Best Camping Sites Near Charlotte

Sometimes a hotel room just doesn't fit the bill, especially when you've got a car full of family. Camping is an option that will allow you to enjoy Charlotte the way you want to. Cook in an RV or by an open fire. Sleep in a tent or in the bedroom of your RV swaddled in your favorite linens, while listening to the sounds of nature. There are quite a few great camping sites in and around Charlotte, and here are the top five.

McDowell Nature Center and Preserve
15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278
(704) 583-1284
www.mcdowellnature.com

Camping at the McDowell Nature Preserve provides a peaceful respite from the every day. Spend the night amid 1,100 acres of natural beauty. The Preserve is a habitat for more than a hundred species of birds, dozens of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. You can hike seven miles of trails to try and spot all of the species. It's a beautiful environment and the perfect place for camping.

Tom Johnson Camping Center Racing Resort
Just off of Bruton Smith Blvd. (I-85, exit 49)
Concord, NC
(704) 455-4445
www.tomjohnsoncamping.com

This premium RV spot is within walking distance from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track. This year-round campground is the perfect site to take advantage of all of the excitement Concord and Charlotte have to offer. The site has different levels of sites, from deluxe to basic. There's a large, covered pavilion if you want to hold an event at the site. The restroom and shower facility is very up to date and will serve all of your cleanliness needs. Make sure to reserve far ahead for race week.

Kings Mountain State Park
1277 Park Road City
Blacksburg, S.C.
(866) 345-7275
www.kingsmountainstatepark.com

Alongside Crowder's Mountain State Park is South Carolina's Kings Mountain State Park. It's a beautiful spot, a mountain amongst mountains. While you're there, you can enjoy 20 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of horse trails and two gorgeous lakes. There's even a living history farm on the off chance your kids get bored with all of the excitement around them. The best part is that it's less than 40 miles from uptown Charlotte.

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Lake Norman State Park
159 Inland Sea Lane
Troutman, NC 28166
(704) 528-6350
www.lakenormanstatepark.com

There's a gorgeous spot for camping over at Lake Norman State Park. There, alongside North Carolina's largest man-made lake, you'll find a beautiful spot to camp. Alongside the fishing and boating are miles of hiking and biking trails. Lake Norman is a great place to find delicious dining and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Reserve your spot and enjoy one of the best spots Charlotte has to offer.

Arrowhead Campground
Badin Lake/Forest Rt. 597
Uwharrie, NC
(877) 444-6777
www.arrowheadcampground.com

Up 520 feet among the mountains, there's a fabulous campground on a bluff above Badin Lake. The campground has modern toilet and shower facilities along with a hand-wash laundry site. The RV site has electric hook-ups at a third of the sites. For those who like more rustic camping, there's even a special, tent-only location in a heavily wooded area. The Uwharrie National Forest is a wonderful spot to explore via foot, bike or horseback.

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