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Camping near Cornelius

Looking for the best camping near Cornelius? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of North Carolina hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Cornelius.

98% (4.9K) • 1,350 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cornelius

Cj’s Suburban Oasis

1. Cj’s Suburban Oasis

97%

(30)

6.9mi from Cornelius · 1 site · Tent, RV

Looking for a place to camp while visiting the greater Charlotte area? Come stay in the woods at our private campsite tucked away in nature. Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, find peace and solitude amongst the trees. Cozy up and light a fire, enjoy dinner sitting at the picnic bench and feel like you’ve gotten out of the city. But still be close enough to amenities and activities. Plenty of adventure awaits when you only need a quaint little place to stay to take it all in. Come and enjoy our little piece of property and have fun! With a quick 4 min jaunt down to the Renaissance festival Oct- Nov to partake in all the fanfare, you will be pleased with the ease and nearness of our site. For you race fans, only a 20min easy drive to feel the cars thundering down the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Catch a concert at PNC music pavilion 19min away. Currently no bathroom, must be self sufficient, pack in pack out. 40’ level pad. Plenty of firewood and dead fall to make a fire in the pit. Should be proficient at backing your rig. Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking grill and a few chairs. Pet friendly but please pick up after your furry friends. Two hundred yard gravel road leads to paved driveway onto the property. 4 mins from: Harris Teeter, Bojangles, McDonald’s, Subway, DiMaggio’s pizza, Midor sushi and hibachi, Indian cuisine Check out the list below for approximate times to various other fun filled places…. Restaurants, Drug store and Grocery 3 Min Carolina Renaissance Festival 4 minutes Birkdale Village 14 Min White Water Center 29 min Downtown Charlotte 21 min NODA 28 min South End 32 min Lake Norman 20-25 min Lake Norman State Park 37 min Latta Place historic site 31 min Carolina Raptor Center 29 min Bank of America Stadium 28 min

Pets

Campfires

Picnic table

PRIVATE Retreat near Lake Norman

2. PRIVATE Retreat near Lake Norman

100%

(86)

14mi from Cornelius · 1 site

Very secluded 30/ 50 amp site among beautiful Pecan tree You will enjoy nature when you stay here at Pecan Meadows!  The mornings are peaceful with the sounds of birds and possible sights of deer.  The dark night skies with the bright stars will amaze you....we can't decide which is better! The site has a large gravel pad that is easy to back into.  We provide 2 Adirondack chairs, a picnic table, a fire pit and lights in the trees.  We do NOT allow tent only renting since there is no bathhouse facilities. Lake Norman State Park is exactly 1 mile from this property and is known for AMAZING mountain biking and hiking trails and access to the 520 miles of shore line of Lake Norman, the largest fresh water lake in Iredell County. The state park also has a FREE boat launching area. Also you can keep your trailered boat with you on the property... FOR NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. Don't have a boat? There is a marina only 5 mins from here to rent boats and jetskis WANT TO TRAVEL WITH A FRIEND WHO ALSO HAS A CAMPER/RV/TENT?  We have an additional 30/50amp hookup .  You all will enjoy an amazing experience using the hanging out together!  They way we set you up is both RV front doors share the shaded Pecan area.  OR if you are willing to let your friends us your facilities this site can be rented for up to 2 tents. To rent this space you will need to request when booking.  It is only available when booking site #1  WITH this site. Please contact me to discuss this more if you are interested. Troutman is a very quaint southern town very close to Mooresville, NC. It is smack in the middle of Charlotte and Hickory! So you can enjoy the mountains or the city or both from ONE LOCATION!! We are within driving distance to Lowe's Motor speedway and very close to many race teams located in Mooresville. The downtown of Troutman is a short drive from your camp spot and there is a grocery store, drug store and many privately owned restaurants, including Italian, German and amazing fried chicken at Julia's! There is an ice cream parlor too!!  Another wonderful asset to Troutman is Daveste' Vineyard where there is live music often, and of course wine tastings! This beautiful vineyard is less than 10 mins away.

