Matthews, North Carolina camping areas range from lakeside properties to wooded retreats within a 30-minute drive of Charlotte. The region sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with moderate humidity and temperatures averaging 60-90°F in summer months. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, with April through October offering the most comfortable camping conditions.
What to Do
Hiking trails with water views: McDowell Nature Preserve features several trails that connect directly to the campground. "Enjoy alot. No problem at all," writes Matheus R. while another camper notes it's "just minutes from Charlotte, but secluded from the city noise... several short trails and nice areas around Lake Wylie."
Fishing opportunities: Ebenezer Park Campground offers excellent lake fishing access. "Campground was good if you were into fishing. Many campers had their boats plus in early morning trucks were trailering their boats to place in the lake," writes Lee J. The park includes boat ramps with full hookup sites nearby.
Lake recreation: Cane Creek Park provides multiple water activities beyond fishing. "We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it... 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," explains Sarah B. The park maintains separate swimming zones accessible to both overnight campers and day visitors.
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: McDowell Nature Preserve consistently receives praise for well-maintained bathrooms. "CLEAN RESTROOMS and showers with hot water, power even at the Tent sites, super nice staff, and priced right," writes Ryan B. The campground offers both RV and tent sites with regular police patrols for added security.
Quiet atmosphere: Andrew Jackson State Park provides a peaceful setting near Matthews. "Beautiful campground and park, only 25 campsites so it is quiet and well cared for," notes Laura A. The park's limited size creates a more intimate camping experience while still offering essential amenities.
Accessibility to urban areas: Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers convenient access to urban attractions. "It's a short drive to restaurants and shopping, and very convenient if visiting Charlotte and surrounding cities," writes Bob F. The campground provides a central base for exploring both North and South Carolina.
What You Should Know
Site levelness varies: Finding level spots can be challenging at some area campgrounds. At Andrew Jackson State Park, one camper noted "Lot we had was pretty steep slope. However had a good view of lake." Similarly at McDowell, a reviewer mentioned "there aren't many sites for RVs and some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks."
Seasonal limitations: Some campground facilities operate on limited schedules. "It stormed the second night we were there and we tried to make the best of the situation without having to pack up and just go home," shares Michelle L. about dealing with weather challenges at McDowell Nature Preserve.
Noise considerations: Depending on location, some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. At Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA, campers report hearing traffic from nearby highways. "The reason I didn't give it all fives is because of the stone pad that and you could hear traffic and air planes flying over," mentions one McDowell Nature Preserve reviewer.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for inclusive activities: Cane Creek Park offers family-friendly facilities beyond standard camping. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast," notes Sarah B. The park provides structured recreation options suitable for various age groups.
Pet-friendly considerations: For families camping with dogs near Matthews, plan for appropriate exercise areas. "Trails, shelter areas, and bathrooms are always well taken care of," mentions Emily B. regarding Cane Creek Park. She adds, "I take my two labs there almost every weekend for a good hike through the woods and they LOVE IT!"
Security features: Some campgrounds offer additional safety measures for families. At McDowell Nature Preserve, "the camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe," writes Ryan B., noting this was important as he returned to camping after a 20-year break.
Tips from RVers
Hookup quality: Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA provides reliable but basic services according to reviews. "We had a pull-thru full hookup site. It was relatively level but not perfect," notes Kevin E. Some campers mention the main bathhouse was under renovation during their stay, requiring use of alternative facilities.
Site spacing: RVers should research specific sites before booking. "The sites are very well taken care of. We chose to camp on one of the hotter days of the year so the tree shade came in handy to help keep us cool," shares Michelle L. about McDowell Nature Preserve, emphasizing the importance of shade in summer months.
