Tent camping options near Waxhaw, North Carolina include backcountry and established sites within driving distance of town. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground offers tent-specific campsites accessible via a one-mile hike along the Pinnacle Trail. Primitive Camping By the Creek provides two secluded tent sites across the border in South Carolina, while Hippie Holler features walk-in tent sites in a quiet, wooded setting.
Most tent campgrounds near Waxhaw require some preparation, with many sites accessible only by foot. Crowders Mountain's tent sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and primitive pit toilets, but campers must pack in all water and supplies. A recent review noted, "The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead." Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer humidity common and occasional winter freezes possible. Reservations are recommended for established sites, while some areas operate on a first-come basis.
Tent pads at most sites are generally level with minimal improvements. Several reviewers mention the quiet atmosphere at Hippie Holler, with one camper describing it as "a hidden gem for chill seekers." Sites at Crowders Mountain provide access to extensive hiking trails, including routes to mountain overlooks with panoramic views. The hike-in requirement at Crowders Mountain helps maintain solitude for tent campers, with reviewers noting the privacy of individual sites. Lake Curriher Wilderness offers more remote tent camping experiences with lakeside sites accessible via hiking trails. Many tent-focused areas restrict vehicle access, creating quieter camping environments away from RVs and larger setups, though ambient noise from nearby roads may still be audible at some locations.
$17 - $47 / night
"This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead."
"I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing."
"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."
"I’ve got a 13 foot pull behind. Backed in mostly but a few could be pulled in an out. Road posted 25 mph but recommend 10 mph. Was also narrow in spots. Very bumpy. Last 1/2 mile don’t go."
"It is a amazing area to visit if you are into OHV(Off Highway Vehicle) trail riding, mountain biking or hiking."
$10 - $30 / night
"It’s the quietest stay we’ve had yet, and we go camping nearly every weekend. I will say, having the ADA tent site makes a huge difference."
"Very close to my home. I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen and trash since the scum can’t seem to pick up after themselves. The cabins here are also great."
$30 / night
"On the campsite there is a lot of firewood to use, in a shed to keep it dry. There are log seats around a nice campfire with a picnic table. Lots of room for multiple tents."
"It was very helpful and greatly appreciated after the 11hr drive. The campsite was spacious for us to set up camp and keep the jeep nearby."
"Camping is not open to the general public at this wildlife preserve."
"This area is popular for the Off Highway Vehicle trail systems which are open April through December."
"Too much trash left by previous campers"
$35 - $65 / night
ScoutLarge spacious spots for RVs and Tent campers. Close to Kings Mountain Military Park. Several trails from easy to strenuous and varying lengths. Lake with fishing, kayaking and canoing. Clean facilities with bathrooms, showers and camp store.
Spaces have electric, water, fire rings and picnic tables. Tent only areas.
GuideWe enjoyed our stay. The park office had everything well taken care of. 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. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead. The site was very private with a fire ring and picnic table and two pads for tents. The only complaint (and this isn’t the parks fault) is you aren’t far off the beaten path so car exhaust and jet noise was prevalent throughout the night. All in all happy with the stay and it served us perfectly as we were just passing through the area!
LegendThis review is probably not representative of what will be many people’s experience or opportunity, as I visited in November in the off season, albeit an unusually warm weekday! Cane Creek Park is a county park that is of state park caliber. It is located south and east of the town of waxhaw, and an easy drive from Charlotte. It is a large park on both sid s of a large lake, beautifully maintained, clearly with a variety of family recreational activities that are surely heavily used in the high season. The park offers everything from day use, to car and rv camping, to hike in tent sites and wilderness group areas, to cabins. This review is for the hike in tent sites, which are large, well spaced, heavily wooded and private, with lake access for good fishing and paddling. There are restroom and shower facilities in walking distance, though not at the campsites themselves. This is a simpler and quieter camping opportunity than the drive in sites. In fact, no one else was in this section of the campground on this fine autumn day, yet the weather was beautiful and the setting so peaceful. I would recommend this campsite location for fall camping
GuideI can see why this is a busy campground. Bathhouses were clean. Many lakefront sites have posts to tie up your boat to if you have one. Beach area by the store. No WiFi and rarely did we have cell service but that’s not a bad thing! Large sites with some pull through. We had site 39 and there was nothing but woods behind us which was perfect for us. Only negative was I that I was bitten up by mosquitoes and I used bug spray ( obviously I need a better kind) and citronella buckets. Even with a packed campground for the holiday weekend it was relatively quiet especially by 11. This campground tends to be booked solid on weekends so important to make reservations. Also not much for stores close by so pack well. Oh and no alcohol sales on Sunday’s in the county.
GuideWe had 4 families with children on 1 RV and 3 non-electric tent sites over Memorial Day weekend. Even though the park was at max capacity, it didn’t feel crowded or swarming. The facilities and activities at Morrow Mountain are awesome - a huge, clean pool; canoe rental from a well-maintained boathouse; hikes of various lengths; slightly aged but clean and cared for bath houses; and (our favorite) a gorgeous mountain top picnic shelter (A), which we rented due to a rainy forecast. Great place for family camping. Sites are nicely spaced, but by no means are they private or secluded. Staff were very friendly, but the no alcohol rule is a bummer. If you want to be alone in the woods, Morrow Mountain is not for you. Its also worth noting the climate is much more like south central NC (hot and super humId) and nothIng like the cool mountain air in Western NC. But if your looking for a fun, interactive family or group camping weekend, it’s the perfect spot!