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

Tails and Trails

3. Tails and Trails

96%

(58)

15mi from Cornelius · 2 sites

Nestled off of the beaten path and located in a small town. Enjoy peace and quiet at this site, back in the woods down a quaint little trail on 9 acres! Whether it's sitting around a campfire, throwing some cornhole, playing some cards or playing some retro games, you can have it all right here. Power is provided via a power bank. Bathroom is equipped with a camp shower bag and flushable toilet. Ask about s'mores kits and firewood. Pet's welcome. State licensed pet boarding available on-site!

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Toilets

Showers

Lake Norman State Park

4. Lake Norman State Park

94%

(8)

State park 14mi from Cornelius · 37 sites

Outdoor adventure awaits on the banks of North Carolina’s largest manmade lake.

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Toilets

Campfires

Crowders Mountain State Park

5. Crowders Mountain State Park

100%

(4)

State park 29mi from Cornelius · 20 sites

Trails link two mountains at this North Carolina park.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

Twilight Yurt

6. Twilight Yurt

97%

(138)

19mi from Cornelius · 1 site

This a a smoke free, drug fee, alcohol free LGBT and all others safe, non judging retreat. We support people in recovery and it is not allowed on our property. Please arrive between 3 PM and 7pm. It is the perfect get away on a 2 acre wooded nature reserve in a rural neighborhood, quiet, peaceful and secluded. With walking trails and quiet sitting spots and a meditation room. Shared bathroom and kitchen areas. We bought this amazing 2.5 acre wooded land with a spring and creek on it from our friends who already had a huge healing impact on the land. This land is quiet, it is in a neighborhood and back up to a cow farm. Everyone keeps to themselves, we have three other rentals on the property to share community areas.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Riverfront Adventures

7. Riverfront Adventures

100%

(24)

21mi from Cornelius · 4 sites

Greetings friend! My name’s Dina Joy. My husband and I are seasoned Hipcampers and I was a Hipcamp mate for the Summer of 2023. We went on a 390-day roadtrip from North Carolina all the way to California. Hit 22 states + Tijuana, and stayed at SEVERAL Hipcamps, National Parks, and RV Campgrounds. Our familiarity with the camping mindset enables us to adapt and cater to your unique camping needs with ease. We loved all of our Hipcamps across the country and now that we’re in our home state of North Carolina, are so excited to share our land with other Hipcampers! Riverside Adventures is a peaceful, flat grassy campsite nestled along approximately 600 feet of riverbank on the beautiful Catawba River. 🌿🌊 Enjoy a quiet escape surrounded by nature, with plenty of space to relax, watch wildlife, fish, or simply unwind by the water. The riverfront is also great for kayaks, canoes, and other small watercraft when conditions allow. What to enjoy: • 🎣 Fishing and relaxing along the river • 🐦 Bird watching and wildlife viewing • 🔥 Campfires are welcome • 🌳 A spacious, peaceful setting with plenty of room to spread out There are no campsite hookups, but potable water is available from a hose on site for filling your fresh-water tank. There’s also plenty to explore nearby, including U.S. National Whitewater Center, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and Carowinds, making Riverside Adventures a peaceful place to stay while enjoying the many attractions and outdoor activities in the area. Please note: There may be other campers on the property. Well-behaved, friendly dogs may be off leash if they are reliably under voice control; we have neighboring dogs, so reactive, aggressive, or dogs prone to wandering must remain on leash. 🚫 No generators after 10 PM due to neighborhood noise restrictions. Guests must be self-contained and leave no trace. Please pack out everything you bring in and leave the property as you found it. Come enjoy a simple riverside getaway where you can slow down, reconnect with nature, and wake up to the sights and sounds of the Catawba River. 🌅

Pets

Waterfall camping close to CLT

8. Waterfall camping close to CLT

99%

(411)

23mi from Cornelius · 1 site · Tent, RV

Working on Facebook, Instagram, and a website. Search for: Old Mill Falls My Neighbor has started his own Campsite, "The Swimming Hole". If mine is booked and you still want to camp, look him up. He is better suited for small groups and has more privacy. Easy drive right to the campsite There is plenty of soft sand to set up one tent or ten tents; large groups are welcome for an extra fee. A Porta-Potty is available at the campsite. Swimming is usually possible at the base of the falls; however, the weather can change conditions and make it unusable. I should also add that this is not completely private. The camp is visible from a shared driveway, and my residence is up a hill that overlooks the area. Also, I do not own the land on the other side of the stream. Occasionally, the owners of that land will also end a weekend afternoon enjoying the waterfall view Still much quieter and more private than a regular campground. Close to the U.S. National Whitewater Center (mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking), Kings Mountain National Military Park (Horseback riding and history), Crowders Mountain (Hiking), 3 miles off of I-85 and US-321 for people passing through.

