6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Chester State Park Campground welcomes pets in a serene natural setting with 25 camping sites on level ground. Campers with dogs can enjoy the well-maintained facilities including clean bathrooms with hot showers, electric hookups, and water access. The campground features a scenic lake with a new ADA-compliant walkway leading to swings, benches, and Adirondack chairs surrounding a rock fire pit. Sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with full hookups available, though tent campers should note some sites may be too rocky for comfortable setup. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, creating a comfortable environment for campers and their pets. The park is kept very clean and well maintained despite the surrounding town not doing well.
The park offers excellent recreational opportunities for visitors with dogs, including well-marked trails that run along the lake edge. Dogs can join their owners exploring the hiking paths or relaxing in the multiple hammock spots available at certain campsites. The lake provides beautiful views and opportunities for fishing, though swimming is not permitted. Boat rentals including kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats are available for those who want to explore the water. The park also features a championship disc golf course that draws tournaments throughout the year. Chester State Park remains quiet and peaceful, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility with their pets. The convenient location is accessible from the Charlotte metro area, providing an easy escape into nature.
"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"
"Tucked away just outside the historic cut of Chester, SC this park has a lot to offer, hiking trails, exploring, fishing, kayaking its great. It's our favorite little get away."
"My dog enjoyed the pond for swimming. Sites were decent and we felt we had privacy. Driving into the park was beautiful. Big huge trees and winding roads. There are not many tree in the camping area."
"Dog park is so nice to have on site."
"Nice dog park, nice playground. We would stay here again."
from $40 - $45 / night
"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."
"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."
from $62 / night
from $30 - $50 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $47 / night
"Fishing is typically outstanding for bass, cats, crappie, and carp. Equestrian trails are everywhere and are good for hiking, a few trails are a bit rough for bicycles though"
"A few of the trails are right on the lake and the dogs love to hop in and cool off. I load up my kayak once a month or so and paddle around the lake for hours."
"We stayed here because of the proximity to Charlotte. Big rig friendly and FHU. Only wish they had a swimming area!"
"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"
from $66 - $108 / night
TravelerIt was very nice! My fiance and I and our kitty stopped for the night, had burgers and went on a little hike in the morning with a gorgeous view. It’s very quiet, well kept. Has 2 porta-potty’s as well. Would definitely come back.
RangerWhen I’m traveling through the area, I do my best to stay here. It is a peaceful and well kept campground. It is an adult and a kid friendly environment. It’s one of the few places you can feel safe. I highly recommend this place.
TravelerIt’s a small, clean campground but we are next to a busy road (site 28) and also the entrance to the public access of Moss Lake. It’s a tight squeeze for us as a 33’ fifth wheel.
ScoutIf you ever plan on visiting Shelby / Broad River KOA Holiday Campground and have women or kids in your party, and y'all rent a unit from them, I'd rethink it or keep the door locked at all times. Our visit was wonderful up until the point a maintenance worker walks straight up in here on us.
GuideTight fit, we stayed here with our 20ft trailer and it is a little tight. The site was at a slight angle and I noticed a lot of sites are the same way. Plus side is there is a security gate with code entry. Easy access to lake. Good clean boathouse and nice full hookups.
GuideWhat a lovely little find! We spent the night at Enoree River Vineyards & Winery and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Arriving in our RV was a bit of a squeeze navigating the trees near the entrance, but we managed to get through without any problems.
Once settled, we headed inside for a wine tasting, and that’s where the experience really shone. Kelly looked after us and was absolutely delightful—friendly, welcoming, and a pleasure to chat with. She made the tasting even more enjoyable.
The wines were excellent, the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, and we enjoyed ourselves so much that we couldn’t resist leaving with three bottles!
A fantastic place to spend the night, unwind, and enjoy some delicious local wine. We’d happily visit again and would definitely recommend it!
GuideI had avoided KOA in the past as I heard not great things about it, but I have to rethink my position after this visit. The staff really seemed to care about the facilities and take great care of them.!
GuideEasy access and nice pool as well as little camp store.
