Morrow Mountain State Park and Lake Norman State Park offer established campgrounds within driving distance of Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. The region features varied terrain with elevations ranging from 300 to 900 feet above sea level, creating diverse camping environments. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Hiking and exploration: Morrow Mountain State Park features multiple trail options for different skill levels. "Great place to camp! We exhausted ourselves hiking and canoeing and much more stuff to do!" notes Sara C., who appreciated the park's accessibility from Charlotte. The Big Rocks Trail leads to impressive cliff views, with one visitor noting, "There wasn't much to see until we got to the end of it and went down the cliff. Then the views were amazing."
Water activities: Lake Norman State Park offers swimming and kayaking opportunities throughout the warmer months. The park maintains a designated beach area that opens after Memorial Day. "Swimming and kayaking at its Carolina best. Outdoorsies will not be sorry if they visit Lake Norman State Park," writes Wolf T. The park's location at the quieter northern end of the lake means less motorboat traffic than areas further south.
Wildlife observation: McDowell Nature Preserve provides numerous wildlife viewing opportunities despite its proximity to Charlotte. "The park is lovely, with lots of trails and nature. So awesome to have hiking trails that lead right out of the campground," notes Kathy L. Another camper mentioned, "We were able to see several deer" during their stay, making it a good option for nature photography.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cane Creek Park maintains well-kept bathhouses and camping areas. "The campground is clean and well-maintained. The bathhouse is in good shape and clean," reports Robert D. Another visitor noted, "Trails, shelter areas, and bathrooms are always well taken care of," making it a reliable option for those prioritizing cleanliness.
Quiet environments: The Lake Curriher Wilderness area provides peaceful surroundings for those seeking tranquility. "It's the quietest stay we've had yet, and we go camping nearly every weekend," reports Shannon S. The campground's location away from major roads contributes to its serene atmosphere, with the gates closing at 5pm during fall/winter for added privacy.
Helpful staff: Many campgrounds in the area maintain attentive staff. At Morrow Mountain State Park, "The camp host was very helpful and checked on everybody, every day," according to Robert D. At Lake Curriher Wilderness, one camper noted, "Host super nice took us to are site and deliver the wood to us," demonstrating the personalized service available.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons and weekends. "I highly recommend going online to reserve a spot ahead of time. From the times I've been there everyone calls ahead for there lots," advises Isaac V. about Badin Lake Group Camp.
Facilities vary significantly: Bathhouse access and quality differs between campgrounds. Some campgrounds have limited bathroom facilities - "Only bathroom is at the main entrance so if you're not equipped with your own bathroom you're doing a lot of walking," notes Steve V. about one location. Others have new facilities, with one Morrow Mountain camper mentioning, "The bathhouse is brand new."
Site selection matters: Not all sites are created equal, even within the same campground. "If you end up in a crap site you might drop those 4 stars to 3. It's going to be impossible to determine a great site from a bad without going there," warns Jennifer R., recommending site 48 in C loop at Morrow Mountain for its level tent pad and proximity to amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include dedicated play areas for children. "There is a lot for a family to do at Morrow Mountain including fishing and a swimming pool. My main thing is usually hiking," shares Courtney P. Cane Creek Park also features a playground among its family-friendly amenities.
Pool availability: Lake Norman State Park Campground offers a swimming pool that opens after Memorial Day, providing a controlled environment for family swimming. "They have a swimming pool that is open after Memorial Day," confirms Jen P. This can be preferable to lake swimming for families with small children.
Educational opportunities: "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area," explains one camper about McDowell Nature Preserve's offerings for children. Morrow Mountain State Park also features a museum visitors can explore during daytime hours, providing learning experiences for school-age children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present difficulties for larger RVs. "The sites are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks," cautions Kathy L. about one location. Sites with uneven terrain are typically noted in reviews, allowing RVers to plan accordingly.
Big rig accommodation: Camp Wilderness at Carowinds provides level sites with full hookups suitable for larger vehicles. "Sites were clean, level, and reasonably spaced," confirms Kevin A. The campground's proximity to Charlotte makes it practical for RVers wanting to explore the wider region while maintaining a comfortable base.
Electric hookup details: Several campgrounds provide 30-amp service, but fewer offer 50-amp connections. When 50-amp service is important, verify availability before booking, as one visitor noted at Morrow Mountain: "Nice sites with electric hookups" but didn't specify the amperage available.
