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Best Campgrounds near Gastonia, NC

461 Reviews

The Gastonia area of North Carolina provides a strategic base for camping with several established options within a 30-mile radius. Kings Mountain State Park in neighboring South Carolina offers tent and RV camping with basic amenities, while Crowders Mountain State Park features hiking trails and limited camping opportunities. McDowell Nature Preserve, situated on Lake Wylie, provides year-round camping with both primitive sites and those with hookups. B&D Campground near Moss Lake receives positive reviews for its spacious sites, with one visitor noting it's "great campground near Moss Lake, Shelby and Gastonia/Charlotte."

Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during summer and fall weekends. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with some sites offering reliable connectivity while others have limited or no service. Weather conditions remain mild enough for year-round camping, though summer humidity can be challenging. Many campgrounds feature water access, with fishing opportunities at lakes like Wylie and Norman. Hiking trails at Crowders Mountain can be strenuous, as one visitor noted: "I spent the afternoon hiking on a trail which was marked moderate but I'd honestly say was more strenuous." Road access to most established campgrounds is generally good, with paved roads leading to most facilities.

Lakeside camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several campgrounds offering water access. McDowell Nature Preserve stands out for its proximity to Charlotte while maintaining a natural setting. A visitor observed: "It feels so remote but is literally minutes from the full metropolis of Charlotte." Bathroom facilities vary widely between locations, with McDowell receiving praise for "the cleanest and most well designed bathrooms I've ever seen in a campground." Noise levels differ between sites, with some campgrounds like Iron City experiencing occasional disruption from a nearby racetrack. Campers seeking quiet might prefer state park options or sites farther from major highways, as roadway noise affects some campgrounds closer to interstates.

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Best Camping Sites Near Gastonia, North Carolina (91)

    1. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, SC
    11 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."

    2. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 853-5429

    $17 - $47 / night

    "The part of the park that is best to go to is the Sparrow Springs access, some folks may not be aware that there are actually several entrances to the park, and the main entrance with trails to the Crowder"

    "The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out."

    3. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, NC
    15 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."

    4. Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    20 Reviews
    Rock Hill, SC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 366-6620

    "We live nearby so this is a nice little place to camp at. Nice sites, close to places to eat. Bathhouse was clean and well kept."

    "This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"

    5. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    18 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."

    6. Iron City Campground, Inc.

    25 Reviews
    Blacksburg, SC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 491-2874

    $40 - $45 / night

    "ICC is a nice place just over the NC border on I85 in SC. Very close to Charlotte and Greenville areas. Lots of southern pines provided shade."

    "Our site was very level and tucked back in the corner of the campground. If we are ever in the area again we would definitely stay here again."

    7. Hippie Holler

    1 Review
    Bessemer City, NC
    5 miles

    $40 - $60 / night

    8. John H. Moss Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Shelby, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 482-7926

    $35 / night

    "The lake has great fishing."

    9. Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    11 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 548-1148

    $62 / night

    "We came here to do some trailer maintenance and because it is very close to home. We were not expecting it to be a great camping experience, but we’re pleasantly surprised!"

    "Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig. We could have fit a couple more vehicles if we had them. In addition there is a fuel station out front."

    10. B&D Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 739-2958

    $400 - $500 / night

    "Great campground near Moss Lake, Shelby and Gastonia/Charlotte."

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Recent Camping Photos near Gastonia, NC

145 Photos of 91 Gastonia Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gastonia, NC

461 Reviews of 91 Gastonia Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Eden in Lancaster SC

    4.5 STARS Peaceful area.

    This is a nice place to stay for a peaceful and quiet getaway. It’s a good place to relax. The owner is very nice and accommodating to your needs. You’re about 10 minutes away from the town of Lancaster, South Carolina.

  • 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

  • J
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Golden Valley

    Disgusting with horrible customer service. Scam!

    Checked in around 6:00. The guy checking us in told us that the golf carts haven’t been working on hills(the whole place is hills) and to let it cool down for 10 minutes at a time if it overheats. We go to the cabin, which is littered outside with used baby wipes, get settled in, and by 8:10 realize the kitchen is infested with ants. Dozens of ants covering the appliances, counters, and kitchen sink. We asked for help and were told that maintenance would come to our cabin. They never showed up. We called the emergency line and it didn’t work, just put us in an endless loop and then hung up on us. Over and over again. We stayed that night because what other choice did we have? No one was available to help us with literally anything. Following morning, we pack up our stuff and tell the staff we’re leaving and all of our issues and ask for a refund on the room we spent 15 reluctant, ant-filled hours in. They escalate to a manager, and then tell us that another manager will call us“shortly”. The call never came. You don’t get what you pay for here. What’s advertised is a complete lie. You pay for a full kitchen? Too bad—you can’t cook or even store food here because there’s ants everywhere. Paid several hundred dollars for a golf cart to get around? It only works when it wants to. Call the emergency line for assistance? Yeah right! We spent$2k and they’re trying to dodge us for a refund. Disgusting place, disgusting behavior.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Croft State Park Campground

    Outdoor adventure awaits

    37 ft pull behind and we stayed at the upper campground (not the lakeside) close to the trail that takes you down to the creek for a swim. Lots of hiking and biking to be done which is always a great time.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Zeek A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Lake Hickory RV Resort

    Beautiful spot. Beautiful people.

