4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort features upscale glamping accommodations within easy reach of Mount Holly and Charlotte, North Carolina. The resort-style camping property offers climate-controlled units with comfortable beds, providing a luxury alternative to traditional camping. "We had a blast; even with younger kids. RV sites and cabins, friendly staff, free shuttle to the amusement park, great community center, and more," notes one guest. Amenities include full hookups, private bathrooms with hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. The wooded setting provides ample shade while maintaining proximity to urban conveniences. Lake Norman State Park Campground also features glamping options including yurts with resort-quality furnishings located just north of Mount Holly.
The adjacent Carowinds amusement park creates a unique glamping experience with complimentary shuttle service running throughout the day. Visitors appreciate the convenience of returning to comfortable accommodations after enjoying the park's attractions. According to a camper, "This is a perfect place to stay because after a long day of rides you can come right back to your camper to relax instead of driving all the way home." Safari tents and luxury outdoor stays are available seasonally, with peak booking times coinciding with the amusement park schedule. The grounds include a private pool, game room, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked camp store. Nearby attractions include Cabela's, shopping centers, and several restaurants, all within minutes of these upscale outdoor accommodations.
"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."
"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."
Available next weekend
from $17 - $47 / night
"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."
Available next weekend
from $27 - $75 / night
"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."
"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
from $40 - $60 / night
"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."
"Close to I77 ample space, cable available ,electric service tested good o n 50 amp, and pizza 🍕 delivery available."
"Luckily, John, who works maintenance, was near by. He opened up the office, checked me into a tent site and figured out how to give me a military discount even though that is not his job. "
Available next weekend
from $50 - $95 / night
"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 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!"
Available next weekend
GuideDriving 14 1/2 hrs I was cooked called and had the most easiest booking. There was a sites available so I booked it. Needless to say I got there in the dark and a kind person helped me to my site and got me backed in. Soo exhausted I hooked up electric only hit the bed passed out
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.
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
ScoutI 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.
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.
ScoutChecked 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.
McDowell Nature Preserve sits on the shores of Lake Wylie, just 10 miles from Mount Holly, North Carolina. The 1,132-acre wooded preserve features hiking trails connecting directly to campground areas with elevation changes making some RV sites challenging to level. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, allowing for comfortable camping conditions year-round, though summer humidity peaks from July through September.
Hiking trails from campsites: McDowell Nature Preserve offers multiple hiking paths directly accessible from the camping areas. "So awesome to have hiking trails that lead right out of the campground," notes Kathy L. who stayed at McDowell Nature Preserve. The preserve has several short trails suitable for different abilities.
Lake Wylie fishing spots: The preserve provides shoreline fishing access until 8pm. According to Davis, who camped at McDowell Nature Preserve, "They have hiking trials and fishing until 8pm." Lake Wylie supports various fish species, though a North Carolina fishing license is required.
Free mini golf: Cane Creek Park offers complimentary putt-putt golf for all campers. "The mini golf is free and a blast," says Sarah B., who has visited Cane Creek Park multiple times. The course is appropriate for all ages and requires no reservation.
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple campers highlight the well-maintained restrooms. At McDowell Nature Preserve, Ryan B. appreciated the "CLEAN RESTROOMS and showers with hot water." Similarly, David E. noted the "Great restrooms and showers" at Crowders Mountain State Park Campground.
Security features: Secure camping with regular patrols creates peace of mind for visitors. Ryan B. mentions, "The camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe" at McDowell Nature Preserve. Nora C. also appreciated the "secured gate with easy access after hours for paid campers."
Lake access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access. Lee J., who visited McDowell Nature Preserve, points out that "the overall Mcdowell nature preserve has plenty to do with Lake Wylie, playgrounds, nature trails, fishing, and more." Ebenezer Park Campground features "Fun beach within easy walk from campsite," according to Frankie E.
Limited activities at some parks: Not all campgrounds offer organized events. A camper at McDowell Nature Preserve mentioned, "What I didn't like was they had no activities like most other camp sites. They do have hiking trials and fishing until 8pm."
Site leveling challenges: Several RVers note difficulties with uneven sites. At McDowell Nature Preserve, Kathy L. reports "there aren't many sites for RVs and some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks."
Tent pad surfaces: Stone pads can damage tent floors. Michelle L. from Lake Norman State Park Campground cautions: "When I got home I was patching holes in the floor of my tent from where the stone pad had caused damage. I know a seasoned camper would've put down a tarp but we didn't have one."
Free shuttle service: The Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers complimentary transportation to the adjacent amusement park. Chris K. notes the campground is "Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings."
Seasonal activities: Holiday weekends feature special programming for younger campers. Sarah B. reports that at Cane Creek Park, "Holidays usually have some activities for kids." This park also offers swimming areas that operate on a limited schedule.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds have bike-friendly terrain. Birgit H. observed at Lake Norman State Park: "It was surprisingly busy, almost all sites occupied... A lot of young families were here with their bikes." Paved roads within campgrounds make cycling safe for younger riders.
Off-season advantages: Visiting during slower months offers both cost savings and quieter stays. Bob F., who stayed at Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, notes "Prices are rather expensive during the season, but reasonable off-season." Winter camping remains comfortable due to the region's mild temperatures.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete RV connections. Larry M., who stayed at Ebenezer Park, appreciated that "The sites have full hookup. We where at site 50 and it was completely shaded." Most developed campgrounds in the area provide water, electric, and sewer connections.
Proximity to urban conveniences: Many glamping options near Mount Holly provide easy access to shopping and services. Nate G. points out that near Carowinds Camp Wilderness, "Cabelas, Walmart, and other shopping is nearby for supplies as well as a few restaurants."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Mount Holly, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Mount Holly, 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 Mount Holly, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 glamping camping locations near Mount Holly, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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