If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Gastonia, look no further. Finding a place to camp in North Carolina with your tent has never been easier. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Gastonia's most popular destinations.
Tent camping only - No RV spaces. All campsites at Crowders Mountain State Park are hike-in and primitive. Campground is accessed via a 1 mile trail starting from the visitor center.
Primitive camping by the creek currently has 2 very private camp sites. Fire pits and wood is provided at each site. Picnic tables are also available. We are currently open 7 days a week, 12 months of the year. Each site is primitive and private - We have one potable water spigot, and a outhouse with working toilet, which is shared between the two campsites. No electricity (generates are allowed). Each site has a max, of 6 to 8 persons. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.
Campers/small RV's/Vans are allowed, sites are level and drive through. Trash bins are provide at each site.
We are located less than a 1/2 mile from Interstate 85, at exit 104. There are gas stations (with showers), convenient stores and restaurants close by.
We are within 15 minutes drive to horse, bike, and hiking trails. Kings Mtn State Park, Kings Mtn National Park and Crowders Mtn State Park.
If you have any question contact David @ 864-761-6297.
$30 / night
$40 - $60 / night
$10 - $30 / night
Camping - Primitive and require a hike in of 1.5 miles Please note that fees and permits are required for all overnight stays, including backcountry camping. Backcountry campers must make a reservation online or by calling 1-877-722-6762 before setting up at a campsite. Campers can make same-day reservations up until 9:00pm the day of your arrival. Upon arrival, use the self-check-in through the Reserve America Camping App. Site ATTENTION BACKCOUNTRY CAMPERS Please be advised that these sites will ONLY accomodate a maximum of 6 people. If your group has more than 6 people, additional sites will need to be reserved. Sink gratefully into your sleeping bag after a day of hiking at South Mountains and fall asleep in the stillness of the forest. Twenty-four backpack camping sites are offered in seven areas of the park. Permit and fees are required to camp overnight. Please visit the visitor center prior to hiking to your campsite to fill out the permit and pay the fees. A kiosk outside the visitor center allows campers to register and pay the fees if they arrive when the visitor center is closed. These sites are designated on the park map, and hiking distances to each backpack camping site vary. Each camping area has a pit toilet located nearby. All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. To drink water from nearby creeks and streams, use a filtration device or boil the water for at least five minutes. Below is a listing of the backpack campsites and the distance between the campsites and the Jacob Fork parking area: Upper Falls – 1.4 miles 1.5 MILE HIKE TO CAMPSITES Maximum group size of 6 people per site. At the park office, back country campers must record the tag numbers of all vehicles left overnight. Water can be found most of the year in a nearby stream. Water must be filtered prior to use. Fires only in fire ring. A North Carolina State fishing license (basic) and the special trout fishing license are required to fish. Licenses are not sold at the park. Please arrive a minimum of 1 hour prior to sunset to allow time to get to the camping area before dark. North Carolina State park rules and regulations are posted in each park and enforced by rangers. Violating these rules and regulations is a misdemeanor and may result in a fine and revocation of permit. Alcoholic beverages, firearms (including fireworks) and other weapons are prohibited. Campers with a proper permit may possess a concealed handgun in permitted areas. Park Hours: November -- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM; December through February -- 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; March, April and October -- 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM; May through September 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Pets are allowed except in park buildings. They must be on a leash no longer than six feet and cannot be left unattended. Posted quiet hours are enforced. Building fires in undesignated areas is prohibited. Unlicensed vehicles and motorcycles, golf carts, ATVs and mini-bikes are prohibited with the exception of mobility-aid devices used by a mobility-impaired person. All vehicles are prohibited from walkways, trails and other areas not designated for such purposes. State vehicle and traffic laws are enforced, and the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. North Carolina State parks are wildlife sanctuaries. No hunting is allowed and collecting plants, minerals and artifacts is prohibited. State fishing regulations are enforced. ** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground.
$15 / night
Poulous Loop offers a rustic camp setting ideal for exploring the area's hunting opportunities. The surrounding forest environment sustains abundant wildlife populations, making it one of the most desirable hunting areas in the state. During big-game and turkey seasons, the campground is open for hunters. From early January through late March groups can reserve the entire camp for events. Families, churches and clubs might like to reserve the camp for reunions, get togethers and campouts. Other recreation opportunities in the area include trail riding, birding and wildlife viewing, berry picking and photography. Nearby, try your hand at fishing the Broad River at the Woods Ferry Picnic Area. Click here for a printable guide.
