Best Campgrounds near Waxhaw, NC

Camping options in the Waxhaw area of North Carolina include several established campgrounds with varied accommodation types. Cane Creek Park, located just outside historic Waxhaw, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals on a scenic lake with full amenities. Other notable options within 30 miles include McDowell Nature Preserve in Charlotte, Andrew Jackson State Park Campground in nearby Lancaster, South Carolina, and Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA. Most campgrounds in the region maintain year-round operations with electric hookups, water access, and designated fire rings or grills at each site. The concentration of camping facilities clusters along lake shores and conservation areas.

Reservations are typically required well in advance at most developed campgrounds in the Waxhaw vicinity, especially for weekend stays during summer months. While tent camping is permitted at nearly all sites, RV accommodations vary significantly with some locations offering full hookups including sewer connections and 50-amp electrical service. Campers should verify site-specific amenities before booking as several parks have alcohol prohibitions and generator restrictions. Bathroom facilities generally include flush toilets and hot showers, though maintenance quality fluctuates between locations. Access roads are paved and well-maintained at most established sites. A visitor noted, "This campground is owned by Union County, NC with a good rate for residents. As such, it can be difficult to get in at times and usually requires a reservation well in advance."

The lake recreation opportunities represent a significant draw for many campers visiting the Waxhaw region. Several campgrounds, particularly Cane Creek Park, provide direct lake access with swimming beaches, boat launches, and fishing opportunities. Campers frequently mention the quality of bass fishing at Cane Creek, with one reviewer noting it "ranks as one of the best spots around." Sites near water tend to fill first, especially during summer weekends. Park facilities often include hiking trails circling lakes, picnic shelters, and playground equipment for families. Many campgrounds maintain wooded sites that offer shade and privacy between camping areas. Bath houses receive mixed reviews but are generally described as clean and functional. Seasonal activities vary throughout the year, with swimming beaches typically operational from late spring through early fall.

Best Camping Sites Near Waxhaw, North Carolina (65)

    1. Cane Creek Park

    29 Reviews
    Mineral Springs, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 843-5909

    "Located just outside historic Waxhaw NC, Cane Creek is part of the NC Soil Conservative Sites. They offer day passes,$4.00 per car where you can launch you kayak canoe or fishing boat."

    "It is located south and east of the town of waxhaw, and an easy drive from Charlotte."

    2. Andrew Jackson State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Lancaster, SC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 285-3344

    $40 - $50 / night

    "This is a cool little spot not far from Charlotte NC which doesn't seem as busy as other nearby campgrounds. Staff are friendly."

    "Nice, small, respectable campground close to Charlotte NC. Sites are paved, but dont expect completely level."

    3. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (980) 314-2267

    $15 - $33 / night

    "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area. Staff were polite and helpful. Washrooms are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean!"

    "The park is located southwest of Charlotte off of hwy 49 near Lake Wylie, SC."

    4. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 588-2600

    "The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."

    "The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."

    5. Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    20 Reviews
    Rock Hill, SC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 366-6620

    "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."

    "This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"

    6. Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    12 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 548-1148

    $62 / night

    "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!"

    "Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig. We could have fit a couple more vehicles if we had them. In addition there is a fuel station out front."

    7. Anne Springs Close Greenway Group Camp

    3 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    13 miles
    Website

    $66 - $108 / night

    "The Primative Campsites circle the paths surrounding beautiful Lake Haigler. The equestrian friendly trails may be able walked or riden."

    "A few minute walk into all the sites, basic bathrooms by car park, peaceful lake views, some sites close to a walking trail, well spaced apart sites"

    8. Crown Cove RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 547-3500

    $68 - $98 / night

    "We were on a “hill” but since we were close to all the trees i didn’t mind it."

    9. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, NC
    38 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."

    10. Copperhead Island

    2 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, SC
    20 miles
    Website

    $15 - $19 / night

    "Nice walk through Boy Scout camp. Trails are in good shape. Very close to Rivergate area. Great Lake access and nice kayaking."

    "This island campground is located in a county park on the shores of Lake Wylie adjacent to the McDowell Nature Preserve, which also has a campground."

