12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites around Matthews, North Carolina range from primitive backcountry sites to drive-in tent campgrounds, giving campers several options depending on how remote they want to go. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground provides tent-specific sites accessible via a one-mile hike on the Pinnacle Trail. Lake Curriher Wilderness also offers tent camping with both drive-in and walk-in options, making it suitable for different camping preferences.
Most tent sites at Crowders Mountain require campers to pack in all supplies along the moderate uphill trail to the campground. The campground provides basic amenities including pit toilets, drinking water, and designated fire rings with firewood available for purchase. Sites typically feature dirt pads with picnic tables. As one camper noted, "The campsites are located off the Pinnacle Trail, and there are actually two campgrounds, one with large group sites, and one with individual and family campsites." Gates at Lake Curriher Wilderness close at 5pm during fall/winter months, requiring early arrival for tent campers.
The tent camping near Matthews offers varying levels of seclusion. Areas at Crowders Mountain State Park provide forest surroundings with private tent sites, though some campers report occasional noise from nearby roads. According to a review on The Dyrt, "The site was very private with a fire ring and picnic table and two pads for tents." Lake Curriher Wilderness offers both remote lakeside tent sites requiring a hike in, as well as more accessible camping areas. Primitive tent camping at East Morris Mountain near Troy provides a more rugged experience with no toilets or amenities, appealing to those seeking true backcountry camping. These walk-in tent locations serve as excellent bases for exploring nearby hiking trails, with Crowders Mountain offering particularly scenic summit views that reward the moderate climbing effort.
"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."
"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."
from $17 - $47 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"I’ve got a 13 foot pull behind. Backed in mostly but a few could be pulled in an out. Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don’t go."
"It is a amazing area to visit if you are into OHV(Off Highway Vehicle) trail riding, mountain biking or hiking."
from $40 - $60 / night
"Horse trail riding is second on the list of activities within the park judging by the number of trails."
"My husband and I took our two dogs backpacking for a weekend at Uhwarrie Park. After a long drive trying to find my husbands original spot we found a new one. Beautiful scenery."
"This area is popular for the Off Highway Vehicle trail systems which are open April through December."
"Too much trash left by previous campers"
"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
"Only three sites on this little out of the way fire trail. We go to the end of the road for complete privacy. No amenities other than a fire pit."
"A nice campsite off of Tower Road with is also part of the TransAmerica Trail. It is a flat site with a with a great fire pit."
from $35 - $65 / 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.
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.
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.
TravelerThis is/was marked as dispersed camping but this is primarily an OHV area, with a shooting range nearby that can be heard from some campsites. Most, if not all, of the campsites are intended to be large group sites. The empty site we found was filled with trash, discarded tents, air mattresses, and trashed electronics from OHVs. There's so much trash we would not even be able to take it all out with us if we wanted to. This may be a national forest, but it is not peace and quiet as one would expect from "dispersed and primitive" camping.
GuideThere was other people camping and running their generators all night. Some low lifers on ATV blasted in and out of the parking area and blasting music at 2 am. Good luck getting any sleep here. But enjoyed the trail to it and the forest. Got at least 2 hours of sleep before I packed up.
GuideEasy access and nice pool as well as little camp store.
ScoutThe spots are alright but first night got ate up by ants so hadda move and the other spots are good but have no shade and no signal and not mutch to take pictures of so if you wanna have some survival type camping this is a great location.
ScoutWe stayed here because of the proximity to Charlotte. Big rig friendly and FHU. Only wish they had a swimming area!
Tent camping near Matthews, North Carolina offers woodland experiences amid the Piedmont region's rolling hills, generally ranging between 500-700 feet in elevation. The area experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and humid summers that can reach 90°F. Most primitive camping options require moderate hikes to reach designated sites, with varying levels of amenities depending on the campground.
Hike forest trails: At Crowders Mountain State Park Campground, campers enjoy trails for all skill levels. "The hikes are pretty strenuous, but the views are well worth it. The people are friendly, and maps are easy to come by. The trails are easy to follow, but be sure to bring plenty of water," notes Matt G.
Fish at nearby lakes: Uwharrie Hunt Camp provides access to fishing spots. Scott P. mentions, "This is a beautiful campground with good facilities. There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake. Pretty good fishing too."
Rock climbing opportunities: Some tent camping areas near Matthews offer natural rock climbing options. "My brother and I spent the day rock climbing. It was his first time climbing, and we were able to set up some beginner-friendly routes," says Les R. about his experience at Crowders Mountain.
Secluded camping spots: Deep Water Trail Horse Camp offers remote tent sites. "Rough road in," notes Jayson C., highlighting the trade-off between accessibility and seclusion.
Budget-friendly options: Many tent sites near Matthews are affordable. At Uwharrie Hunt Camp, campers note the value: "$5 per night...What? What? The campground is quaint, and only $5 per night! With only 6 sites and what appears to be an over-sized parking lot right next to it," writes Shari G.
Nature immersion: Lake Tillery Family Campground and other tent sites around Matthews provide direct access to natural settings. At nearby campgrounds, reviewers mention wildlife sightings and creek-side camping as highlights of their tent camping experiences.
Road conditions vary: Several tent camping areas require careful driving. "I would highly recommend 4WD if you're going all the way to the water sites. I attempted in my van and made it down to a sweet spot, but was stuck in the mud," warns Stephanie W. at Deep Water Trail Horse Camp.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: East Morris Mountain offers truly primitive tent camping. Dean S. notes, "Only three sites on this little out of the way fire trail. We go to the end of the road for complete privacy. No amenities other than a fire pit."
Seasonal considerations: Some tent camping areas have limited seasonal availability. "This camp site is only open during hunting season," notes Billy B. about East Morris Mountain, making it important to check operating seasons before planning your tent camping trip near Matthews.
Bring your own water: At many primitive tent sites, potable water isn't available. For Deep Water Trail Camp, Vincent S. advises, "You have to haul all your supplies and trash in and out to include water."
Choose appropriate hiking trails: When tent camping with children near Matthews, select suitable trails. At Crowders Mountain, Lisa L. shares, "We really enjoyed all of the different hikes and the lake as well as the hike to the top of the mountain. The hike to the top was a little strenuous for smaller kids."
Consider walk-in distance: Lake Curriher Wilderness offers varying tent site accessibility. Shannon S. notes, "The regular tent 'loop' is just one big open field with few trees around it, so there's absolutely no privacy," suggesting families consider site selection carefully.
Pack extra supplies: For tent camping with families near Matthews, bring additional supplies for comfort. As one camper at Lake Curriher Wilderness mentioned, "The water at our site is not working which is a bummer but we can use the water at the outside shower. It's non-potable but we have a filter and boil it before using it."
Check tent-only restrictions: Some camping areas near Matthews don't accommodate RVs. Many Matthews tent camping areas specify tent-only sites, particularly at Crowders Mountain where the one-mile hike to campsites prevents RV access.
Arrival timing matters: Gates at some campgrounds close early. At Lake Curriher Wilderness, Shannon S. warns, "The gates close at 5pm during the fall/winter. Slightly around that time, the retired police chief came around to introduce himself and give his cell number."
Limited hookups at primitive sites: Many tent camping areas around Matthews offer no RV hookups. "This is a beautiful campground with good facilities," notes a reviewer about primitive sites, where tent camping is the primary accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Matthews, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Matthews, NC is Yates Family Camping with a 2.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Matthews, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Matthews, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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