Family Owned and Operated, "Hiddenite Family Campground" is open for camping year round; with 37 full hookup sites, upgraded tent sites, and numerous primitive tent sites, nestled in peaceful wooded surroundings along the South Yadkin River. Come enjoy our animals, large pool and explore our 30+ acres of pure nature! Rates start at $25/nightly for primitive tent sites and $50/night for full hook up sites (Rates are for 2 adults. Children under 18 stay free)
$25 - $50 / night
Scout
I have going to this site BEFORE it was a state park. They developed it has a tent camping and put in two outhouses (pit toilets). It was easy to go camp without reservations anytime. The they installed the nice bathrooms and two RV sites. Good Luck making a reservation. It stays booked. The campground has a creek running beside it. It is stocked with trout a few times each year. You MUST have all of your NC Licenses. Be sure to pay attention to what season it is and what bait you can use. Hiking is great. Beautiful waterfall. NO PHONE reception. My wife loves it. There are 16 tent sites with no power and two RV sites with power. We love it.
Scout
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!
Traveler
we tent camped here before and it was lovely.
Traveler
Stayed 1 night at a tent site. Had a hot shower and facilities were nice. Each site has a ring for fire/grill/ picnic table.
Only has 3 tent sites. I don' think tent campers can stay at the others. I didn't see the tent pad that they had at my site and just pitched the tent on the ground.
FYI you have to call up to make reservations. I arrived late and they gave me the code to the bathrooms over the phone and the wifi password.
you could hear road noise at night but didn't bother me.
Traveler
Friendly host, close to lake and well shaded, clean bathrooms, large enough tent sites, great for families.
Scout
Beautiful nature preserve with large 50+ site campground. Tent sites around $28. Within 6 miles of stores and amenities. Helpful camp hosts know which sites may be best for certain equipment.
Scout
It's a very nice campground with very friendly people and nice trails around. The only issue which wasn't big for me due to tent camping, the sites looked washed out and very unlevel so depending on camper or RV might take some work getting level!
TravelerI carefully scouted online and got a great site for our tent camping (wouldn’t have been great for RVs) but there were definitely some awful sites to be had. Restrooms were clean and well stocked. Nicely stocked store. Living history farm was disappointing - not much to look at and not enough signs.
Scout
It’s not a campground really. it has places for rv’s maybe a tent site. but it is basically by the interstate and just a place to stay. cabins are nice but again they are just beside the rv’s. no scenery at all. the employees are real nice also
ScoutI would give the short term side of this campground 3 stars. the sites are adequate. Trash is collected daily. They have a decent pool, a small mini golf area and small playground. Out of 2 bath houses only one is open, the other is closed for repairs indefinitely. They did close the large tent area and open a few premium tent sites.
ScoutNice campground for hiking, historic buildings nearby and a great camp store. Lots of regulars it seems. Sites are close but not a negative. Lots of loud neighbors the weekend that we were there. Beautiful water areas, great places to take photographs lots of friendly people. Our site was private and not too far from the tent camping area. Bathrooms were nice and kept well.
Guide
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. Clean and nice location. 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. Great place.
ScoutThis campground is just minutes from Charlotte, but secluded from the city noise. Nice open spaces with shade. No views to speak of but several short trails and nice areas around Lake Wylie. Clean facilities and secured gate with easy access after hours for paid campers. Spaces have offerings and picnic tables. RV and tent sites with water and electric.
Traveler
We were not able to make our reservation check-in time at another campground. We called Grandview and the gentleman was very friendly and told us there was a drop box for the money for a tent site. He explained how to get to the tent area and we had no trouble finding it. To me it seemed like a fairly new campground and it felt very welcoming. Would definitely stay here again.
Scout
We live close so this is usually our summer go to for an over night. we like to swim and fish. Ithas a nice playground for kids. it is pet friendly. I prefer to stay on the wooded side. We tent camp and like that every site has electric and water. The camp store doesn’t really have much so we bring everything with us. there is a nice gas station less than a mile away we get coffee from there in the mornings.
