88 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The York, South Carolina region encompasses several established campgrounds offering various accommodation options within short driving distances. Kings Mountain State Park provides tent and RV camping with electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables approximately 20 miles northwest of York. McDowell Nature Preserve offers waterfront camping opportunities along Lake Wylie just 15 miles east, while Chester State Park Campground sits about 25 miles south with lakeside camping and hiking trails. Ebenezer Park in nearby Rock Hill features full hookup sites for RVs with lakefront access, though recent data indicates temporary closure status.
Camping facilities throughout the area generally remain open year-round with South Carolina's mild climate allowing for comfortable camping in most seasons. Roads to major campgrounds are well-maintained and accessible by standard vehicles. Most developed campgrounds require advance reservations through their respective management systems, whether state park or county recreation departments. A camper wrote, "Chester State Park is a campground in a beautiful setting with a lake and sitting area beside the lake that are both beautiful," highlighting the scenic water features common to many sites in the region. Cell service varies considerably, with some remote areas having limited connectivity, particularly at Kings Mountain State Park where visitors have noted spotty coverage.
Lake access represents a significant draw for many camping areas near York, with several campgrounds situated on or near bodies of water. Chester State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its peaceful lakeside setting, while McDowell Nature Preserve provides access to Lake Wylie with boat-in camping options. Bathroom and shower facilities at most established campgrounds receive favorable mentions, though some users note that tent sites can sometimes be challenging to find on level ground. According to reviews, many campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept facilities with air-conditioned bathhouses—a welcome amenity during hot summer months. Kings Mountain State Park offers additional recreational opportunities with boat rentals at Lake York and proximity to the National Military Battlefield, making it suitable for visitors interested in both outdoor recreation and historical sites.
"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."
"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"
"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."
from $17 - $47 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Our site was very level and tucked back in the corner of the campground. If we are ever in the area again we would definitely stay here again."
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"We stayed here because of the proximity to Charlotte. Big rig friendly and FHU. Only wish they had a swimming area!"
"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."
"The lake from the campground has a fairly new access via a ADA compliant walkway with lighting leading to swings, benches and Adirondack chairs surrounding a rock fire pit."
"This is a cool little spot not far from Charlotte NC which doesn't seem as busy as other nearby campgrounds. Staff are friendly."
"Nice, small, respectable campground close to Charlotte NC. Sites are paved, but dont expect completely level."
"Nice walk through Boy Scout camp. Trails are in good shape. Very close to Rivergate area. Great Lake access and nice kayaking."
"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."
from $15 - $19 / night
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ScoutI have stayed at brickhouse multiple times, and will stay again in the future. It’s always quiet, and relaxing! No potable water, so make sure you bring plenty with you, no bath houses, only privy toilets.
LegendThis campground is essentially an expansive gravel parking lot made for RVs. While that may not sound appealing to some, race fans will love it because it is so close to all the racing action of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. We camped in the M section which is near the main road. There is a bit of road noise but it didn’t bother us because our RV has good sound protection and the road was quiet at night. We don’t like being right on top of other campers and since most people don’t want to be near the road, this worked in our favor. If you have Good Sam, there is a discount which is a pretty good deal for 50 amps, full hook-up site. Despite our site being close to the office, the wifi never worked well and we gave up opting for our Verizon hotspot. There is no cable but our over-the-air antenna worked well (35+ channels) and you would not have any trouble getting satellite reception. There are no trees for shade and we were glad the highs were only in the 70’s when we were there. The large sized gravel is nice to keep the dust down and not make this nasty when it rains but don’t even think about going barefoot on it. Even our dog was apprehensive and tender footed when she walked across it. There is not much for kids to do here– just a small playground. The laundry is located at the office but the only bathhouse is far away from the front of the campground. If you need the bathhouse you are going to want to be in the P, Q, or R sections of else you will have to walk pretty far. Garbage is picked up at your site but when we were there, it often sat for a day or two. The campground was probably only at ¼ capacity and the one dumpster was overflowing. Can’t imagine what they do during busy racing weekends. There is a free food pantry so if you have any canned goods or other items you want to share. For race fans, this is a great campground because you are within walking distance of the Carolina Motor Speedway and the associated dirt track and drag racing track. For $30 you can take a tour of all the race facilities and I highly recommend it.
