Best Campgrounds near Lake Wylie, SC

Lake Wylie spans both North and South Carolina with several established campgrounds offering mixed-use camping areas. McDowell Nature Preserve remains a primary camping destination near the lake, featuring tent and RV sites with water and electric hookups. The preserve sits on the southwestern edge of Charlotte, providing a surprising natural escape just minutes from the city. Copperhead Island offers more primitive camping with tent pads and boat-in access for those seeking a more secluded experience. Other nearby options include Ebenezer Park Campground in Rock Hill and Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, which provides cabin camping alongside traditional tent and RV sites.

The lake region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays from May through September when lakefront sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "The park is located southwest of Charlotte off of hwy 49 near Lake Wylie, SC. The hwy is busy and neighboring Lake Wylie is also busy. However, once you pull off the road and back into the nature preserve, all of the noise falls away." Most camping areas provide restrooms and showers, though primitive sites may have limited facilities. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better connectivity near developed areas.

Waterfront access represents the primary draw for many campers visiting Lake Wylie. Several campsites offer direct lake views or short trails to the water's edge. "This island campground is located in a county park on the shores of Lake Wylie adjacent to the McDowell Nature Preserve. The Copperhead Island sites are more rustic however, and you must hike in or boat in to camp here," explains one visitor. The region provides numerous fishing opportunities, with several docks and designated fishing areas throughout the lake system. Hiking trails of varying lengths connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks and natural areas. While summer brings increased boating traffic and higher campground occupancy, shoulder seasons offer quieter camping experiences with milder temperatures and less crowded facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Wylie, South Carolina (84)

    1. McDowell Nature Preserve

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

    $15 - $33 / night

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

    "Close enough to not worry about gear failure, far enough to be surrounded by woods, access to Lake Wylie, CLEAN RESTROOMS and showers with hot water, power even at the Tent sites, super nice staff, and"

    2. Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    20 Reviews
    Rock Hill, SC
    6 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"

    3. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, NC
    16 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."

    4. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    7 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. Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    12 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    6 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."

    6. 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."

    7. Copperhead Island

    2 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, SC
    2 miles
    Website

    $15 - $19 / night

    "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."

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

    8. Anne Springs Close Greenway Group Camp

    3 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    8 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"

    9. Crown Cove RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    9 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."

    10. Fieldridge Acres

    2 Reviews
    Belmont, NC
    11 miles
    +1 (704) 399-3521

    $30 / night

    "Also fairly close to the CLT airport, which is why I took a star away. Noise takes some getting used to."

    "It is near the Charlotte airport, so there is noise from planes taking off and landing between 6 AM and 10 PM. Easy in and out. They only accept cash. "

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Recent Reviews near Lake Wylie, SC

457 Reviews of 84 Lake Wylie Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • 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

  • J
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Golden Valley

    Disgusting with horrible customer service. Scam!

    Checked in around 6:00. The guy checking us in told us that the golf carts haven’t been working on hills(the whole place is hills) and to let it cool down for 10 minutes at a time if it overheats. We go to the cabin, which is littered outside with used baby wipes, get settled in, and by 8:10 realize the kitchen is infested with ants. Dozens of ants covering the appliances, counters, and kitchen sink. We asked for help and were told that maintenance would come to our cabin. They never showed up. We called the emergency line and it didn’t work, just put us in an endless loop and then hung up on us. Over and over again. We stayed that night because what other choice did we have? No one was available to help us with literally anything. Following morning, we pack up our stuff and tell the staff we’re leaving and all of our issues and ask for a refund on the room we spent 15 reluctant, ant-filled hours in. They escalate to a manager, and then tell us that another manager will call us“shortly”. The call never came. You don’t get what you pay for here. What’s advertised is a complete lie. You pay for a full kitchen? Too bad—you can’t cook or even store food here because there’s ants everywhere. Paid several hundred dollars for a golf cart to get around? It only works when it wants to. Call the emergency line for assistance? Yeah right! We spent$2k and they’re trying to dodge us for a refund. Disgusting place, disgusting behavior.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Croft State Park Campground

    Outdoor adventure awaits

    37 ft pull behind and we stayed at the upper campground (not the lakeside) close to the trail that takes you down to the creek for a swim. Lots of hiking and biking to be done which is always a great time.

  • 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.


Guide to Lake Wylie

Camping near Lake Wylie spans approximately 13,400 acres across the North Carolina-South Carolina border with water depths averaging 15-30 feet throughout most recreational areas. The region experiences frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, typically between 2-5pm, making morning activities preferable for water recreation. Most primitive camping areas remain accessible year-round but lack potable water facilities during winter months (December-February).

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Wylie offers multiple species including bass, catfish, and crappie. "Lake Wylie has plenty of fishing opportunities with several docks and designated fishing areas throughout the lake system," notes a visitor to Copperhead Island, which provides direct lake access. "Great lake access and nice kayaking" is another advantage mentioned by campers.