ScoutForest Service has changed the price from $5 to $30 a night for a primitive campground. Nasty vault toilet, and trash cans but no water. As of July 2019 campground appears closed.
LegendI visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing. It was his first time climbing, and we were able to set up some beginner-friendly routes.
As for the camping, your only option is a walk-in campground, about a mile-long hike. Drinking water and outhouses are available though.
LegendI guess my GPS needs updating since it took me down the wrong road to get to this state park, so if you haven’t updated your GPS, do it before you attempt to come here. Other than that, it’s not that difficult to find.
There are quite a few things to do at this state park. Hiking, horseback riding, and boating/kayaking are just some of the activities. The trails range from easy to strenuous, and there are lots of them. In addition to the typical outdoor activities, there is also an outdoor museum devoted to Dr. Francis Joseph Kron, one of the first doctors in the Piedmont. There is also a history and geological museum located within the park.
The campground has three loops, some with no hookups and some with electric hookups. Water access is a few steps away. I didn’t do my research and I got the campsite farthest from the bath house. However, it wasn’t so bad since the road was paved and there was a moon out. I think the tent pad at my campsite was one of the largest, even though part of it was used for the picnic table, the lantern pole, and the fire pit. It was fairly level, but it was fine gravel. Driving tent stakes in was a little difficult but not impossible. One of the best things about this campground is that there is plenty of space between the campsites(at least where I was), so you don’t feel as if you are on top of the other campers. I also liked that there were plenty of trees for shade. The only drawback is that this state park is close to the Fort Bragg Army Reservation, so you will hear an occasional jet or helicopter(s) flying overhead.
Even though the bath house has everything you need, including hot showers, it does need updating. Paint was peeling off the walls, but if that doesn’t bother you, it will be fine. Most campers are in their RVs, so I guess it doesn’t really matter. One thing I did not like was that the bath house is cleaned from 9:30– 10:30 am. Knowing that, however, I was able to work around it. If you decide to go exploring, you will want to go to the Morrow Mountain overlook. There are some pretty spectacular views from there. Overall, I enjoyed my stay here, and I wish I could have stayed longer.
TravelerStayed 1 night at a tent site. Had a hot shower and facilities were nice. Each site has a ring for fire/grill/ picnic table.
Only has 3 tent sites. I don' think tent campers can stay at the others. I didn't see the tent pad that they had at my site and just pitched the tent on the ground.
FYI you have to call up to make reservations. I arrived late and they gave me the code to the bathrooms over the phone and the wifi password.
you could hear road noise at night but didn't bother me.
Tent camping near Waxhaw, North Carolina places campers within the Carolina Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and moderate elevations ranging from 500-700 feet. Rainfall averages 43 inches annually, with summer temperatures frequently reaching above 90°F and high humidity levels from June through September. Several camping areas require advance preparation for primitive conditions, with limited cell service in certain locations.
Hiking to panoramic views: At Crowders Mountain State Park Campground, campers can access multiple trail options ranging from moderate to strenuous. "The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out," notes reviewer Tricia B. The park offers both day hiking and overnight camping opportunities.
Fishing opportunities: Deep Water Trail Camp provides access to productive fishing spots along the Yadkin River. "Beautiful area, lots of space on the lower ground, gorgeous views from the higher ground, and some damn good fishing. My friends both caught a couple of channel cats," reports Vincent S. The site requires campers to pack in all supplies including water.
Water activities: Lake Curriher Wilderness offers tent camping with lake access for swimming and paddling during warmer months. "I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen... The cabins here are also great. Clean and nice location," writes Ben S. The lake area provides both established sites and more remote camping options.
Creek-side camping: Primitive Camping By the Creek offers two secluded tent sites with natural water features. "The creek is right beside the camp. Nice and secluded. Firewood was provided. The owner was super nice, even gave me a call when when I was there to see how it was going," shares Tim W. The sites include access to a shed with dry firewood.
Quiet environments: Hippie Holler provides walk-in tent sites in a peaceful setting. "No kids or loud obnoxious other campers, felt at home, safe, understood and able to relax completely. Hidden Gem for the neurodivergants and chill seekers. Cool solar lights made it trippy," explains Sherry M. The camp maintains a low-key atmosphere away from busier camping areas.
Easy access firewood: Multiple tent campgrounds near Waxhaw provide on-site firewood access. At Primitive Camping By the Creek, "The campsite has a pretty creek and forest. On the campsite there is a lot of firewood to use, in a shed to keep it dry," notes Reid. This eliminates the need to forage or purchase wood separately when planning overnight trips.
Road conditions: Many tent camping areas have challenging access roads. At Deep Water Trailt Horse Camp, campers note "Rough road in. Too much trash left by previous campers." Similarly, at Deep Water Trail Camp, a reviewer cautions: "I would highly recommend 4WD if you're going all the way to the water sites."
Facility limitations: Most tent sites near Waxhaw have minimal amenities. Lake Curriher Wilderness camper Shannon S. reports: "No showers, which we didn't know until after we got here, saw the one bathroom, and realized there was not a shower. There is an outdoor shower."
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waxhaw, NC is Crowders Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
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