TravelerI stayed for weeks in May 2026. The campground is easy to get to, with the non-seasonal sites convenient to the restroom, which is a well maintained vault toilet. The water spigot is there too. The wooded sites are pleasantly separate and equipped with only a fire ring, so bring any tables and chairs you may need. I had Verizon and had barely any connection at all. Starlink worked ok. Solar power is in short supply due to trees.
ScoutWe stayed here because of the proximity to Charlotte. Big rig friendly and FHU. Only wish they had a swimming area!
LegendWe pulled into Lake Norman State Park around 6 PM on New Year’s Eve, mainly because we didn’t want to drive a couple more hours to our original destination. We only planned to stay one night, but the campground surprised us—in the best way—and we ended up staying three nights instead.
There were plenty of available campsites, and every site we saw was at least decently spaced, with several feeling nicely secluded. The campground was quiet and well laid out. The bathhouse was clean and modern, and having water spigots available in the no-hookups loop was a big plus.
One of the highlights was riding our e-bikes on the Hawk, Hicks, Norwood Creek, and Monbo loops. These are the easier sections of the Itusi Trail system and were a lot of fun—though still a bit too unpaved for my wife’s taste😄. Even so, the hiking trail access from the campground made it easy to get out and explore.
This stop wasn’t planned at all, but it turned into one of those stays that makes you glad plans changed. We’ll definitely be coming back to Lake Norman State Park.
Check out all the sites in 360° in our video:
https://youtu.be/UzYublJ-BZg
ScoutClean, safe, road noise all night, showers are clean, water is kinda warm. Site was level
ScoutThis new park is located at 241 Battleground Road in Grover, NC, just off I-85 at exit 2(Hwy. 216 S). The property features multiple large, full hookup RV sites at reduced pricing while amenities are still under construction. Their Clubhouse features a reception area, coffee bar, wine/beer bar, a well-stocked store (featuring RV/camping supplies, drinks, snacks, decals and magnets, souvenirs, etc.), restrooms, 24-hour laundry, area attractions info, customer service, common lounge area with a 70-inch TV, a community bulletin board, and much more. Highspeed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property for their guest’s enjoyment. Can't wait until they are completely open!
TravelerThe park is impeccable! This has set a new standard and all future state campgrounds across the USA will be compared to here. The bathrooms as well as the entire is exceptionally clean. Playgrounds and soccer field (soccer balls provided) Hiking/biking trails. Our camp hosts Kermit and Anita were phenomenal. If I had find one negative it would be the state is really proud of their firewood, I thought it was overpriced especially since I’m from out of state and was at their mercy.
ScoutI had a very good stay at the Sumter NF KOA. The campground was clean and well maintained, and the staff members were kind and welcoming from the moment I arrived. My site was easy to access, the hookups worked without any issues, and the area felt quiet and peaceful. The campground is in a convenient location for exploring the national forest and spending time outdoors. I appreciated the level of care that went into keeping the facilities tidy and comfortable. I would stay here again and recommend it to others who want a calm place to camp near the forest. I had a very good stay at the Sumter NF KOA. The campground was clean and well maintained, and the staff members were kind and welcoming from the moment I arrived. My site was easy to access, the hookups worked without any issues, and the area felt quiet and peaceful. The campground is in a convenient location for exploring the national forest and spending time outdoors. I appreciated the level of care that went into keeping the facilities tidy and comfortable. I would stay here again and recommend it to others who want a calm place to camp near the forest. We came back to stay another night. This place makes it so easy to stay here!