    My dog and I are on a cross-country trip, on foot, on our way to NY, IL, IA, etc...with our final destination being California. We needed a safe place to sleep, and though this place doesn't rent tent spots, the people here (residents and visitors) have been very friendly. Rasa (doggo) and I weren't supposed to stay here in a tent, but we did and everyone here have been very friendly and understanding. The lake is beautiful and so are the people. Love this place. Too bad they don't cater to tent campers. I was willing to pay whatever just to have a safe place for Rasa and I for the night, but, alas, we had to sorta sneek in. Still, we received no trouble and, man, what a lovely morning!

  • k
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Lekotawind

    This is a beautiful campground. It is well maintained and the staff are excellent to work with. Very clean.

Guide to Gastonia

Camping near Gastonia, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly campgrounds to serene spots for solo adventurers, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses at Lake Norman State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The bath house was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff at Iron City Campground, Inc.. One guest mentioned, "Lisa is the best host."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Bear Den Family Campground. A review stated, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities. A camper noted, "Don’t expect much in the way of accommodations so come prepared."
  • Site Conditions: At Kings Mountain State Park, some sites can be unlevel. One visitor commented, "The campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly."
  • Crowded Areas: Campers at McDowell Nature Preserve found the sites close together. A review mentioned, "It did feel like everyone was very close together."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Iron City Campground, Inc.. One parent said, "Fun for kids: pool with splash mushroom; playground."
  • Safety Measures: Choose campgrounds with security, such as Cane Creek Park. A visitor noted, "The campground is county run so the park ranger regularly patrols, making it feel safe."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for places with hiking trails and fishing spots, like South Mountains State Park Campground. One reviewer shared, "Great hiking right from the campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Check for level sites at campgrounds like Lake Norman State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "Site was paved and level."
  • Access to Amenities: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, such as Bear Den Family Campground. One review stated, "The campground host were courteous and friendly."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for narrow and hilly roads at places like Kings Mountain State Park. A visitor noted, "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy."

Camping around Gastonia, NC, has its perks and quirks. Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a solo retreat, there are plenty of options to explore!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in and around Gastonia, NC?

The Gastonia area offers several excellent camping options. B&D Campground stands out as a great choice with proximity to Moss Lake, Shelby, and the Charlotte metro area. For outdoor enthusiasts, Crowders Mountain State Park provides amazing hiking trails with spectacular views. If you're willing to drive a bit further, McDowell Nature Preserve offers lakeside camping with educational programs and clean facilities. Lake Norman State Park is another solid option just 45 minutes from Charlotte, featuring spacious wooded sites and water recreation opportunities. Kings Mountain State Park is also worth considering for its variety of camping options and historical significance.

Are there tent camping options near Gastonia, NC?

Tent campers have several great options near Gastonia. South Mountains State Park Family Campground offers spacious tent sites in a scenic mountain setting with excellent hiking trails and a visitor center. McDowell Nature Preserve provides a more accessible tent camping experience with lakeside sites, walking trails, and newly renovated washrooms. For those looking for a unique experience, Anne Springs Close Greenway offers primitive tent sites circling the paths surrounding Lake Haigler, though availability should be verified as they've undergone renovations. Lake Norman State Park also welcomes tent campers with shaded sites that help keep summer heat in check.

What RV parks and campgrounds are available near Gastonia, NC?

RV enthusiasts have several options around Gastonia. Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat is perfect for those traveling with dogs, offering special amenities across 18 acres devoted to canine companions. Indian Springs Campground provides RV sites near Hickory, though experiences vary among campers. For those seeking more amenities, Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA offers full-service RV sites with easy access to Charlotte attractions. Croft State Park Campground can accommodate RVs up to 37 feet with access to hiking and biking trails. Lake Norman State Park also welcomes RVs with spacious sites surrounded by woods. Always verify size restrictions and available hookups before making reservations.

Where can I find affordable or low-cost camping near Gastonia?

Budget-conscious campers near Gastonia have several affordable options. For those with self-contained setups, overnight parking at Mooresville Sam's Club provides a free option with a spacious lot, good cell signal, and a peaceful setting away from busy highways. Similarly, The Home Depot — Cornelius offers free overnight parking with shade trees, good lighting, and security cameras. Public campgrounds like Kings Mountain State Park and Crowders Mountain State Park typically offer more affordable rates than private facilities. John H. Moss Lake Campground near Shelby provides reasonably priced camping with water access. Always call ahead to confirm current rates and availability.

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