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Best Campgrounds near Shelby, NC

810 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 (162)

    1. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, NC
    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, NC
    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

350 Photos of 162 Shelby Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shelby, NC

810 Reviews of 162 Shelby Campgrounds

  • Tyler I.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Orchard Lake Campground

    Always Welcoming

    Owners are great and very helpful, sites are always clean and welcoming!

  • C
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Steele Creek Park & Campground

    Extra fees

    Sooo...went to book online. Selected my site and started the payment process. I was greeted by a pop-up stating that if I want to lock in my site, I'd have to pay an additional $20 fee.

    Okay, let me get this straight: I reserve a specific site for specific reasons, then the campground tells me they have the right to move me to a site of their choosing unless I pay them an additional $20?

    No thanks. Just lost my business. I'm sure it's a nice place, but really?

  • 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. 25, 2025

    Starlight Hills Campground

    Mudpit

    If it’s going to rain while you’re here, I suggest finding another campground. I don’t mind dealing dirt while I camp but at this point, it’s a mud pit and all of my gear is covered in mud. My gear cleanup is going to take 10x longer than it usually does! And be sure to treat your tent with permethrin or be prepared to have daddy long legs take over. I’ve been camping all my life and I’ve dealt with a few of them in between the roof of my tent and the rain fly….no big deal. But on my first night, there was at least 50 in there! I couldn’t leave my tent without having them crawl all over me and trying to get into the tent. It was like fighting a losing battle because there were so many and they just swarm you. Couldn’t even sit my feet still by the fire without having them crawl over my feet or up my chair. I know we’re just in the woods but it’s definitely not worth the money per night. All of the other campgrounds that I’ve payed this much for are on pea gravel with nice drainage or on grass….with nice amenities…or at least actual bathrooms, not porta potties. The camp host never came by my site like the messages that I received stated. Granted, he said to call if I needed anything and that they’re on property, but I never met anyone and when I would call, I got “hello” that’s it. Not “hello, this is ___” or “starlight hills campground, how can I help you”. Very impersonal. Will not be back.

  • 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!

  • 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.

Guide to Shelby

Camping sites near Shelby, North Carolina offer varying terrain from foothills to riverside locations with elevations ranging from 750 to 1,400 feet. The region experiences moderate winter temperatures rarely dipping below 30°F, with summer highs averaging 85-90°F from June through August. Broad River flows through the area, providing waterfront camping opportunities at several locations.

What to do

Hiking at South Mountains State Park: Located under an hour from Shelby, this 23,000-acre park features trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous climbs. "The High Shoals Falls Trail is a gorgeous 80 ft waterfall. Smaller falls and cascades continue on the descent. Our total loop mileage was 5.5 with nearly a thousand foot of elevation gain," notes Dave V. from South Mountains State Park Family Campground.

History exploration: Kings Mountain area combines camping with historical sites. "Tons to do, including hikes and history. Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event," recommends Don H. who stayed at Kings Mountain State Park.

Fishing excursions: John H. Moss Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities year-round. "The lake has great fishing," reports Jianne B. from John H. Moss Lake Campground. The lake spans 1,660 acres and contains largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate sites with natural separation. At Primitive Camping By the Creek, guests enjoy seclusion despite proximity to main roads. "This place was close to the interstate but still very secluded. Plenty of firewood and next to a creek," reports Don W.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rate highly among campers. "The cleanest campground we've stayed at: laundry room, bathhouse, etc.," writes Ashley S. about Spacious Skies Peach Haven. Similarly, at South Mountains, campers note "bath facilities are new and kept clean."

Waterfront access: Campsites along creeks and lakes rank as favorites. "We camped at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it!" reports Jessica L. about Broad River Campground, where the river is "about a ten minute walk from the clubhouse."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited connectivity. South Mountains State Park has "NO cell service which is a big draw for us," notes Stephen M. The park gates also lock at 9pm with no entry or exit after hours.

Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require attention to site selection. At Kings Mountain, "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways," warns Richard E.

Reservation essentials: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. At Iron City Campground, reservations are particularly important for holiday weekends. "We have already booked Labor Day 2022 and I am sure we will be adding many more 3-4 day weekends in the future," mentions James U.

Tips for camping with families

Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with features beyond basic camping. Iron City Campground receives praise for its "wonderful family owned place" where "our 12 year old son loves the pool and being able to ride his electric bike around the campground."

Consider proximity to activities: Campgrounds with on-site recreation prove popular with families. "Great campground with clean facilities and lots of amenities. Convenient country store at the park office," says Sarah W. about Kings Mountain State Park.

Check bathroom cleanliness: When camping with children, clean restrooms become essential. At Crowders Mountain State Park Campground, one camper noted, "This was a pretty good place to camp...The facilities are nice and clean! We really enjoyed all of the different hikes and the lake."

Tips from RVers

Watch for site size limitations: RV campers should verify site dimensions before booking. At Kings Mountain, "Some sites are listed as RV sites but are half as large as they need to be to accommodate a medium size RV," cautions Richard E.

Confirm road access: Many campgrounds have challenging access roads. Karen S. notes about Kings Mountain, "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction."

Consider full hookup availability: While several campgrounds offer electric, not all provide full hookups. B&D Campground provides "spacious RV sites" with electric, water and sewer connections, making it suitable for longer stays.

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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