22 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers luxury canvas accommodations and glamping options within minutes of Matthews, North Carolina. Located adjacent to the Carowinds amusement park, this upscale outdoor destination features premium glamping units with comfortable bedding, climate control, and convenient access to park attractions. The campground provides a free shuttle service to the amusement park, allowing glampers to easily enjoy rides and entertainment without dealing with parking or traffic. Other upscale amenities include private bathhouses with showers, a camp store for essentials, and picnic areas among shade trees. One guest highlighted the convenience, noting that "after a long day of rides you can come right back to your camper to relax instead of driving all the way home."
Lake Curriher Wilderness delivers a more secluded glamping experience near Matthews with highly-rated accommodations in a natural setting. The property maintains excellent cleanliness standards with a 4.75 rating from visitors who appreciate its peaceful surroundings. Glampers can explore nearby Lake Norman State Park, which features distinctive yurt accommodations with lake access and scenic views. These glamping campsites near Matthews are popular for weekend getaways, offering hiking trails, water activities, and wildlife viewing while returning to climate-controlled accommodations each evening. A recent visitor mentioned, "You can purchase Carowinds tickets right here and ride a shuttle all day long to the park rather than fight traffic," highlighting the seamless experience between outdoor adventure and modern conveniences that defines glamping in this region.
"Staff at counter was very friendly and provided all the information needed. Site was level side to side and paved with asphalt only wide enough for the camper."
"The sites are tight but there's shade and since we have to be close to the Charlotte airport it was perfect. Far enough not to have super loud plane noise but a very easy drive."
"Lake, hiking trails and nice wooded campsites with fire rings and close proximity to bath houses. Playground for kids, little store, friendly staff."
"Campground has trails and fishing in walking distance. It is always packed. No alcohol permitted."
"We came here to do some trailer maintenance and because it is very close to home. We were not expecting it to be a great camping experience, but we’re pleasantly surprised!"
"I reserved a back in space and when we arrived were told they had upgraded us to a pull through site at no extra charge. Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig."
from $62 / night
Check Availability"We stayed on site 16 right on the lake. Beautiful views. Our site was very steep, so took a lot to get level, but it was ok. The rangers we're very nice and helpful."
"Campsite rates are very reasonable and all sites have electric and water and 3 sites also have sewer! Bathrooms and showers are clean and staff are friendly and helpful! We will be returning soon!"
"We live nearby so this is a nice little place to camp at. Nice sites, close to places to eat. Bathhouse was clean and well kept."
"The bath house was clean. The men's side gave every appearance of being well maintained."
"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."
"There was a fire pit, hang hook for trash, and plenty of shade on the tent pad. We had plenty of space between each site as well. Bathrooms were fine with decent water pressure and hot water."
"Plentiful campsites, we arrived on a Friday without a reservation and were able to get a spot. There is a swimming pool, but we didn't swim."
from $17 - $107 / night
Check Availability"We stayed in the new glamping cabin #2. Very clean, comfortable bed, nice AC, lovely porch to relax on. All cabins are in walking distance to the bathrooms and showers."
"It was very shaded and surrounded by woods. The tent pad was super spacious and made of gravel. There was also a picnic bench, fire pit, and a lantern pole."
from $27 - $75 / night
Check Availability"See the camping info here: https://www.ncparks.gov/crowders-mountain-state-park/camping](https://www.ncparks.gov/crowders-mountain-state-park/camping)
It isnt a rugged hike, but you must be prepapred"
"We arrived late almost at sundown but they had an envelope waiting with instructions, a parking tag and a map. This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry."
from $17 - $47 / night
Check Availability"Staff are great and helpful. No hot water at bath house beware."
"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."
from $10 - $30 / night
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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.
RangerWas a monthly Camper when I came in to the campground. Nobody was cleaning the men’s room. No one was trying to collect the fall leaves. This is an old run down campground. I cleaned the men’s room for free because there was no staff to clean. I regret helping the owner for free on multiple occasions.