Campgrounds near York, SC span from Lake Wylie to Kings Mountain, offering primitive and developed sites within a 25-mile radius. The region sits at the northern edge of South Carolina's Piedmont plateau, with elevations ranging from 500-1,700 feet. Winter camping conditions typically remain mild with occasional freezing nights from December through February, while thunderstorms occur frequently during summer afternoons.
Disc golf at Chester State Park: The 18-hole professional disc golf course winds through wooded areas around the lake. "There is an amazing seating area near the fishing dock, with multiple hanging bench swings, communal fire pits and a great view of the lake. There was a nice trail around the lake, peddle boat rentals, and a world class frisbee golf course," notes David S. about Chester State Park Campground.
Historical exploration at Kings Mountain: Visit the Revolutionary War battlefield site adjacent to Kings Mountain State Park. "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. about Kings Mountain State Park.
Hiking at McDowell Nature Preserve: The preserve offers multiple trail systems accessible directly from campsites. "So awesome to have hiking trails that lead right out of the campground," notes Kathy L. One camper elaborated: "Nice open spaces with shade. No views to speak of but several short trails and nice areas around Lake Wylie. Clean facilities and secured gate with easy access after hours for paid campers."
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded camping spots with natural screening. At McDowell Nature Preserve, one camper described, "Great, long wooded site! Reasonably priced. Gated. Great restrooms and showers." The preserve's park-like setting provides a sense of seclusion despite proximity to Charlotte.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses consistently receive positive reviews across multiple campgrounds. At McDowell Nature Preserve, Ryan B. mentions, "CLEAN RESTROOMS and showers with hot water, power even at the Tent sites, super nice staff, and priced right. Also, the camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe."
Lake access: Several campgrounds provide convenient lake access for fishing, boating, and relaxation. At Chester State Park, a camper noted, "All 25 of the sites are on mostly level ground. The lake from the campground has a fairly new access via a ADA compliant walkway with lighting leading to swings, benches and Adirondack chairs surrounding a rock fire pit."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have sites that require significant leveling. At Kings Mountain State Park, a reviewer cautioned, "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." Another camper mentioned, "Lots of sites could use some attention. Tangled tree roots, water ruts. Muddy when it rains."
Seasonal availability: While most campgrounds remain open year-round, facility maintenance can affect availability. At Ebenezer Park Campground, one camper noted, "We spent a weekend here last month. Park itself has considerable construction going on with no water access. However the campground was open and sites are nice and spacious."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially for weekend stays during spring and summer. Copperhead Island offers an unusual alternative: "You can, in fact, reserve the whole island for group camping if you like! I hear that Lake Wylie is really busy in summer, a lot of boat and day use traffic, but the lake was quiet in October."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, a camper mentioned, "Private but great for families and bike ridding. Private pool game room. Laundry and camp store." The resort's proximity to the Carowinds amusement park provides additional entertainment options.
Swimming options: Not all lakes permit swimming, so check rules before planning water activities. At Chester State Park, a camper noted, "There is fishing, kayaks and canoes at the boat dock for rent and to our children's disappointment no swimming in the lake."
Security considerations: Gated campgrounds provide additional safety for families with children. Ryan B. remarked about McDowell Nature Preserve: "The camp was patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe. I can't say enough good things here."
Site selection at Kings Mountain: Choose your site carefully as some designated RV sites may be smaller than expected. One camper advised, "Some sites are listed as RV sites but are half as large as they need to be to accommodate a medium size RV. If that wasn't enough, sites are very close to each other and there are almost no plants other than tall trees to offer any privacy."
Access roads and maneuverability: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads for larger rigs. At Iron City Campground, a camper reported, "They have some seasonal sites and a lot of other sites. There are some new sites along the pond on the lower level. They also had buddy sites, perfect for a 2+ campers to gather as a group."
Hookup placement: Utilities at some sites may be inconveniently located. One camper at Kings Mountain State Park noted, "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites. 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 campground near York, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near York, SC is Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 46 reviews.
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