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks."
Full hookup availability: Ebenezer Park Campground offers complete services for RVs. "We where at site 50 and it was completely shaded. Super close to town to get supplies and dinner," according to one RVer.
Check-in procedures: Different parks have varying registration requirements. One Kings Mountain visitor cautioned, "1st thing was i received an email telling me to check in at trading post and had the wrong address. The trading post check in is in the campground!!"
