12 campgrounds with availability next weekend
State parks and national forests near Kings Mountain, North Carolina support a variety of tent camping experiences, from walk-in sites to backcountry options. Crowders Mountain State Park offers tent-only camping accessible via a one-mile hike from the Sparrow Springs access point. The park features individual and group campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads. South Mountains State Park, located about an hour north, provides backcountry tent camping at Little River and Upper Falls campgrounds. Primitive Camping By the Creek, just across the South Carolina border, offers secluded tent sites with creek access and basic amenities.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require some preparation for primitive conditions. Crowders Mountain's walk-in tent sites necessitate carrying all gear approximately one mile uphill on the Pinnacle Trail. Sites typically include fire rings and designated tent pads, but limited facilities beyond pit toilets. Water sources vary by location, with some requiring filtering from nearby creeks. At South Mountains State Park, campers should note that the Little River backcountry campground requires a 1.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain. Bear boxes are available at some backcountry sites, particularly in South Mountains State Park, where proper food storage is essential.
The terrain at many tent campsites presents both challenges and rewards for campers. One visitor to Crowders Mountain noted, "The 1.5 mile hike to the campsite was very much an uphill climb. It was extremely seclusive." This effort typically results in greater privacy and natural immersion. At South Mountains State Park, a camper reported that "the backcountry campsites were quiet and well-kept" even during busy holiday weekends when day-use areas were crowded. Sites at Upper Falls are particularly praised for their proximity to water sources, though campers are advised to bring filters. The walk-in nature of these tent-only campgrounds means fewer neighbors and more opportunities to experience the natural environment without vehicle noise or crowded conditions.
"This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead."
"I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing."
Available next weekend
from $17 - $47 / night
"On the campsite there is a lot of firewood to use, in a shed to keep it dry. There are log seats around a nice campfire with a picnic table. Lots of room for multiple tents."
"It was very helpful and greatly appreciated after the 11hr drive. The campsite was spacious for us to set up camp and keep the jeep nearby."
from $30 / night
from $40 - $60 / night
"Jacob Branch: Three sites arranged around a clearing. Two pit privies and a BEAR BOX! Woot!!"
"The hikes near the falls were quite busy on Memorial Day weekend, but the backcountry campsites were quiet and well-kept."
from $17 / night
from $17 / night
"Site 3&4 are my favorites because they are close to water access (bring a good filter). Plenty of trees to choose from for a hammock setup."
from $15 / night
"Excellent campground there’s ice and firewood so you don’t have to make special trips to the nearest convenience store. They charge it directly to your card. The host was wonderful."
"This is a brand new tent and cabin campground built by Duke Energy and run by McDowell county on Lake James."
from $21 - $36 / night
"Has fire pit and access to running water . No picnic tables and has vaulted toilets . But very nice place to get away from stress of life . Definitely will be back"
"If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes. Just be aware that there are no picnic tables. Still it's cheap and close to where we live in Spartanburg."
"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."
RangerWhen I’m traveling through the area, I do my best to stay here. It is a peaceful and well kept campground. It is an adult and a kid friendly environment. It’s one of the few places you can feel safe. I highly recommend this place.
TravelerIt’s a small, clean campground but we are next to a busy road (site 28) and also the entrance to the public access of Moss Lake. It’s a tight squeeze for us as a 33’ fifth wheel.
GuideTight fit, we stayed here with our 20ft trailer and it is a little tight. The site was at a slight angle and I noticed a lot of sites are the same way. Plus side is there is a security gate with code entry. Easy access to lake. Good clean boathouse and nice full hookups.
ScoutThe only problem I have with this app is you can’t find the campsite fees?
GuideEasy access and nice pool as well as little camp store.
TravelerI stayed for weeks in May 2026. The campground is easy to get to, with the non-seasonal sites convenient to the restroom, which is a well maintained vault toilet. The water spigot is there too. The wooded sites are pleasantly separate and equipped with only a fire ring, so bring any tables and chairs you may need. I had Verizon and had barely any connection at all. Starlink worked ok. Solar power is in short supply due to trees.
ScoutWe stayed here because of the proximity to Charlotte. Big rig friendly and FHU. Only wish they had a swimming area!
GuideI love the Lake James area. Very clean facilities and they were even bringing in fresh sand for the beach in preparation for the tourist season.
LegendWe pulled into Lake Norman State Park around 6 PM on New Year’s Eve, mainly because we didn’t want to drive a couple more hours to our original destination. We only planned to stay one night, but the campground surprised us—in the best way—and we ended up staying three nights instead.
