Best Campgrounds near Kannapolis, NC

North Carolina's Kannapolis area has several camping spots within an hour or two of town. Kings Mountain State Park draws campers who like hiking and checking out historical places, though the sites don't have much undergrowth between them for privacy despite the tall trees. Not far away, Lake Norman State Park Campground has bigger sites that work well for both tents and RVs, plus good bathrooms and shower buildings that families appreciate. You'll likely see deer and lots of birds around, so keep your food secured properly. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground gives you another option with good lake access if you want to fish or take a boat out. Watch out for uneven ground at some sites in these parks, which can make RV leveling tricky. If you're willing to drive further, you can reach the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains for more outdoor activities, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. Weather-wise, summer gets pretty hot and sticky around Kannapolis, while fall brings nicer temperatures and colorful leaves that make camping much more comfortable. Double-check any local rules before you head out to any of these spots.

Best Camping Sites Near Kannapolis, North Carolina (82)

    1. Lake Norman State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Troutman, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 528-6350

    $27 - $75 / night

    "LNSP is just a 45 minute drive from Charlotte and 1.5 hours from Asheville. The campsites are spacious, and surrounded by woods with plenty of shade to keep the summer heat in check."

    "After a beautiful drive through the woods, I arrived at my site. The pad was well maintained and clean. The lake was about 100 yards from my campsite, with a nice trail down to the waters edge."

    2. Lake Curriher Wilderness

    4 Reviews
    China Grove, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 857-4114

    $10 - $30 / night

    "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."

    "It’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."

    3. Camping World Charlotte Motor Speedway

    6 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 455-4445

    "Campground is huge & within walking distance of the raceway. Camping world is across the street if you forgot anything! Win!"

    4. Dan Nicholas Park

    19 Reviews
    Southmont, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 216-7803

    "Nice lake to walk around, but paddle boats and center were closed. Lots of ducks that were used to human presence and feeding. Located in a nice sized park. Would definitely go back."

    "Site next to one of the lake access trails. Spacious site. We were able to get our 37 ft camper level. Shaded so the a/c s were able to keep up with the heat no issue."

    5. Statesville RV Park I-77

    18 Reviews
    Statesville, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 873-5560

    $50 - $95 / night

    "You will hear the road 24/7 due to proximity of the interstate but its convenient to run chores or pull during your travel. The sites were fairly spacious for this type of place."

    "I have seen a complaint about highway noise. Well, when you stay at a campground with close, easy access to the Interstate, you can expect to hear it."

    6. Yates Family Camping

    3 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 773-9349

    "There aren’t really any extras here but if you’re just looking for reliable water/electrical/sewer and wifi near Charlotte this is a fantastic option."

    7. Cobble Hill RV Campground (Formerly) Carolina Rose

    11 Reviews
    Cooleemee, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 431-6383

    "We walked the RV sites and spotted several that were also very nice as well. They each seemed to offer a decent bit of privacy, which is nice."

    "We were looking for a place to stay that would be close to the venue and close to the bride’s family and happen upon this little gem. Full hookups (30 & 50 amp), WiFi and cable."

    8. Glenwood Acres RV Park

    1 Review
    Harrisburg, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 455-9282

    9. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 982-4402

    $17 - $107 / night

    "Morrow Mountain State Park, near Albemarle, NC, has something for everyone.  Many hiking and equestrian trails are within the park. "

    "Water spigot close by, the pressure is high so slowly lift the handle haha. The sites are not too close together. Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend."

    10. Cross Winds Family Campground

    9 Reviews
    Salisbury, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 853-4567

    $50 - $53 / night

    "We booked it online last minute, while driving & let ourselves in that evening (everything is clearly marked). The laundry & bathrooms are immaculate!!"

    "Large camper sites, walking trails, pool, playground, laundry facilities, store, and showers. Everything was very clean. Literally 5 minutes off the interstate, but very peaceful and quiet!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 82 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Kannapolis, NC

562 Reviews of 82 Kannapolis Campgrounds


  • madison F.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Cobble Hill RV Campground (Formerly) Carolina Rose

    good stop & stay

    campground being remodeled so bathhouses were a little walk away but not too inconvenient. pool was also closed for now BUT overall cute location. did park on site 59 (pull through) but was SUPER unlevel. cute pond and amphitheater too! has laundry as well.

    coolest part about this spot is that it’s about a 10 min drive into Catawba college town which was a super nice area for us being younger. perfect mix of Boulder & Philly :)

    hosts were SUPER friendly and nice :)

  • Lanna M.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Love Valley Campground

    Clean

    Probably the second cleanest campground I had ever been to

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Asheboro

    Great stay

    Campground has many things to do for the Littles. I would recommend renting the “off road” golf cart for fun. The only negative is the lack of bath houses. Although we have a full bathroom in our camper we typically use the showers at the campgrounds. There were only 2 bathhouses in the campground. Our site was well shaded and enough space between the sites.