LegendThis review is probably not representative of what will be many people’s experience or opportunity, as I visited in November in the off season, albeit an unusually warm weekday! Cane Creek Park is a county park that is of state park caliber. It is located south and east of the town of waxhaw, and an easy drive from Charlotte. It is a large park on both sid s of a large lake, beautifully maintained, clearly with a variety of family recreational activities that are surely heavily used in the high season. The park offers everything from day use, to car and rv camping, to hike in tent sites and wilderness group areas, to cabins. This review is for the hike in tent sites, which are large, well spaced, heavily wooded and private, with lake access for good fishing and paddling. There are restroom and shower facilities in walking distance, though not at the campsites themselves. This is a simpler and quieter camping opportunity than the drive in sites. In fact, no one else was in this section of the campground on this fine autumn day, yet the weather was beautiful and the setting so peaceful. I would recommend this campsite location for fall camping
Legend
Following highways signs looking for this campground I didn’t know what to expect. I was hoping for a tent site but wasn’t sure what I would find. In this area I had seen many RV parka but few tent site areas so I was pleased to pull up and see tents!
When I went into the office I was greeted by a very pleasant woman who gave me a map and told me a bit about the camp, which included a nice restroom/laundry and pool area (seasonally open).
They also offered WiFi and hiking trails right in the camping facility which was right up my alley!!
I arrived just before the end of the summer season so everything was up and running and it was perfect! The camp offers a small camp store and is also relatively close to other stores in neighboring town.
TIPS:
Opt for a spot a little further away from the office, it is quieter and closer to trails.
Drive slowly on the way out to the campsite, not just on the gravel road but on the main road, there are several patrols right before the turn off which use the hill area for a good hiding spot because the hill causes you to speed if you are a bit heavy. BE MINDFUL!
GuideTent camping can get cramped but you won't feel that way here! The set up here is great, pads are level and big, picnic tables aren't chained down so you can move them where you need them. The showers/bathrooms are brand new and CLEAN! You are going to feel spoiled because you are. Trails lead right off the camp grounds making it easy to get up and make the most out of every day you get to spend here. The only thing lacking is a camp host but rangers patrol at night and are happy to drop you some wood if you flag them down.
GuideThis was a good park. We stayed here a few time. I will say the staff is a hit or miss. They are polite but not friendly at times. The pool is pretty cool, but can get crowded. The best part it is extremely close to the state park and Lake Norman. You can drop in kayaks, fish, or just get out on a hike. It is an easy off and on highway. Down side is depending where your spot is of how loud it is. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. The tent sites are well established and they are very organized.
ScoutIn full disclosure. We bought a camper and decided on this campground as our maiden voyage. It’s close to the dealer we bought the camper from, and had available sites on short notice.
We’ve tent camped here before and enjoyed our stay and will this time as well.
I’ve never towed a camper before and I’m still learning. Any sites that have a moderate slope can be a challenge. Especially to a newbie.
I’m this case we made it work using leveling chocks on one side of the camper. No complaints. We wish we made a better site selection that’s more level. Lol.
A nice quiet place that’s well maintained, but with minimal amenities. We like the quiet and hiking trails and enjoy our stays here.
GuideWe stayed in the new glamping cabin #2. Very clean, comfortable bed, nice AC, lovely porch to relax on. All cabins are in walking distance to the bathrooms and showers. Those as well were pretty clean for a camp ground, I was pleasantly surprised. The path to the bathrooms light up at night so you can find your way very easy in the dark. Camp ground itself was very clean and I often saw the staff working on cleaning it and interacting with the campers. The designated swimming area was like a piece of heaven. Small not to overly packed, very clean beach. We plan on coming pack to do tent camping with our dog, fantastic family or romantic couple retreat.
GuideLocated just outside historic Waxhaw NC, Cane Creek is part of the NC Soil Conservative Sites. They offer day passes,$4.00 per car where you can launch you kayak canoe or fishing boat. If you like Bass Fishing, they rank as one of the best spots around. They have swimming areas for both day users and one for campers. This really is a gem within Union Co NC. The campground is on the other side of the lake. They have camping for RV’s, Cabin Rentals and tent sites for either large groups or individuals. The hiking trail is beautiful and takes you around the whole lake. Watch for horses, as this is a great place for riders too.
GuideIt’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. The regular tent “loop” is just one big open field with few trees around it, so there’s absolutely no privacy. If you end up with someone who want to be rowdy, you are in for a long night.
The gates close at 5pm during the fall/winter. Slightly around that time, the retired police chief came around to introduce himself and give me his cell number. He is just up the street and was kind to offer this for extra safety.
No showers, which we didn’t know until after we got here, saw the one bathroom, and realized there was not a shower. There is an outdoor shower.
