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Best Campgrounds near Shelby, NC

805 Reviews

The foothills surrounding Shelby, North Carolina feature a mix of established campgrounds and more rustic options within an hour's drive. John H. Moss Lake Campground, located directly in Shelby, provides year-round access with full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas with boat-in options. Nearby B&D Campground offers spacious RV sites with electric hookups in a quiet setting. Within a short drive, Crowders Mountain State Park Campground in Kings Mountain provides more primitive camping experiences with hiking trails and natural surroundings. The region spans both North and South Carolina borders, with Kings Mountain State Park and Iron City Campground in Blacksburg, SC offering additional options for campers seeking varied terrain and amenities.

Reservations are essential during summer months and fall color season when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. According to one camper, "Great campground near Moss Lake, Shelby and Gastonia/Charlotte," highlighting the convenient location for exploring multiple areas. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with better connectivity at sites closer to town. Most established campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, while more remote locations may offer only basic amenities. Weather patterns typically allow for comfortable camping from April through October, though summer humidity can be significant. Winter camping remains available at several year-round facilities but requires preparation for occasional freezing temperatures and limited services.

Waterfront sites at locations like John H. Moss Lake receive consistently positive reviews for their accessibility and views. Campers frequently mention the balance between natural settings and proximity to services as a key advantage of the Shelby area. Many campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and clean restroom facilities, with several offering shower access. RV campers appreciate the full hookup options at multiple locations, though some sites have limitations for larger rigs. The proximity to both mountain foothills and Charlotte (approximately one hour away) makes the area particularly appealing for weekend trips. Visitors seeking more seclusion can find primitive camping options at smaller facilities like Primitive Camping By the Creek, which offers a more intimate experience with just two available sites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Shelby, North Carolina (161)

    1. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, SC
    15 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."

    2. Iron City Campground, Inc.

    25 Reviews
    Blacksburg, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 491-2874

    $40 - $45 / night

    "Very convenient to Shelby, Gafney, and Gardner Webb University. Great Campground. We will definitely stay here again when we’re back in the area."

    "ICC is a nice place just over the NC border on I85 in SC. Very close to Charlotte and Greenville areas. Lots of southern pines provided shade."

    3. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    15 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."

    4. John H. Moss Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Shelby, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 482-7926

    $35 / night

    "The lake has great fishing."

    5. South Mountains State Park Family Campground

    26 Reviews
    Casar, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 433-4772

    $27 - $32 / night

    "The family campground is a short distance further inside the park on the left side(approx 2 miles) marked by a small brown sign...and is situated at 1400 ft elevation. "

    "This campground is one way and exits into a trailhead parking area. There was one site that was in the parking area, would not be my first choice. Shaded sites with picnic tables and fire rings."

    6. Primitive Camping By the Creek

    4 Reviews
    Grover, SC
    9 miles
    +1 (864) 761-6297

    $30 / night

    "This place was close to the interstate but still very secluded. Plenty of firewood and next to a creek. I highly recommend."

    "There are log seats around a nice campfire with a picnic table. Lots of room for multiple tents. The shed also has lots of tools such as an axe and rake."

    7. B&D Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 739-2958

    $400 - $500 / night

    "Great campground near Moss Lake, Shelby and Gastonia/Charlotte."

    8. Spacious Skies Peach Haven

    11 Reviews
    Gaffney, SC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 489-2022

    $29 - $999 / night

    "Overall, this is a very nice, clean park conveniently located to the interstate I-85) and attractions in the area."

    "There are fun and funky places to visit nearby. The spring wildflowers are starting to bloom and I remember the scent of honeysuckle everywhere. A great blue heron hangs out at the fishing ponds."

    9. Broad River Campground

    1 Review
    Boiling Springs, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 338-9598

    $45 - $299 / night

    "Lots of beautiful trails to walk or bike and the broad river is about a ten minute walk from the clubhouse. We had a wonderful stay and will certainly return."

    10. Camp As-You-Like-It

    1 Review
    Bostic, NC
    13 miles
    +1 (828) 395-0709

    $60 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Shelby, NC

346 Photos of 161 Shelby Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shelby, NC

805 Reviews of 161 Shelby Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!

  • Robert B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    FR472 & Black Mountain Campground Closed

    FR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you are caught walking beyond the gate.  Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.  The bridge across the S. Toe River was broken and washed out.  The water system is also destroyed as well as the road network in the campground.  There have been no announcements by the Forest Service about plans to repair the facility and, after a year, my guess is that there never will be.

  • 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

  • HRMolding2@aol.com
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Spacious Skies Bear Den

    Bearden Campground

    My family and I have been camping at Bearden since 1995 and it has always been great.  Getting to know the owners and all the people who ran the campground BUT now that is is apart of a large corporation or hedge fund and people looking to satisfy shareholders it's not as fun.  Sure we love the location (hint here if pulling a camper, don't follow the Bearden sign, go to Linville to get on the parkway and go left.  This way you will avoid the steep curvy road going up a mountain.) but it's ran like a corporation.  No more calling the campground office talking to the friendly owners, now you call to somewhere I believe in NJ and talk to a person to make reservations at one of the campground Spacious Skies have purchased.  So much for the family owned campgrounds who wanted to make money but provided a better atmosphere.

