Camping near Waxhaw, North Carolina offers options within rolling piedmont terrain at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with mild winters rarely dropping below freezing and humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with peak season running April through October when wildflowers bloom along lake shores and hiking trails.
What to do
Free mini golf and recreation: Cane Creek Park provides complimentary putt-putt for registered campers along with lake activities. "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," notes a camper from Sarah B.
Hiking and paddling opportunities: McDowell Nature Preserve offers multiple hiking trails directly accessible from the campground that lead through wooded areas surrounding Lake Wylie. A regular visitor explains, "We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it. Holidays usually have some activities for kids." At Copperhead Island, despite its concerning name, you'll find "Great Lake access and nice kayaking" according to Kevin A., with rustic campsites accessible only by hiking or boating in.
Historical exploration: Located about 30 miles from Waxhaw, the Kings Mountain area combines camping with significant Revolutionary War history. A visitor noted, "Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event." The park features educational exhibits about the pivotal 1780 battle that helped turn the tide of the American Revolution.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses as a key feature at Cane Creek Park. Robert D., who stayed for nine days, reported "The campground is clean and well-maintained. The bathhouse is in good shape and clean." Another camper mentioned, "Clean bathrooms and hot showers" as standout features during their stay.
Lake recreation: Most popular campgrounds in the region offer water activities. At McDowell Nature Preserve, campers appreciate the natural setting minutes from urban areas. One reviewer explained, "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."
Affordable options: Andrew Jackson State Park Campground receives praise for value. "Campsite rates are very reasonable and all sites have electric and water and 3 sites also have sewer!" noted Laura A. The park's proximity to both Rock Hill and Charlotte allows for day trips while maintaining a budget-friendly home base for camping.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain requiring equipment to level RVs. At Kings Mountain, one camper reported: "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." This is common across multiple area campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends and holidays. At Cane Creek Park, Emily B. notes that despite being a local, securing spots can be difficult: "I don't live far from Cane Creek, so I take my two labs there almost every weekend for a good hike through the woods and they LOVE IT!" Regular visitors recommend booking 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Alcohol policies: Policies vary significantly between campgrounds. McDowell Nature Preserve and Cane Creek Park prohibit alcohol, with one visitor specifically noting: "No alcohol permitted" at Cane Creek. However, Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA allows alcohol and even features a convenience store and bar at its entrance.
Tips for camping with families
Holiday activities: Several campgrounds offer special programming during major holidays. At Cane Creek Park, Sarah B. shared: "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast." These events typically include crafts, nature programs, and seasonal activities like egg hunts or Halloween trick-or-treating.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting native wildlife on park trails. At Ebenezer Park Campground, families appreciate the shoreline access: "Fun beach within easy walk from campsite!" notes Frankie E. The beach area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing including waterfowl and occasional deer sightings at dawn and dusk.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for children. A McDowell visitor mentioned the campground has a "playground" while another noted the larger nature preserve surrounding it has additional "playgrounds, nature trails, fishing, and more" providing options for families seeking variety throughout multiple-day stays.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement issues: Several reviewers note challenges with hookup locations. At Kings Mountain, Karen S. observed: "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites." This requires extra planning for cord and hose length.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face limitations at several area campgrounds. While Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort is described as "big-rig friendly" with "full hookups including sewer connections," Andrew Jackson State Park presents challenges for larger rigs with one camper noting: "It is a great campground but tight fit for our 30 foot camper." Always verify maximum length restrictions before booking.
Route considerations: Access roads to some campgrounds present navigation challenges. Karen S. cautions about Kings Mountain: "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." Call ahead to ask about recommended approach routes for larger RVs.
