Best Campgrounds near Mount Holly, NC

The area surrounding Mount Holly, North Carolina features a mix of established campgrounds and natural areas within a 30-minute drive of the city. McDowell Nature Preserve on Lake Wylie offers both tent and RV camping with clean facilities and lakeside access, while Kings Mountain State Park provides similar amenities just across the South Carolina border. Crowders Mountain State Park, though primarily a day-use hiking destination, sits nearby with trails and scenic views. The camping landscape ranges from full-service RV parks with hookups to more rustic state park campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, creating options for different camping preferences within proximity to Charlotte's metropolitan area.

Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during the warmer months from April through October. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with stronger coverage at campgrounds closer to Charlotte and spotty reception in more remote areas. As one camper noted about McDowell Nature Preserve, "It feels so remote but is literally minutes from the full metropolis of Charlotte." Summer humidity can be intense, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F in July and August. Spring and fall offer more moderate conditions, though occasional thunderstorms can develop quickly. Many campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with some offering full sewer connections for RVs.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Lake Norman State Park and McDowell Nature Preserve. Visitors frequently mention the quality of bathroom facilities, with one camper describing McDowell's restrooms as "the cleanest and most well-designed bathrooms I've ever seen in a campground." Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with interstate-adjacent sites experiencing traffic sounds while lakeside campgrounds offer more peaceful settings. Wildlife sightings, particularly raccoons and various bird species, are commonly reported. Hiking trails connect directly to many campgrounds, allowing for easy day activities without driving. Weekend reservations often fill months in advance during peak season, especially for sites with water views or premium hookups.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Holly, North Carolina (95)

    1. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, NC
    15 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."

    2. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 588-2600

    "The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."

    "The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."

    3. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, SC
    23 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."

    4. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    18 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. Lake Norman State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Troutman, NC
    25 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."

    6. Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    20 Reviews
    Rock Hill, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 366-6620

    "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."

    "This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"

    7. Fieldridge Acres

    2 Reviews
    Belmont, NC
    5 miles
    +1 (704) 399-3521

    $30 / night

    "Also fairly close to the CLT airport, which is why I took a star away. Noise takes some getting used to."

    "It is near the Charlotte airport, so there is noise from planes taking off and landing between 6 AM and 10 PM. Easy in and out. They only accept cash. "

    8. Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    11 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 548-1148

    $62 / night

    "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!"

    "Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig. We could have fit a couple more vehicles if we had them. In addition there is a fuel station out front."

    9. Elmore RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Charlotte, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 597-1323

    10. Copperhead Island

    2 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, NC
    14 miles
    Website

    $15 - $19 / night

    "Nice walk through Boy Scout camp. Trails are in good shape. Very close to Rivergate area. Great Lake access and nice kayaking."

    "This island campground is located in a county park on the shores of Lake Wylie adjacent to the McDowell Nature Preserve, which also has a campground."

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Recent Reviews near Mount Holly, NC

479 Reviews of 95 Mount Holly Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Eden in Lancaster SC

    4.5 STARS Peaceful area.

    This is a nice place to stay for a peaceful and quiet getaway. It’s a good place to relax. The owner is very nice and accommodating to your needs. You’re about 10 minutes away from the town of Lancaster, South Carolina.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    great stop & stay

    nice campground. bathrooms and pool are CLEAN!!!! private bathrooms with showers. also has laundry ($) but has change for quarters in shop!! super big plus . also got a buddy site for the price of a normal one!

    not super crowded but still a nice community to be around :) 10 min drive into town as well. all sites have full hookups which was also super handy. not a bad price for what you get. only stayed two nights but would definitely stay again

  • madison F.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Cobble Hill RV Campground (Formerly) Carolina Rose

    good stop & stay

    campground being remodeled so bathhouses were a little walk away but not too inconvenient. pool was also closed for now BUT overall cute location. did park on site 59 (pull through) but was SUPER unlevel. cute pond and amphitheater too! has laundry as well.

    coolest part about this spot is that it’s about a 10 min drive into Catawba college town which was a super nice area for us being younger. perfect mix of Boulder & Philly :)

    hosts were SUPER friendly and nice :)

  • Lanna M.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Love Valley Campground

    Clean

    Probably the second cleanest campground I had ever been to

  • J
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Golden Valley

    Disgusting with horrible customer service. Scam!