There were plenty of available campsites, and every site we saw was at least decently spaced, with several feeling nicely secluded. The campground was quiet and well laid out. The bathhouse was clean and modern, and having water spigots available in the no-hookups loop was a big plus.
One of the highlights was riding our e-bikes on the Hawk, Hicks, Norwood Creek, and Monbo loops. These are the easier sections of the Itusi Trail system and were a lot of fun—though still a bit too unpaved for my wife’s taste😄. Even so, the hiking trail access from the campground made it easy to get out and explore.
This stop wasn’t planned at all, but it turned into one of those stays that makes you glad plans changed. We’ll definitely be coming back to Lake Norman State Park.
Check out all the sites in 360° in our video:
https://youtu.be/UzYublJ-BZg
Tent camping near Kings Mountain, North Carolina offers multiple backcountry and primitive options within a 60-mile radius. The region sits at the edge of the Piedmont and mountain transition zone, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,600 feet and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Summer temperatures typically reach the high 80s with evening lows in the 60s, making adequate hydration essential when hiking to remote campsites.
Fishing opportunities: The 6-acre lake at Lake Curriher Wilderness provides serene fishing spots. "Lots of fishermen... I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake," notes Ben S., who recommends the Point campsite, adding it's "a decent hike in. Great place."
Waterfall hiking: Upper Falls in South Mountains State Park features cascading water with swimming holes. "Upper Falls Campground is amazing during winter," reports Austin W., who camps at Upper Falls Backcountry Campground.
Creek exploration: Set up near running water at Primitive Camping By the Creek where Tim W. explains, "The creek is right beside the camp. Nice and secluded. Firewood was provided."
Secluded sites: Hippie Holler offers quiet camping free from crowds. "I found my happy place here at Hippie Holler! No kids or loud obnoxious other campers, felt at home, safe, understood and able to relax completely," shares Sherry M., noting it's a "Hidden Gem for the neurodivergants and chill seekers."
Well-maintained facilities: Black Bear Campground opened in 2023 and maintains clean amenities. "Either they keep the sites extremely clean after each guest, or we were the first to stay at our site," writes Brandon G., adding "the utilities are very clean and you don't feel extremely isolated."
Proximity to water: Many campsites offer creek or river access. At Primitive Camping By the Creek, Reid notes, "The campsite has a pretty creek and forest. On the campsite there is a lot of firewood to use, in a shed to keep it dry. There are log seats around a nice campfire with a picnic table."
Water accessibility: At Little River Backcountry Campground, be prepared for limited water options. "From the Little River campground, the closest water source is a creek 0.6 miles (1.2 miles round trip) away- filter it- the walk back to camp is a steep uphill," advises Danielle T.
Uphill climbs: Many backcountry sites require significant elevation gain. Julie L. warns about Upper Falls Campsite, "Get ready. You are about to hike up a LOT of sleep stairs."
Bear safety: Food storage considerations are essential at backcountry sites. Glacia C. notes Little River has a "BEAR BOX! Woot!!" and reminds visitors that "proper food storage is essential" while camping in the South Mountains.
Shinny Creek access: For families with children, consider specific areas of South Mountains State Park. "Perfect trip if you have kids…or just want something close by. It's only a bit over a mile to these four sites nestled by a stream," suggests Glacia C., who appreciates the "clear, flat sites" and notes "water access from every site within ten paces."
Beginner-friendly options: Crowders Mountain offers accessible trails. "Good campground for beginners of families with kids or those that love to hike," mentions Von B. about the wooded environment.
Gear transportation planning: When camping with children at Crowders Mountain State Park, Lisa L. reminds visitors, "There is a hike to the campsite from the parking lot so we definitely got our workout in bringing our gear in."
Limited RV hookups: RV campers should note most facilities near Kings Mountain are primitive. At Yates Family Camping, Mariah S. explains, "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."
Advance reservations: RV sites are limited and can fill quickly. Stephen R. notes about Yates Family Camping, "Well not much here, no office or bathrooms. Water and electric and a dump station."
Accessibility concerns: Most tent camping areas near Kings Mountain aren't suitable for RVs. For those needing special accommodations, Janet R. mentions that at Crowders Mountain, "those with permission to access the handicapped accessible campsites at the group camp can also get permission to drive to the top."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kings Mountain, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kings Mountain, NC is Crowders Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kings Mountain, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Kings Mountain, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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