TravelerI don’t have any complaints about this campground! Sites are nice and feel like you aren’t close to anyone else. Very pretty area, quiet. Newest bathhouse I have ever seen at a state park! Awesome showers.
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
ScoutClean, safe, road noise all night, showers are clean, water is kinda warm. Site was level
ScoutThis is ok is your passing though but it’s rundown.
Older. Clean! But really needs to be updated!
RangerThis campground is one of my regular stops. It is well kept.
GuideWe 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.
ScoutAlways 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.
McDowell Nature Preserve offers camping opportunities 15 miles southwest of Matthews, North Carolina. The wooded area includes access to Lake Wylie with dedicated tent and RV sites spaced among mature trees. The preserve maintains a secure gated entry system that provides campers with after-hours access while maintaining site security.
Hiking trails: McDowell Nature Preserve features accessible hiking paths directly connected to the campground. "So awesome to have hiking trails that lead right out of the campground," notes Kathy L., who appreciated the park's natural setting. The preserve maintains several short trails and access areas around Lake Wylie.
Fishing at Lake Norman: Lake Norman State Park provides fishing opportunities on North Carolina's largest manmade lake. One visitor mentioned, "Decent fishing for crappie and bass" at the lake. The 520-mile shoreline offers numerous fishing spots accessible from the campground.
Mini golf and recreation: Cane Creek Park maintains a free mini golf course for campers. "The mini golf is free and a blast," explains Sarah B., who regularly visits the park. The recreation area includes swimming access on Saturdays and additional water activities.
Proximity to Charlotte: McDowell Nature Preserve provides natural surroundings despite its urban location. "It is hard to believe that you are in the city limits of Charlotte in this campground. It is very rustic, with lots of trees and nature, and the campsites are nicely spaced out so you're not on top of other units," writes Rick B. The preserve sits just minutes from metropolitan amenities.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently note the maintenance standards at Matthews area campgrounds. At McDowell Nature Preserve, David E. observed, "Great restrooms and showers," while another camper highlighted the "newly renovated" washrooms. Maintenance consistently ranks high in visitor ratings.
Security measures: Multiple campgrounds implement security protocols for visitor safety. McDowell Nature Preserve features "secured gate with easy access after hours for paid campers," according to Nora C. The camp was also "patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe," reports Ryan B.
Site leveling challenges: Several RV sites at Matthews area campgrounds require significant leveling equipment. At McDowell Nature Preserve, Kathy L. noted, "some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks." Campers should prepare appropriate leveling gear.
Variable bathhouse conditions: Bathroom facilities range widely in quality and amenities. Michelle L. found that "The bathhouses for the most part are well maintained and cleaned," while others noted that certain facilities lack air conditioning during summer months or have limited shower options.
Tent pad surfaces: Tent campers should be aware of potential equipment damage. "My only complaint would be is the pads for the tents. When I got home I was patching holes in the floor of my tent from where the stone pad had caused damage," reported Michelle L., who recommends bringing a ground tarp.
Kid-friendly activities: Morrow Mountain State Park provides family-oriented recreation options. "There is a lot for a family to do at Morrow Mountain including fishing and a swimming pool," notes Courtney P. The park includes a museum and educational programming for children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds near Matthews feature opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We were able to see several deer," mentions Jen P. about Morrow Mountain State Park. Most sightings occur during early morning or evening hours.
Holiday programming: Several parks coordinate special events during holidays. Sarah B. explains that at Cane Creek Park, "Holidays usually have some activities for kids." These structured activities typically include ranger-led programs and seasonal celebrations.
Campsite selection strategy: First-time visitors should research specific site characteristics when booking. At Andrew Jackson State Park, Rachel R. found, "Our site was very steep, so took a lot to get level, but it was ok." Call ahead for recommendations on larger or more level sites.
Overnight stays near Charlotte: Yates Family Camping provides basic accommodations for short visits to the Charlotte area. "We've loved staying at Yates due to the flexibility and excellent communication of the owners. 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," shares Mariah S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Matthews, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Matthews, NC is Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Matthews, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 glamping camping locations near Matthews, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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