Best Campgrounds near Lincolnton, NC

The landscape surrounding Lincolnton, North Carolina features a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas suitable for multiple camping styles. Lake Norman State Park Campground, located approximately 30 miles east of Lincolnton, provides accommodations for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. John H. Moss Lake Campground, situated southwest of the city, offers water-oriented camping experiences with both tent and RV sites. Most developed campgrounds in the region maintain year-round operations, though reservations are recommended during summer months when visitation increases.

Access to campgrounds varies by location, with some areas requiring advance reservations while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Many campgrounds maintain paved or well-maintained gravel roads suitable for standard vehicles, though select locations may have steeper grades. "Indian Springs Campground has a steep entrance with a 7% grade, but we found this entirely manageable in our 24' motor home," noted one camper. Weather conditions remain relatively mild throughout the year, though summer humidity can be significant. Cell service is generally reliable at most developed campgrounds, with several locations offering WiFi connectivity. Most established campgrounds provide water hookups, electric service, and sanitation facilities.

Campers consistently rate water proximity as a key feature when selecting sites in the Lincolnton area. Cross Country Campground receives positive reviews for its family-friendly amenities including a swimming pool, playground, and recreational facilities. Several visitors mentioned the quieter atmosphere at John H. Moss Lake Campground as particularly appealing. According to one reviewer, "It's quiet, clean, and the grounds are well taken care of." Most developed campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and at least basic restroom facilities. The terrain throughout the region varies from lakeside settings to more wooded environments, with mixed levels of shade depending on the specific campground. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at several locations, particularly those adjacent to water features or natural areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Lincolnton, North Carolina (132)

    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. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, NC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 222-3209

    $13 - $31 / night

    "When not in the side, a short walk takes you to the Trading Post, a small store selling firewood ($7), ice, souvenirs, and sundries. Next to that is a large playground connected to a pavilion."

    "There are lots of trails close to the campground with one around a lake and a stream off of it. Facilities were very well maintained."

    3. South Mountains State Park Family Campground

    26 Reviews
    Casar, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 433-4772

    $27 - $32 / night

    "The family campground is a short distance further inside the park on the left side(approx 2 miles) marked by a small brown sign...and is situated at 1400 ft elevation. "

    "This campground is one way and exits into a trailhead parking area. There was one site that was in the parking area, would not be my first choice. Shaded sites with picnic tables and fire rings."

    4. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 853-5429

    $17 - $47 / night

    "The part of the park that is best to go to is the Sparrow Springs access, some folks may not be aware that there are actually several entrances to the park, and the main entrance with trails to the Crowder"

    "The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out."

    5. Cross Country Campground

    3 Reviews
    Denver, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 483-5897

    "Close to a pretty busy road, but The traffic noise doesn't seem bad. Most roads are paved and some are packed gravel."

    6. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, SC
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (980) 314-2267

    $15 - $33 / night

    "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area. Staff were polite and helpful. Washrooms are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean!"

    "The park is located southwest of Charlotte off of hwy 49 near Lake Wylie, SC."

    7. Indian Springs Campground

    6 Reviews
    Connelly Springs, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 397-5700

    "We were looking for someplace to stay near Hickory and we stumbled upon Indian Springs. "

    "This place is tucked away near a river, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, plus a nice laundromat. One of the quietest RV parks I've ever been to!"

    8. John H. Moss Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Shelby, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 482-7926

    $35 / night

    "The lake has great fishing."

    9. Statesville RV Park I-77

    18 Reviews
    Statesville, NC
    27 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."

    10. B&D Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 739-2958

    $400 - $500 / night

    "Great campground near Moss Lake, Shelby and Gastonia/Charlotte."

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Recent Reviews near Lincolnton, NC

663 Reviews of 132 Lincolnton Campgrounds


  • C
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Steele Creek Park & Campground

    Extra fees

    Sooo...went to book online. Selected my site and started the payment process. I was greeted by a pop-up stating that if I want to lock in my site, I'd have to pay an additional $20 fee.

    Okay, let me get this straight: I reserve a specific site for specific reasons, then the campground tells me they have the right to move me to a site of their choosing unless I pay them an additional $20?

    No thanks. Just lost my business. I'm sure it's a nice place, but really?

  • C
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Crown Cove RV Park

    Unfriendly and Poorly Maintained

    This is a very strange place. The vibe is way off. I stayed for 2 weeks and that was 2 weeks too long. The staff are not friendly or helpful. And they use THE RULES as a means to justify their behavior. They will literally yell at you. I have no idea who these people think they are. Don’t waste your hard earned money with people like this. Day One: Huge ant infestation. Spent the next several days exterminating. Not fun. Much of the sites are not well kept. Way out of level. I had requested an open sky for my Starlink connection. It seems like they gave me the only spot with tree cover. There are dozens of other vacant spots with an open view. Weird but okay… They will not accept packages. So, don’t bother ordering anything unless you can pickup at a nearby locker. This is crazy! One day a distraught camper with tears running down her face approached me while I was outside my rig. Turns out her dog died and she needed help moving the body. Maintenance told her they couldn’t help because of THE RULES. I, of course, helped her move the body to her car. This just seems inhuman.

