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Best Campgrounds near Lake Wylie, SC

453 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Lake Wylie, South CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Wylie, South Carolina (83)

    1. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, NC
    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, SC
    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

    11 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, NC
    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

    3 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 Camping Photos near Lake Wylie, SC

159 Photos of 83 Lake Wylie Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Wylie, SC

453 Reviews of 83 Lake Wylie Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Chris K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    Superb Accommodations

    Always very clean, with meticulously maintained and picturesque grounds, the Camp Wilderness at Carowinds is well-appointed with amenities and attended to by helpful and friendly Carowinds staff. Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings.

  • Amber L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Coble's Landing

    DO NOT STAY HERE

    WARNING DO NOT STAY HERE!!! REX COBLE is part owner of this campground. My father’s camper was broken into and vandalized by the owner REX. Stayed for 3 months and never received a receipt for cash handed over. Always gave us the go around and said he was out of town on business. So we started using cash app to prove payments. We even paid 6 months advanced for storage. Investigation still in process and having to get the law involved again. Biggest crook and con of Anson County. Drug deals happening right in the Rv Park in front of family’s and children durning the day and all times at night. This place needs to be investigated, raided and shut down! Our whole life was taken from us. Photos, jewelry, guns, clothing, TVs, and etc. I highly suggest you do not stay here or trust your belongings being stored.

  • Zeek A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Lake Hickory RV Resort

    Beautiful spot. Beautiful people.

    My dog and I are on a cross-country trip, on foot, on our way to NY, IL, IA, etc...with our final destination being California. We needed a safe place to sleep, and though this place doesn't rent tent spots, the people here (residents and visitors) have been very friendly. Rasa (doggo) and I weren't supposed to stay here in a tent, but we did and everyone here have been very friendly and understanding. The lake is beautiful and so are the people. Love this place. Too bad they don't cater to tent campers. I was willing to pay whatever just to have a safe place for Rasa and I for the night, but, alas, we had to sorta sneek in. Still, we received no trouble and, man, what a lovely morning!

Guide to Lake Wylie

Camping near Lake Wylie, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the well-marked hiking paths, with one reviewer noting, "The hiking trails were very well marked and maintained" at Kings Mountain State Park.
  • Fishing and Boating: Lake Wylie is perfect for fishing and boating. One visitor at Badin Lake Campground mentioned, "The lake is swimmable from any point and you have use of the entire campgrounds area."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Morrow Mountain State Park shared, "It has been among my favorites for 50+ years," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Lake Norman State Park said, "The bathhouse was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites. One visitor at Iron City Campground remarked, "Level lots, nice pool, enclosed dog lot, clean bathhouse."
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere is a big plus. A camper at Cane Creek Park noted, "The park ranger regularly patrols, making it feel safe."

What you should know:

  • Site Conditions: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at South Mountains State Park mentioned, "The campsites tend to be spacious and wooded—perfect for privacy and hammocks."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell coverage. A visitor at Morrow Mountain State Park warned, "Beware! Cell/Internet coverage is non-existent."
  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Kings Mountain State Park, have restrictions on alcohol, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One reviewer at Iron City Campground mentioned, "Fun for kids: pool with splash mushroom; playground."
  • Safety Measures: Choose campgrounds with security. A camper at McDowell Nature Preserve noted, "The campground is guarded by two gates and I saw the police patrol around a few times after hours."
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. A visitor at Andrew Jackson State Park shared, "The park is better suited for small rigs, although we did see a couple large motor homes that struggled."

Tips from RVers:

  • Leveling Your RV: Check site descriptions for leveling needs. A camper at Croft State Park mentioned, "Site #37 felt significantly sloped to me for our setup."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Lake Norman State Park noted, "RV sites are paved, with a picnic table and fire ring."
  • Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Morrow Mountain State Park advised, "There is a water tank filling station and a dump station on site."

Camping near Lake Wylie, South Carolina, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly activities to serene nature escapes. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's a spot waiting for you!

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.

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