5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort houses several glamping accommodations just minutes from Charlotte's premier amusement park. The resort combines outdoor camping with upscale amenities including full electric hookups, private bathrooms with hot showers, and cabin-style glamping units on well-maintained grounds. A recent visitor noted, "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." Guests particularly appreciate the peaceful wooded setting that creates a surprising retreat despite proximity to city attractions. Other luxury camping options in the region include Cane Creek Park and Lake Norman State Park, both offering glamping units with comfortable bedding, climate control, and convenient access to natural recreation areas.
Free shuttle service to Carowinds amusement park provides a unique amenity for glamping guests seeking thrills beyond their canvas accommodations. The campground's proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport makes these safari tents and glamping units especially convenient for travelers. "You can purchase Carowinds tickets right here and ride a shuttle all day long to the park rather than fight traffic," explained one camper. Nearby amenities include shopping at Cabela's and various restaurants within short driving distance. While some glamping sites feature private grounds, others like Hippie Holler offer more rustic yurt accommodations with drinking water and fire pits in natural settings. Most luxury camping options remain open year-round, with peak seasons coinciding with Carowinds' operating schedule from spring through fall.
"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."
"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
"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 this weekend
"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 this 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 this weekend
from $27 - $75 / 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."
"There was a fire pit, hang hook for trash, and plenty of shade on the tent pad. We had plenty of space between each site as well. Bathrooms were fine with decent water pressure and hot water."
"Plentiful campsites, we arrived on a Friday without a reservation and were able to get a spot. There is a swimming pool, but we didn't swim."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $107 / night
from $40 - $60 / night
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.
TravelerI don’t have any complaints about this campground! Sites are nice and feel like you aren’t close to anyone else. Very pretty area, quiet. Newest bathhouse I have ever seen at a state park! Awesome showers.
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
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.
GuideWe 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.
ScoutAlways 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.
GuideThis is a nice campground. For the most part quiet. Nice place to walk, tour, visit.
McDowell Nature Preserve, located 12 miles southwest of Pineville, offers tent and RV camping on Lake Wylie's shores with sites featuring electrical hookups even at tent areas. The 1,132-acre woodland preserve provides a natural camping experience despite proximity to Charlotte, with campsites situated in a gated area patrolled regularly for security. Trails through the woods connect directly to camping areas, allowing immediate access to nature exploration.
Lake activities at McDowell Nature Preserve: Access to Lake Wylie provides fishing and paddling opportunities within walking distance of campsites. "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area. Staff were polite and helpful," notes a reviewer about McDowell Nature Preserve.
Free mini-golf at Cane Creek Park: Located 15 miles southeast of Pineville, this park offers free putt-putt golf as part of the camping experience. "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," reports a camper.
Hiking trails at Crowders Mountain State Park: Located about 24 miles west of Pineville, the park offers varied terrain for day hikes from campgrounds. "Crowder Mountain State Park is indeed a perfect place for day use--but in contrary to what some previous reviewers mentioned, it is also a neat place to camp if you don't mind a one mile hike in to the campground," explains one visitor.
Private bathroom facilities: Campground washrooms near Pineville feature modern amenities. "Washrooms are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean!" mentions a McDowell Nature Preserve visitor, while a Lake Norman camper notes, "The bathhouse is new and well maintained."
Shaded campsites at Lake Norman State Park: Located 40 miles north of Pineville, sites feature ample tree cover for summer comfort. "The trees here offer a great span for my hammock also. This campsite is located right on Lake Norman, which can be seen from some of the sites on the far side of the park," explains one visitor.
Diverse glamping options: The region offers various upgraded camping experiences beyond traditional tents. "Friendly host, close to lake and well shaded, clean bathrooms, large enough tent sites, great for families," mentions a Lake Norman visitor, describing accommodations suitable for luxury camping preferences.
Campsite size considerations: Some parks have limitations for larger equipment. "There aren't many sites for RVs and some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks," notes a visitor to McDowell Nature Preserve.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping experience. "Had it not been for the monsoon rain storms we would've loved our trip but that is in the hands of Mother Nature no one else's," shares a McDowell camper about spring conditions.
Wildlife encounters: Local campgrounds host various wildlife. "Abundant wildlife including copperheads. Decent fishing for crappie and bass," mentions a visitor to Andrew Jackson State Park, located 20 miles south of Pineville.
Holiday activities: Some parks offer special programming during peak times. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast," notes a Cane Creek Park visitor about organized events.
Swimming options: Water recreation varies by park and season. "They offer swimming in the lake starting after Memorial Day," explains a visitor to Morrow Mountain State Park about their facilities, while Cane Creek Park offers "Lake, hiking trails and nice wooded campsites with fire rings and close proximity to bath houses."
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. "The campground is nice to roam with a wonderful playground," shares an Andrew Jackson State Park visitor about their family amenities.
Level site selection at Morrow Mountain State Park: Located 45 miles east of Pineville, site topography varies. "So, if you end up in a crap site you might drop those 4 stars to 3. Its going to be impossible to determine a great site from a bad without going there," warns one camper about selecting appropriate spots for larger rigs.
Full-hookup availability: Services vary between parks. "We spent the last few days at the Carowinds Camp Wilderness campground in Site 70 with full hook-ups. Sites were clean, level, and reasonably spaced," notes a visitor about the practicalities of RV camping near Pineville.
Reservation tips: Book early for popular glamping options near Pineville. "Very busy during the summer months. Lots of hiking trails, with lots of people using the grills etc.," mentions a Lake Norman visitor about peak season occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Pineville, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Pineville, 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 Pineville, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 glamping camping locations near Pineville, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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