Cabin rentals are available within a 35-mile radius of Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, with several state parks and private campgrounds offering rental options. The region features rolling hills between 500 and 800 feet elevation with moderate temperatures. Most cabins require reservations at least two months in advance during summer and fall, with peak season running April through October.
What to do
Hiking and water activities at Morrow Mountain: Morrow Mountain State Park Campground offers extensive hiking including the family-friendly Big Rocks Trail. "We loved our stay! Glad to finally find a nice campground just over an hour away from Charlotte. Easy trek for a short weekend trip. We exhausted ourselves hiking and canoeing and much more stuff to do!" shared a visitor. The park also provides canoe and rowboat rentals seasonally.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers frequently spot deer and other wildlife near cabins. As one Morrow Mountain visitor noted, "Saw several deer while I was there. The family campground is separated from the road by some trees but there is still noise from cars, like in any family campground I suppose." The park's diverse ecosystem supports various bird species and small mammals.
Swimming access: Lake Norman State Park Campground offers swimming facilities during summer months. "Friendly host, close to lake and well shaded, clean bathrooms, large enough tent sites, great for families," noted one camper. The swimming beach requires a small fee for access, with wristbands provided to identify paid swimmers.
What campers like
Quiet, forested settings: Most cabin locations provide wooded sites with partial shade. At Norwood Campground, one visitor appreciated the "spacious lots in a wooded setting" and noted it was a "Great little gem in the area to avoid the chaos and calamity with the other Uwharrie area campgrounds. Very quiet and peaceful."
Modern bathhouse facilities: Lake Norman State Park has updated facilities that guests appreciate. One camper observed, "The bathhouse was new and well maintained. I would recommend this place to anyone." Many cabin areas feature recently renovated bathroom facilities, though availability varies seasonally.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide lake access for fishing. At Norwood Campground, guests enjoy both the stocked pond and nearby Lake Tillery. One camper shared their experience: "Older campground but full of charm. Lot of hiking paths which our dog loved. Although we did not do much they have a fishing pond, a very nice kids playground. A short hike and you are on Lake Tillery."
What you should know
Cabin furnishing levels vary significantly: Cabins range from rustic to modern with different amenities. As one Dan Nicholas Park visitor advised, "Definite prepare for limited furnishings in basic cabins. The cabins are nice but sparsely equipped." Bring pillows, bedding, and cooking supplies for all cabin stays.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin locations require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Reservations for weekend dates should be made 2-3 months in advance from April through October.
Internet and connectivity: Cell service is inconsistent in some areas. A camper at Morrow Mountain noted, "The only drawback was that there was no Wi-Fi." Some private campgrounds offer Wi-Fi near the main office areas but service doesn't typically extend to cabin locations.
Seasonal availability: Some cabins close during winter months. Check operating schedules when planning trips between November and March.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Dan Nicholas Park offers numerous family attractions beyond standard camping. "This place is the best places for families to camp. There is a beautiful zoo, gem mining, a train ride, amazing fishing, a beautiful playground, and a carousel," shared one visitor. Many activities require additional fees ranging from $2-5 per person.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds have swimming facilities that appeal to families with children. Lake Norman's swimming area includes a designated children's section with gradual entry.
Playground access: Multiple cabin locations include playground facilities. One camper at Norwood Campground appreciated that "the owners have done a great job of retaining the 'old school' charm of the place while keeping up with utilities and overall functionality."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer ranger-led programs during summer months. Nature centers at Dan Nicholas Park and Morrow Mountain provide interactive displays and occasional wildlife demonstrations.
Tips for RVers
Limited cabin parking: Most cabin areas have restricted parking spaces. Larger vehicles may need to park in overflow areas. Check specific cabin restrictions when booking.
Utility hookup differences: RV sites with cabins offer varying hookup configurations. At Cobble Hill RV Campground (Formerly Carolina Rose), guests appreciate the full hookups. One camper noted, "Full hookups (30 & 50 amp), WiFi and cable. Owners are great - so much so that our entire camping family is going to stay there the week of the wedding."
Accessibility considerations: Some cabin areas have limited accessibility for larger vehicles. At Morrow Mountain, campers advised checking site details carefully, as "Site 98 in the electric loop is for tent and pop up campers, but is not pop up camper friendly. The ground is very uneven."