  • wesley L.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Tanglewood Park

    Shaded and clean

    No permanent sites so it's clean with no clutter, host greeted upon arrival, lots of access to hike/bike trails, near park with ponds, pool, ball courts. Several sites including mine very hard to level

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Arrowhead Campground

    Perfect spot

    Nicely spaced, shaded, and quiet camp ground. A lot of people camp here with their jeeps, sidexsides, and 4wheelers. The bathrooms and showers aren’t fancy but are clean. There’s a boat ramp right by the entrance. Overall an awesome camp ground!

  • 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.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dan Nicholas Park

    We will be back for sure

    Site next to one of the lake access trails. Spacious site. We were able to get our 37 ft camper level. Shaded so the a/c s were able to keep up with the heat no issue.

  • D
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Dan Nicholas Park

    Beautiful campground

    Very limited wi-fi, dated bathrooms, most amenities closed

  • 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.


Guide to Kannapolis

Camping near Kannapolis, NC, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have access to scenic trails. For instance, at Kings Mountain State Park, you can enjoy well-marked hiking paths. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were very well marked and maintained."
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing, Morrow Mountain State Park Campground offers lake access for fishing and boating. A reviewer noted, "There is lake access for boating and fishing."
  • Historical Sites: Explore the nearby National Military Battlefield at Kings Mountain. One camper shared, "The park is very pretty with all the trees, but the campsites themselves are very unlevel."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level, which can be a hassle for setting up tents or RVs. A camper at Badin Lake Campground noted, "The sites are not all level, so pay attention to the description."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. For example, Andrew Jackson State Park Campground has basic facilities, and a visitor mentioned, "The bathhouse is typical state park bathhouse."
  • Crowded During Peak Times: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Cane Creek Park said, "Spent two nights there. Campground is county run so the park ranger regularly patrols."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Iron City Campground has a playground that kids love. One parent shared, "They have added a nice playground."
  • Safety: Choose campgrounds with security features. A visitor at McDowell Nature Preserve mentioned, "The campground is guarded by two gates."
  • Activities for Kids: Look for places with nearby lakes or trails for exploration. A camper at Lake Norman State Park Campground said, "The park offers some very nice hiking trails."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Always check site descriptions for level ground. A reviewer at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground advised, "Some electric sites are better suited to those tent camping but wanting electricity."
  • Dump Stations: Make sure to locate dump stations before setting up. A visitor at Kings Mountain State Park noted, "The dump stations also need a lot more gravel."
  • Space for Big Rigs: If you're in a larger RV, check if the campground is big rig friendly. A camper at Iron City Campground mentioned, "Level lots, nice pool, enclosed dog lot."

Camping near Kannapolis, NC, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Kannapolis, NC?

For those seeking quality camping experiences near Kannapolis, Badin Lake Campground in Uwharrie National Forest stands out with its spacious sites, excellent water access, and beautiful views. The campground offers 34 sites spread across two loops, with the lakeside loop providing direct water access. Another excellent option is Morrow Mountain State Park Campground near Albemarle, offering diverse camping experiences with drive-in, boat-in, and hike-in access. While not as close, adventure seekers might enjoy the hiking opportunities at Crowders Mountain State Park, though it's primarily a day-use facility. Most campgrounds in the region are open spring through fall, with summer bringing the busiest periods.

Where can I park my RV near Kannapolis?

RV owners visiting Kannapolis have several convenient options. Norwood Campground offers full RV accommodations with amenities including a fishing pond, swimming pool, and on-site store. For a more natural setting, Arrowhead Campground in Uwharrie National Forest provides RV-friendly sites. If you're looking for free overnight parking, both Mooresville Sam's Club and The Home Depot in Cornelius offer spacious lots away from busy highways for quiet overnight stays. For those attending events, Camping World at Charlotte Motor Speedway near Concord provides water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces. Most RV parks in the area offer hookups and reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.

Are there affordable tent camping options in the Kannapolis area?

Budget-conscious campers near Kannapolis have excellent affordable options. Uwharrie National Forest Yates Place offers free dispersed camping with no reservations required—perfect for spontaneous adventures and reconnecting with nature. Another cost-effective option is Dan Nicholas Park near Salisbury, offering both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with basic amenities like water and toilets at reasonable rates. For those willing to hike in, dispersed camping throughout Uwharrie National Forest provides secluded experiences along the Little River, accessible by boat or hiking trails. Most affordable sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early on weekends is recommended. These options typically offer primitive experiences with limited amenities but maximum nature immersion.