  • Daniel W.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Midway Campground Resort

    Cozy and fun

    I came in early and they didn't mind so I could get some rest before my long ride. Staff super friendly and sites are nice. All accommodations available. 5 star from this guy.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Starlight Hills Campground

    Mudpit

    If it’s going to rain while you’re here, I suggest finding another campground. I don’t mind dealing dirt while I camp but at this point, it’s a mud pit and all of my gear is covered in mud. My gear cleanup is going to take 10x longer than it usually does! And be sure to treat your tent with permethrin or be prepared to have daddy long legs take over. I’ve been camping all my life and I’ve dealt with a few of them in between the roof of my tent and the rain fly….no big deal. But on my first night, there was at least 50 in there! I couldn’t leave my tent without having them crawl all over me and trying to get into the tent. It was like fighting a losing battle because there were so many and they just swarm you. Couldn’t even sit my feet still by the fire without having them crawl over my feet or up my chair. I know we’re just in the woods but it’s definitely not worth the money per night. All of the other campgrounds that I’ve payed this much for are on pea gravel with nice drainage or on grass….with nice amenities…or at least actual bathrooms, not porta potties. The camp host never came by my site like the messages that I received stated. Granted, he said to call if I needed anything and that they’re on property, but I never met anyone and when I would call, I got “hello” that’s it. Not “hello, this is ___” or “starlight hills campground, how can I help you”. Very impersonal. Will not be back.

  • Yuriy-Sarah G.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Growing Faith Farms & Retreat

    Best camping weekend!

    Our kids say,"leave them 10k stars on the review!" The best camping trip we've had in a long while. Location is private and secluded, yet within reasonable driving distance to stores and other attractions like hiking/biking/kayaking. The farm is beautiful, well-maintained, and the hosts super friendly and helpful. Love the water at the site(and electric is going to be even better soon!) and the convenience of the bathhouse. Plenty of great things to do locally, from hiking and waterfalls to apple picking. We had a wonderful weekend, and will certainly be back! Thanks!

  • K
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    Rundown

    This is ok is your passing though but it’s rundown.
    Older. Clean! But really needs to be updated!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!


Guide to Lincolnton

Camping near Lincolnton, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails available for hiking enthusiasts. For instance, at Spacious Skies Bear Den, you can enjoy great hiking right from the campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens. Great hiking right from the campground."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park has a lovely lake where you can cast your line. A visitor noted, "There is a beautiful lake at the campground, which allows several opportunities for fishing."
  • Exploring Nature: Lake Norman State Park Campground is perfect for nature lovers. One camper shared, "The park offers some very nice hiking trails. This time I just did the Lakeshore trail and the dogs had a blast."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At McDowell Nature Preserve, one reviewer said, "The bathrooms and laundry were very clean during our visit."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly and helpful staff. A visitor at Blue Bear Mountain Camp mentioned, "Mike and Pam were fantastic helping us get settled."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space to spread out. At Black Mountain Campground, a reviewer noted, "The campground was very clean, the people were friendly, and the bathhouses were some of the cleanest I’ve seen."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Kings Mountain State Park mentioned, "Site #48 is not level but not bad. Park is tidy and clean. Quiet on a Wednesday."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Linville Falls Campground advised, "I wasn’t able to book a site on short notice but about 10 sites were first-come-first-served."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at South Mountains State Park Campground noted, "I stayed in beautiful weather in October."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for children. At Bear Den Family Campground, one parent said, "Kids loved the playground and there were a lot of other kids to make friends with."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Lake Norman State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground also has beautiful little cabins."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Croft State Park Campground shared, "Saw some turtles while paddling, and there were frogs and lots of fireflies near our campsite."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to choose a level site for your RV. A reviewer at Kings Mountain State Park noted, "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at McDowell Nature Preserve mentioned, "Target is super nearby for any other last-minute needs."
  • Enjoy the Scenery: Take time to appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Blue Bear Mountain Camp said, "The site was beautiful, lots of space between campers."

Camping near Lincolnton, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there lakeside camping options near Lincolnton?

COE W Kerr Scott Reservoir Bandits Roost Campground offers prime lakeside camping with many waterfront sites. This campground has it all – swimming, kayaking, a boat launch, and hiking trails. Each unique site features a fire pit, picnic table, and grill, with many positioned right on the water. For another option, John H. Moss Lake Campground provides boat-in and drive-in access with water and toilet facilities. The campground is big-rig friendly and offers reservable sites, making it convenient for planning lakeside getaways near Lincolnton.

Where can I find seasonal campsites in the Lincolnton area?

For seasonal camping near Lincolnton, B&D Campground offers reservable sites with water, toilets, and big-rig accessibility, making it suitable for longer stays. Moravian Falls Family Campground is another option, though reviews suggest checking current conditions before booking. Many campgrounds in the region offer monthly or seasonal rates with discounts for extended stays. When considering a seasonal site, inquire about winter availability, utility metering policies, storage options, and whether the campground remains open year-round. Some locations may have waiting lists for premium seasonal spots, so planning ahead is essential.

Can I rent camping cabins around Lincolnton?

Spacious Skies Bear Den offers cabin rentals that provide an ideal blend of comfort and outdoor adventure for families. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and activities for all ages, it's perfect for those seeking a cabin experience. Another option worth considering is Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat, which features cabin accommodations in addition to their extensive dog-friendly amenities spread across 18 acres. When booking cabins, it's advisable to reserve well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as these comfortable alternatives to tent camping tend to fill quickly.

What are the best campgrounds near Lincolnton, NC?

The Lincolnton area offers several excellent camping options. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground is a top choice for hikers with its amazing trail system, though primarily a day-use facility. For RV enthusiasts, Cross Country Campground near Denver provides full hookups and is big-rig friendly. If you're looking for alternatives, consider Kings Mountain State Park or John H. Moss Lake Campground, both within reasonable driving distance. The region offers a mix of public and private facilities catering to different camping styles, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.