McDowell Nature Preserve
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Clean, lovely conveniently located

I camped here with a women’s hiking group and was impressed.

There are lovely trails, a large playground, nature center, the beautiful lake Wylie {no swimming, NC fishing license required}, geocaching, clean bathrooms and shower rooms, electric sites with large tent pads, good sized fire pit area, picnic table.. there’s even a loving gate with a code for a more secure camping experience..

We could fit 3 tents in one pad AND had a hammocker camper too.

If you are wanting some nature near the city, this is a good option - especially if you are checking out city things in Charlotte.

You can hear traffic at night when camping here so bring ear plugs, headphones or a white noise fan if that bothers you.

Pet friendly 🐾

I saw both dogs and camping kitties

There’s 56 camp sites: these include tent, RV hook ups and some primitive.

There’s group camping at Copperhead Island.

I highly recommend, especially for families with children, lots to do and a safe, secure feeling.

  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of McDowell Nature Preserve by Melissa  W., June 1, 2019