Hiking trails: Campsites often connect to nature trails of varying difficulty. At McDowell Nature Preserve, "So awesome to have hiking trails that lead right out of the campground," explains one camper. The preserve features several short trails with lake overlooks, allowing hikers to explore without venturing far from camp.

Educational programming: Some campgrounds offer nature programs during peak seasons. "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area," writes one camper who spent two weeks at McDowell Nature Preserve. These programs typically run weekends from April through October and cover local wildlife identification and conservation.

What campers like

Proximity to urban amenities: Despite feeling remote, many camping areas provide easy access to city conveniences. "This campground is just minutes from Charlotte, but secluded from the city noise," explains a camper at McDowell Nature Preserve. The park's location offers campers grocery access within a 10-15 minute drive while maintaining natural surroundings.

Clean facilities: Bathroom conditions rank high in camper priorities. At Ebenezer Park Campground, campers note recent improvements: "They are doing construction right now redoing the boat docks, beach and playgrounds area. It will be very nice when done." Most facilities include hot showers and flush toilets except at more primitive sites.

Security features: Several campgrounds implement security measures for camper safety. "The camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe," reports one McDowell visitor. Many sites utilize gated access systems with after-hours codes provided to registered campers.

What you should know

Site selection considerations: Many camping areas feature significant grade variations between sites. At Kings Mountain State Park, "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," according to a recent visitor. Researching specific site numbers before booking can prevent setup challenges.

Seasonal crowd patterns: Weekends during summer months experience maximum occupancy at most locations. "It gets jam packed on the weekend," notes one Kings Mountain camper. Reservations often fill 2-3 months in advance for Friday and Saturday nights between May-September, particularly for waterfront sites.

Noise considerations: Despite natural settings, some campgrounds experience noise intrusions. At Carowinds Camp Wilderness, "The nighttime noise was bothersome, not sure where it was coming from, likely outside the campground." Aircraft traffic affects several camping areas due to proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Family-oriented campgrounds provide dedicated recreation spaces. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers "free shuttle to the amusement park from open until close" plus on-site attractions: "Nice RV sites and well maintained! Whether you are hanging in the RV park or at the amusement park, you'll be satisfied."

Site privacy assessment: Family groups should consider spacing between campsites. "The sites are very well taken care of. We chose to camp on one of the hotter days of the year so the tree shade came in handy to help keep us cool," notes a McDowell Nature Preserve visitor, though they caution about tent pad surfaces potentially causing damage to tent floors.

Special events: Some campgrounds organize seasonal activities specifically for children. At Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA, "We went around Halloween and they had trick-or-treating around the park as well as prizes for the best decorated." These events typically occur on Saturday evenings during holiday weekends.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require significant leveling equipment. At Kings Mountain State Park, campers report that "many sites could use some attention. Tangled tree roots, water ruts. Muddy when it rains." Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended, as some sites require maximum extension.

Utility placement challenges: RVers should confirm hookup locations before arrival. At Ebenezer Park, "Some sites are a little small and some are not very level but if you call the campground hosts and rangers are very helpful in helping you get on the right sight." Extension cords and longer water hoses may be necessary at certain sites where connections are poorly positioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there camping options near Lake Wylie in South Carolina?

Yes, there are several camping options near Lake Wylie. McDowell Nature Preserve is located southwest of Charlotte off Highway 49 near Lake Wylie and offers a secluded camping experience just minutes from the city. For those wanting more options, Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA provides camping facilities near Fort Mill, not far from Lake Wylie. These campgrounds are convenient for exploring the lake while having access to amenities. Lake Wylie straddles the North Carolina-South Carolina border, so some campgrounds may technically be in North Carolina while still providing easy lake access.

Where are the campgrounds located on Lake Wylie?

Campgrounds are strategically positioned around Lake Wylie for optimal water access. Copperhead Island is situated on an island within a county park on the shores of Lake Wylie, adjacent to McDowell Nature Preserve. It offers a unique island camping experience with direct lake access. Another option is Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park, which provides camping near the southern portion of Lake Wylie. Most campgrounds around Lake Wylie are located within a 15-30 minute drive of the shoreline, making it easy to enjoy water activities while having comfortable overnight accommodations.

What amenities are available at Lake Wylie campgrounds?

Lake Wylie campgrounds offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Chester State Park Campground provides RV-friendly sites with gravel pads, though tent campers might find the terrain challenging. Campgrounds around Lake Wylie typically feature clean bathrooms and shower facilities, electric hookups (even at some tent sites), large fire pit areas, and tent pads. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers more developed amenities for those seeking additional comforts. Many Lake Wylie campgrounds also include hiking trails, playgrounds, nature centers, and direct access to fishing (NC fishing license required for northern portions of the lake). Security features like gated entry are common at established campgrounds.