Glamping in Waxhaw, North Carolina provides quick access to both regional outdoor recreation and Charlotte's urban amenities. The Waxhaw area sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level in the Carolina Piedmont region, characterized by gently rolling terrain and mixed hardwood forests. Summer temperatures typically reach the 90s with high humidity, while winter camping offers milder conditions with occasional nighttime freezes.
What to do
Hiking trails with lake views: McDowell Nature Preserve offers multiple hiking trails that connect directly to the campground. Visitors appreciate the variety of terrain and access to Lake Wylie. According to visitor Emily B., "Beautiful place to camp, hike, and kayak! I take my two labs there almost every weekend for a good hike through the woods. A few of the trails are right on the lake and the dogs love to hop in and cool off."
Mini golf and swimming: Cane Creek Park provides free mini golf access for campers, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious families. Sarah B. mentions, "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."
Historical sites and museums: Andrew Jackson State Park Campground offers educational opportunities alongside camping. The park includes a museum and historic schoolhouse that showcase regional history. "We looked at the museum and schoolhouse. The only downside is that you could hear the traffic at the campsites," notes Rachel R.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. Robert D. notes about Morrow Mountain State Park, "The campground is well kept and clean. The bathhouse is brand new. The camp host was very helpful and checked on everybody, every day."
Shaded campsites: McDowell Nature Preserve offers wooded sites that provide natural cooling during hot summer months. "This campground is just minutes from Charlotte, but secluded from the city noise. Nice open spaces with shade," reports Nora C.
Year-round availability: Many campgrounds remain open throughout all seasons, allowing for camping during quieter winter months. A reviewer at Cane Creek Park shared, "Campground has trails and fishing in walking distance. It is always packed. No alcohol permitted."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly during summer weekends. Crowders Mountain State Park requires advance planning for its backcountry sites, which are approximately one mile from the parking area. According to Janet R., "It isn't a rugged hike, but you must be prepared to pack everything in. The Sparrow Springs access is the best and easiest way to go."
Alcohol restrictions: Cane Creek Park prohibits alcohol on premises, an important distinction from other area campgrounds. Julie P. confirms this rule: "Campground has trails and fishing in walking distance. It is always packed. No alcohol permitted."
Weather considerations: Summer storms can impact camping experiences, particularly with power outages at some facilities. One camper shared about their experience: "Only problem is that both times we visited there was a storm and power went out for hours. Can't really do anything about that!"
Tips for camping with families
Free activities: Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort provides shuttle service to the adjacent amusement park, adding entertainment value for families. As Creighton C. notes, "This campground is owned by Carowinds and has free bus rides to and from the park from open until close. This is a perfect place to stay because after a long day of rides you can come right back to your camper to relax."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer playground facilities specifically designed for younger campers. Jeanette M. mentions, "Playground for kids, little store, friendly staff. Beach swimming area closed due to Covid but looks nice."
Holiday programming: Some parks organize special activities during holiday weekends. Sarah B. shares about Cane Creek Park: "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Andrew Jackson State Park Campground features some sloped sites that may require additional leveling equipment. Rachel R. explains, "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."
Size limitations: Many glamping locations and campgrounds near Waxhaw have restrictions on larger recreational vehicles. Kathy L. reports about McDowell Nature Preserve, "There aren't many sites for RVs and some are not level - hard to get trailer level even with max leveling blocks."
Full hookup availability: Ebenezer Park Campground offers complete utility connections. Larry M. confirms, "The sites have full hook up. We where at site 50 and it was completely shaded."