    Checked in around 6:00. The guy checking us in told us that the golf carts haven’t been working on hills(the whole place is hills) and to let it cool down for 10 minutes at a time if it overheats. We go to the cabin, which is littered outside with used baby wipes, get settled in, and by 8:10 realize the kitchen is infested with ants. Dozens of ants covering the appliances, counters, and kitchen sink. We asked for help and were told that maintenance would come to our cabin. They never showed up. We called the emergency line and it didn’t work, just put us in an endless loop and then hung up on us. Over and over again. We stayed that night because what other choice did we have? No one was available to help us with literally anything. Following morning, we pack up our stuff and tell the staff we’re leaving and all of our issues and ask for a refund on the room we spent 15 reluctant, ant-filled hours in. They escalate to a manager, and then tell us that another manager will call us“shortly”. The call never came. You don’t get what you pay for here. What’s advertised is a complete lie. You pay for a full kitchen? Too bad—you can’t cook or even store food here because there’s ants everywhere. Paid several hundred dollars for a golf cart to get around? It only works when it wants to. Call the emergency line for assistance? Yeah right! We spent$2k and they’re trying to dodge us for a refund. Disgusting place, disgusting behavior.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Always a great time when we go

    We 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.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dan Nicholas Park

    We will be back for sure

    Site next to one of the lake access trails. Spacious site. We were able to get our 37 ft camper level. Shaded so the a/c s were able to keep up with the heat no issue.

  • D
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Dan Nicholas Park

    Beautiful campground

    Very limited wi-fi, dated bathrooms, most amenities closed

  • Chris K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    Superb Accommodations

    Always 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.


Guide to Mount Holly

Camping near Mount Holly, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have great hiking options. For example, at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, visitors enjoy “lots of hiking nearby” and “beautiful area!” This park also features equestrian trails for horse lovers.

  • Fishing and Boating: If you love water activities, check out Badin Lake Campground. Campers rave about the “great views of the lake” and the “fishing pier” available for use. The lake is swimmable, making it perfect for a hot day.

  • Wildlife Watching: At South Mountains State Park Campground, you can spot deer and other wildlife. One camper mentioned waking up to “a herd of deer on our site!”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathhouses. At Lake Norman State Park Campground, one visitor noted, “The bath house was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. For instance, at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, a camper said, “Spacious site! We were able to fit 2 tents.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Iron City Campground, Inc., one reviewer said, “Lisa is the best host,” highlighting the welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Level Campsites: Some sites can be uneven. A visitor at Kings Mountain State Park mentioned that “the campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly.” It’s a good idea to check site descriptions before booking.
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell coverage in some areas. At Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, one camper warned, “Cell/Internet coverage is non-existent, unless you can get to a high Vista lookout.”
  • No Alcohol Allowed: Many campgrounds, like Lake Norman State Park Campground, do not permit alcohol. Make sure to check the rules before you go.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. At Iron City Campground, Inc., families can enjoy a “nice pool” and a “new playground” that kids love.
  • Safety and Security: Many campgrounds have security measures in place. For example, McDowell Nature Preserve is guarded by gates and has police patrols, making it feel safe for families.
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. Campers at South Mountains State Park Campground enjoy “well-marked and maintained” hiking trails, perfect for family adventures.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RV campers should verify site sizes before booking. A reviewer at Croft State Park Campground mentioned that some sites felt “significantly sloped,” which can be tricky for larger rigs.
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. At Lake Norman State Park Campground, RV sites are paved with “a picnic table and fire ring on a compacted gravel base.”
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds, like Badin Lake Campground, have dump stations available, but it’s good to check in advance to avoid surprises.

Camping near Mount Holly, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. With beautiful parks and friendly communities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities do Mount Holly campgrounds offer?

Campgrounds near Mount Holly offer a variety of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Indian Springs Campground provides RV accommodations, though experiences there vary by visitor. South Mountains State Park Family Campground features spacious, well-separated sites with picnic tables and fire rings, plus access to hiking trails. Many sites have water hookups, restroom facilities, and shaded areas. Some campgrounds also offer educational centers, lake access for swimming, and well-maintained walking trails.

What are the best camping options near Mount Holly for weekend trips?

For weekend trips from Mount Holly, Anne Springs Close Greenway Group Camp offers primitive campsites circling beautiful Lake Haigler with equestrian-friendly trails for riding or hiking. Crowders Mountain State Park is excellent for day hiking but check ahead for overnight availability. For full-service options, Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA provides convenient amenities for weekend getaways. Most of these locations are within an hour's drive from Mount Holly, making them perfect for quick escapes into nature.

What campgrounds are available near Mount Holly?

Several campgrounds are available near Mount Holly. McDowell Nature Preserve offers a peaceful lakeside experience with walking trails and an education center, perfect for families. Lake Norman State Park Campground is just a 45-minute drive from Charlotte with spacious, shaded sites. Other options include overnight parking at Mooresville Sam's Club and The Home Depot — Cornelius, which offer convenient spots for RV travelers looking for short stays.