Camping options around Huntersville, North Carolina range from lakeside sites to mountain retreats. The region sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most campgrounds in the area stay open year-round with peak season running May through September.
What to do
Fishing and paddling: Lake Norman State Park Campground offers multiple access points for fishing and kayaking around its 520-acre shoreline. "We fished, rode bikes, hiked and saw plenty of wildlife. Not too close to the neighbors, and the camp host were nice," shares Caleb S. about their Lake Norman State Park Campground experience.
Hiking trails: Trails range from easy to moderate difficulty with lengths from 0.8 to 5 miles. "Nice, moderate hiking trails. Swimming and kayaking. You'll probably see deer but have never seen a bear," notes Fletcher S. about the trails at Lake Norman State Park.
Swimming beaches: Seasonal swimming areas operate from April through October at several parks. At McDowell Nature Preserve, "This 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," explains Nora C.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of bathrooms and shower facilities. "I have camped all across the US and this was the nicest and cleanest campground I have ever been in. Fantastic experience. I highly highly recommend!" reports Andrew G. about his stay at Lake Norman State Park.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers activities beyond just camping. "We had a blast; even with younger kids. RV sites and cabins, friendly staff, free shuttle to the amusement park, great community center, and more," says Joe G.
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Plenty of shade and plenty to do. We fished, rode bikes, hiked and saw plenty of wildlife," notes Caleb S. about Lake Norman State Park Campground.
What you should know
Campsite size and privacy: Some campgrounds have close quarters. At McDowell Nature Preserve, "there aren't many sites for RVs and some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks," warns Kathy L.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity. Spring brings occasional thunderstorms. "It stormed the second night we were there and we tried to make the best of the situation without having to pack up and just go home," shares Michelle L. about their experience at McDowell.
Reservation requirements: Kings Mountain State Park sites fill quickly during peak season. "We stayed in May for a weekend. It was full of people and kids. There were great trails for you and your pup's to go hiking on. The camp itself was clean and well maintained," notes Rachel R.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Most campgrounds with swimming areas charge small daily fees ($5-7) for access. "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 I.R. about Lake Norman.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreation areas. At Cross Country Campground, "They have plenty of activities for the entire family from basketball, volleyball, shuffle board, putt putt, a fishing pond, and a pool. Everyone at the campground is friendly," reports Josh Q.
Kid-friendly sites: Request sites close to bathhouses when traveling with children. "Friendly host, close to lake and well shaded, clean bathrooms, large enough tent sites, great for families," recommends S.H. S. about Lake Norman State Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks for uneven sites. "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," warns Richard E. about his experience at Kings Mountain.
Site size considerations: Choose sites carefully if you have a larger rig. "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction," cautions Karen S. about Kings Mountain State Park.
Full hookup availability: Call ahead to confirm hookup types as not all campgrounds offer sewer connections. "Most roads are paved and some are packed gravel," notes Jenny C. about Cross Country Campground's infrastructure.