ScoutWhen I moved here in October 2025 Tom and Jen were helpful. The lot however hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The dead leaves and pine needles were at least 2 inches thick and I was left to clean them by myself. The amenities are far below substandard and barely work. If you need to shower at the office pray the hot water is working before going. It doesn’t work more than it works. There are always campground wide water and electric issues. The mail carrier delivers all mail to the office and they distribute to mailboxes when they feel like it unless Jen has something against you then she brags to other people in the campground how she is shredding your mail. I moved out in July 2026 and had paid my rent a week early but found a place to move the day after paying and they refused to reimburse the rent. They also raised the 6 times as well as forced all residents to pay for WiFi that was very inadequate to watch tv with so you pay for their WiFi as well as a second WiFi that actually works. I am not telling you to not move or camp here just want you to be informed of what you’ll be dealing with.
Chester State Park offers level camping sites with easy access to a scenic lake in McConnells, South Carolina. Located at 759 State Park Drive, this park sits at an elevation of approximately 600 feet above sea level in the Carolina Piedmont region. The park remains open year-round with temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer, making spring and fall particularly comfortable for outdoor recreation.
Championship disc golf: The disc golf course at Kings Mountain State Park draws tournaments throughout the year. "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," notes Don H.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks in the area provide fishing access. At Andrew Jackson State Park Campground, campers can fish on the small lake. "Decent fishing for crappie and bass," reports Nate G., who lived nearby and found it "convenient for friends to visit and escape Charlotte, NC."
Trail exploration: Well-marked hiking trails run throughout the region. "There are great trails for you and your pup's to go hiking on," says Rachel R. about Kings Mountain State Park. Trails range from short quarter-mile loops to longer networks connecting camping areas to lakes and day-use facilities.
Private bathroom facilities: Modern bathhouses are available at several pet-friendly camping spots near McConnells. At McDowell Nature Preserve, "Bathhouses are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean," according to I R. Ryan B. adds they have "CLEAN RESTROOMS and showers with hot water."
Lake access: Campers appreciate the water features available at parks like Ebenezer Park Campground. "Family Friendly and good for people with boats," says Haley B. Another visitor, Cosmo D., describes it as a "Supper nice little campground about 71 sites with full hookup and near the lake."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the peaceful environment. "At night quiet hours were kept and it was just beautiful!" shares Rachel R. about Kings Mountain. Ryan B. appreciates McDowell Nature Preserve's location that's "Close enough to not worry about gear failure, far enough to be surrounded by woods."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra preparation. At Kings Mountain, Richard E. notes, "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." Karen S. adds that "the campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly."
Seasonal considerations: Weather can affect camping conditions significantly. Fall offers comfortable temperatures between 50-75°F with colorful foliage, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F with higher humidity. Winter camping is available but can see overnight temperatures below freezing.
Limited tent sites: At Lucky Farms Under the Stars, there are only 6 total sites available. Raul G. describes it as a "Nice little campsite. The host is very communicative. Nice open field with great nestled area for campfires."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Chester State Park, the playground is conveniently located near the lake area. Ashley W. from Ebenezer Park notes, "We went around Halloween and they had trick-or-treating around the park as well as prizes for the best decorated."
Rental equipment: For families who don't own boats, rental options are available. Chester State Park offers kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats for exploring the water. McDowell Nature Preserve offers similar amenities, with Ryan B. noting it has "access to Lake Wylie" making it ideal for water activities.
Space for activities: Look for campgrounds with open areas. At Iron City Campground, James U. shares, "Our 12 year old son loves the pool and being able to ride his electric bike around the campground. The host does a great job lining up activities including Kona Ice for the campers on Saturday's."
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on your RV size. At Kings Mountain, Sarah W. notes sites have "Hook ups for both RVs and tent campers. Sites are very close together." Richard E. cautions that "Some sites are listed as RV sites but are half as large as they need to be to accommodate a medium size RV."
Hookup arrangements: Pay attention to utilities placement. Karen S. from Kings Mountain points out "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites." At Ebenezer Park, Larry M. reports, "The sites have full Hook up. We where at site 50 and it was completely shaded."
Access roads: Consider approach routes when selecting a campground. Karen S. warns 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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near McConnells, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near McConnells, SC is Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED with a 3.9-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near McConnells, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near McConnells, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