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Recent Reviews near Waxhaw, NC

376 Reviews of 65 Waxhaw Campgrounds


  • IThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Norwood Campground

    Awesome for kids

    Variety of things to do for kids lots of kids in the park and activities in this surroundings

  • C
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Crown Cove RV Park

    Unfriendly and Poorly Maintained

    This is a very strange place. The vibe is way off. I stayed for 2 weeks and that was 2 weeks too long. The staff are not friendly or helpful. And they use THE RULES as a means to justify their behavior. They will literally yell at you. I have no idea who these people think they are. Don’t waste your hard earned money with people like this. Day One: Huge ant infestation. Spent the next several days exterminating. Not fun. Much of the sites are not well kept. Way out of level. I had requested an open sky for my Starlink connection. It seems like they gave me the only spot with tree cover. There are dozens of other vacant spots with an open view. Weird but okay… They will not accept packages. So, don’t bother ordering anything unless you can pickup at a nearby locker. This is crazy! One day a distraught camper with tears running down her face approached me while I was outside my rig. Turns out her dog died and she needed help moving the body. Maintenance told her they couldn’t help because of THE RULES. I, of course, helped her move the body to her car. This just seems inhuman.

  • K
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    Rundown

    This is ok is your passing though but it’s rundown.
    Older. Clean! But really needs to be updated!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Good Campground

    This campground is one of my regular stops. It is well kept.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Eden in Lancaster SC

    4.5 STARS Peaceful area.

    This is a nice place to stay for a peaceful and quiet getaway. It’s a good place to relax. The owner is very nice and accommodating to your needs. You’re about 10 minutes away from the town of Lancaster, South Carolina.

  • 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

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Always a great time when we go

    We 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.

  • Chris K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    Superb Accommodations

    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. Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings.

  • Amber L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Coble's Landing

    DO NOT STAY HERE

    WARNING DO NOT STAY HERE!!! REX COBLE is part owner of this campground. My father’s camper was broken into and vandalized by the owner REX. Stayed for 3 months and never received a receipt for cash handed over. Always gave us the go around and said he was out of town on business. So we started using cash app to prove payments. We even paid 6 months advanced for storage. Investigation still in process and having to get the law involved again. Biggest crook and con of Anson County. Drug deals happening right in the Rv Park in front of family’s and children durning the day and all times at night. This place needs to be investigated, raided and shut down! Our whole life was taken from us. Photos, jewelry, guns, clothing, TVs, and etc. I highly suggest you do not stay here or trust your belongings being stored.


Guide to Waxhaw

Camping near Waxhaw, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the numerous trails available in the area. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trails were very well marked and maintained," highlighting the great paths to enjoy nature.
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, offer lake access for fishing and boating. A reviewer noted, "There is lake access for boating and fishing," making it a perfect spot for water lovers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot deer and other wildlife. One visitor shared, "Once we were tent camping here, and woke up to a herd of deer on our site!" This adds a special touch to your camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Lake Norman State Park Campground stated, "The bathhouse was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds feature large, level sites. A camper at Kings Mountain State Park remarked, "Large sites, mostly level, with table and fire ring."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. One visitor said, "The staff was very welcoming and helpful," which can make a big difference in your stay.

What you should know:

  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A review for Morrow Mountain State Park Campground cautioned, "We even had to just leave once because we couldn’t even begin to get our camper level."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell coverage. A camper noted, "Cell/Internet coverage is non-existent, unless you can get to a high Vista lookout."
  • Check-in Procedures: Some campgrounds have specific check-in locations that can be confusing. A visitor at Kings Mountain State Park mentioned, "I received an email telling me to check in at the trading post and had the wrong address."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One camper at Iron City Campground said, "Fun for kids: pool with splash mushroom; playground."
  • Safety and Security: Choose campgrounds with good security. A review for McDowell Nature Preserve mentioned, "The campground is guarded by two gates and I saw the police patrol around a few times after hours."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Cane Creek Park noted, "There are several playgrounds for kids to play, along with an open field by the lake."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Badin Lake Campground mentioned, "Tight spot for 42 ft trailer and no area next to the camper to sit."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A review for Sesquicentennial State Park Campground stated, "There was water but we had some trouble getting the pressure just right."
  • Road Conditions: Be aware of the road conditions leading to the campground. A visitor at Lake Norman State Park Campground noted, "The drive in is a bit long and bumpy but beautiful!"

Camping near Waxhaw, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Waxhaw, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Waxhaw, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 65 campgrounds and RV parks near Waxhaw, NC and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Waxhaw, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waxhaw, NC is Cane Creek Park with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Waxhaw, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Waxhaw, NC.