  • 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.

  • Brenna M.
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Steele Creek

    Difficult finding a spot

    I got here late , around 5 pm on Saturday , so I had difficulty finding a spot. There was lots of sites but they wrrrr all filled up. Beautiful area, the road was narrow and windy so be careful driving but not awful. The sound of the creek was nice but I did get eaten alive by mosquitos and I found a tick on my chair so be on the lookout f

  • Brenna M.
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Beautiful

    The road wasn’t as bad as I was expecting as a whole, but there were some spots that were rouuuuugh. I came in past lake cameron, got there Friday around 5. The best spots were already take, I got the last “scenic” spot but it was beautiful. Wide open views… lots of areas for bigger group if that’s what you need.

Guide to Shelby

Camping near Shelby, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly activities to serene nature spots, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Explore the outdoors: Check out the hiking trails at Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway. One visitor mentioned, "Spent a weekend car camping at Julian Price which served as a great Basecamp for exploring the Blue Ridge and surrounding area."
  • Enjoy water activities: At Lake Norman State Park Campground, you can swim, kayak, or fish. A camper shared, "The campground is in a forest on the shores of Lake Norman. Well maintained hiking trails branch out from the campground."
  • Visit local attractions: The Asheville East KOA is close to downtown Asheville, making it easy to explore local shops and restaurants. One reviewer noted, "It’s a good location to explore downtown Asheville (20-25 minutes)."

What campers like

  • Family-friendly amenities: Campers appreciate the activities for kids at Asheville East KOA. A parent mentioned, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, golf car rentals, fishing and splashing in the Swannanoa River."
  • Spacious sites: Many enjoy the large, private sites at Spacious Skies Bear Den. One visitor said, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."
  • Clean facilities: Campers often highlight the cleanliness of bathrooms and showers. A reviewer at Paris Mountain State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms were clean and showers were nice."

What you should know

  • Close quarters: Some campgrounds, like Asheville East KOA, can feel crowded. A camper noted, "The main issue with this campground is how close the sites are... literally no privacy."
  • Limited amenities: At Julian Price Park Campground, there are no electric hookups or showers. A visitor mentioned, "There are spots right on the lake but we didn’t book far enough in advance."
  • Wildlife encounters: Campers at South Mountains State Park Campground have spotted deer and other wildlife. One camper shared, "We enjoyed our stay, and even had deer wander near our site a few times."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly features, like Asheville East KOA, which offers crafts and movie nights. A parent said, "On weekends they have themes and activities."
  • Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds like Spacious Skies Bear Den that provide ample space for kids to play. A visitor noted, "Kids loved the playground and there were a lot of other kids to make friends with."
  • Pack for comfort: Bring along games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One camper at Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground mentioned, "The view at tier three is amazing," making it a great spot for family bonding.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site dimensions: Make sure your RV fits comfortably at your chosen campground. A reviewer at Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park said, "The campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with good facilities, like Lake Norman State Park Campground, where one camper praised, "The bath house was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds, such as Asheville East KOA, are near train tracks. A camper noted, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night."

Camping around Shelby, NC, offers a mix of fun, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're with family or exploring solo, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the cheapest camping options near Shelby, NC?

For budget-friendly camping near Shelby, consider Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping, which offers free boondocking opportunities between Lake James and Linville Falls with beautiful mountain views. This area provides multiple primitive camping spots perfect for those willing to forgo amenities in exchange for cost savings and scenic surroundings. If you're willing to travel a bit further from Shelby, John H. Moss Lake Campground offers affordable camping with basic amenities like water and toilets, while still providing the convenience of drive-in access and reservation options.

What campgrounds are available in Shelby, NC?

Shelby and the surrounding area offer several camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Green Willow Farm Camping provides a unique farm-based camping experience near Shelby with a welcoming atmosphere. For those willing to travel a short distance, Crowders Mountain State Park Campground offers excellent hiking opportunities with stunning views, though it's primarily a day-use facility. Additional options in the broader region include Camp As-You-Like-It and Broad River Campground, both offering various amenities like water access and toilet facilities. Most campgrounds in the area are accessible by car and offer reservations.

Are there any RV resorts or RV-friendly camping options near Shelby?

The Shelby area offers several RV-friendly options. B&D Campground is conveniently located near Shelby, providing RV accommodations with easy access to Moss Lake and the Gastonia/Charlotte area. For those traveling with pets, Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat offers a unique experience with 18 acres of dog play areas and RV sites along roads with playful names like Wagging Tail Drive. Both campgrounds are well-maintained and offer the essential amenities RV campers need while providing convenient access to local attractions.

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