The water at our site is not working which is a bummer but we can use the water at the outside shower. It’s non-potable but we have a filter and boil it before using it.
It’s nice to have a little store (in the office) to grab bait, snacks, or other goodies.
Legend
Croft State Park is a really nice campground for RV and travel trailer camping. For tent camping, it is just okay. I say that because of the gravel surfaces at the campsites. Fortunately, I took a cot to sleep on, for even with a foam pad and an air mattress, I think sleeping would be uncomfortable. The site I stayed on did have water and electricity, which was fortunate since it is very hot there in August. My mistake was not taking a large enough fan.
The bath house was conveniently located, and it was air conditioned. There were hot showers, and when I say hot, I mean hot. If you take a shower in their bath house, I suggest that you do not turn the water all the way to hot to begin with. Otherwise, you will burn yourself. Although there was a soap dispenser in the bath house, you will need to take your own soap. The dispenser was empty.
There is a beautiful lake at the campground, which allows several opportunities for fishing. There is a fishing dock and several types of watercraft rentals. There is also miles and miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. I was amazed at the number of trails.
Another section of the park is devoted to equestrian camping, and there is even a show arena. For those who want to primitive camp, there is a place for that as well. I would have given the campground four stars, but because of the gravel sites and the yellow jackets, I could only give it three. The yellow jackets were out of control.
I would suggest some pest control measures. I realize that most campers are in RVs and travel trailers, but tent campers also need a more appropriate place to camp than on large gravel surfaces.
Legend
This campground is off the beaten path, literally. It is out in the country, and without a GPS, I would have had a difficult time finding it. I had written the directions down from the website, but at night, it takes some maneuvering to look at directions and find country road signs in the dark. The campground is close to its namesake town of Hiddenite, which is a famous gem mining area known for gemstones such as hiddenite (spodumene), emeralds, sapphires, etc. I didn’t realize when I got to the campground that it also was a place for people to come watch their Christmas lights display. All of the mobile homes and RVs were lit for a beautiful display. When I first tried to book a reservation, I had to fill out an online request. After two days, I hadn’t heard back and I was going in that direction on my way home. I decided to take a chance. I stopped at the entry to what I think was the campground/Christmas lights display entrance. After a few minutes, a gentleman came out to ask me if he could help me. I told him I had contacted the campground two days ago, and after that I followed his golf cart to where he showed me a few places I could park my teardrop for the night. It had water, electricity, and sewer, as most of the sites do, and it was close to the creek. It had rained quite a bit a few days ago, so the grassy site was soft with ruts. They do allow tent camping, which is good to know for future reference. It appeared to me that most of the other campers here were permanent residents. When I went to the bath house, I was told the ladies’ bathroom was not working, so if I hear a woman in there I would know why. Most of the campers, however, would be using the facilities in their own RVs/trailers. During the summer, the bath house wouldn’t be so bad, but it was cold and there was no heat. The concrete walls made it feel even colder. There was hot water, however, but I chose not to take a shower there since I was only three hours from home and I would be leaving the next morning. The floor needed sweeping and somebody left beard hair all over the one sink. The host was very nice, and the campground served my needs for an overnight stay. There are a swimming pool and a playground for children. The road coming into the campground is dirt as was the road within the campground. There are shady spots in the campground with pull-through and back-in sites. Although the Christmas lights were on until I went to sleep, it didn’t seem to bother me that much, and other than the synchronized Christmas music, it was quiet. It would be interesting to see how the campground is during the summer.
Legend
I saw state park and was excited about the potential of another great site in North Carolina. I was not disappointed in that it offered amazing hiking. But signs clearly depicted it to be a day use only facility which was a little bit of a bummer.
I spent the afternoon hiking on a trail which was marked moderate but I’d honestly say was more strenuous. Lots of people come to do the Tower hike here!!
When I pulled out I saw even more signs just further reminding me of the day use …. for camping it’s a 1 (which is what matters on this site) however for the activities it is a 4. I found it to be a good compromise to give it a 3 overall because I did like the site, just wish it had organized camping because limited information was available about permits for potential back country camping like I had seen on here.
ScoutEven though we only stayed one night, we had a blast! Restrooms were very clean and well maintained. The tent pad was large enough to setup our 8 man tent and 2 man tent, and lewve us plenty of room for our kitchen setup and room around the fire pit.
Tent camping near Gastonia, North Carolina offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gastonia, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gastonia, NC is Crowders Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
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