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Campfires

The swimming hole

9. The swimming hole

99%

(89)

23mi from Cornelius · 1 site

Secluded camping area next to the swimming hole on long creek. Very quiet and peaceful. Spend your evening relaxing or swimming. Picnic table is provided. We are excited to now provide a port a John , a dumpster and a grill., gate code 6510* It’s just a short walk down hill to the campground. (250 steps) It’s close to US National Whitewater center, Kings Mountain National Military park, and Crowders Mountain park. 3 miles off I-85 and US-321. Also check out my neighbors Hipcamp called the waterfall

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Campfires

Toilets

Kings Mountain State Park

10. Kings Mountain State Park

90%

(5)

State park 39mi from Cornelius · 123 sites

Step back in time with a living history farm and hike through a forest with gorgeous mountain views

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Kings Mountain National Military Park

11. Kings Mountain National Military Park

100%

(1)

National park 37mi from Cornelius · 116 sites

Discover the historic battleground of Kings Mountain National Military Park.

Campfires

Picnic table

Andrew Jackson State Park

(23)

39mi from Cornelius · 1 site

Cedar Grove RV Site is a peaceful single site that offers full hookups with a nice gravel pad. The site overlooks our 22 acre farm with beautiful rolling hills, cows, goats and chickens. There are some homes nearby but the site is nestled back on it own private acreage. We are within 10 minutes of York, 20 Minutes from Clover, 15 minutes from Kings Mountain, 25 minutes from Lake Wylie and ~30 minutes from both Gastonia and Rock Hill. This is a great central location to go hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and shopping...... or to just sit back, relax and enjoy the country farm life. Please note that you have to be at least 24 years old to rent this site and own a valid drivers license.

Pets

Full hookups

Beam Family Farm

19. Beam Family Farm

100%

(10)

39mi from Cornelius · 1 site · Tent, RV

50-amp full hookup on a spacious property with beautiful mountain views. Amenities include a fire pit, picnic table, and a tree swing for children. Conveniently located just 6.2 miles from Kings Mountain National Military Park, 8.1 miles from Two Kings Casino, and close to restaurants, churches, and local parks in Kings Mountain, NC. Nearby Outdoor Adventures : • Kings Mountain State Park – Explore 16 miles of scenic hiking trails, cast a line in the fishing lakes, or enjoy the Living History Farm and picnic areas. • Kings Mountain National Military Park – Walk the 1.5-mile Battlefield Trail and discover historic landmarks where Revolutionary War history comes alive. • Crowders Mountain State Park – Hike to sweeping summit views on trails like Pinnacle or Ridgeline, or try rock climbing for a bigger challenge.

Pets

Campfires

Full hookups

Neal Creek Camping Sites

20. Neal Creek Camping Sites

99%

(287)

40mi from Cornelius · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Neal Creek Primitive camping by the creek is located on private property. The two large campsites are approximately 300 feet apart and are located right beside the running creek. Our second New camping site "Back Forty Camping" is located on our adjacent horse farm property, just across from Neal Creek camping! Plenty of shaded area's. Learn more about this land: We are only 1/2 a mile from the Interstate 85. So bring your tents, campers or your small RV and come and setup down by the babbling Neal creek, or rent our private covered camper located on the horse farm. Build a nice fire in the fire pits. The firewood is provided, just bring your fire starter. The Neal Creek campsites are semi-wooded areas with plenty of shade. They are very large private, peaceful and quiet sites. The Back Forty Camping is semi-wooded area with plenty of privacy!  View the stars at night, relax during the day or if you are into biking or hiking, go to the Overmountain Victory trail located about 15 minutes away and enjoy the 6.7 mile loop around Lake Whelchel right off I-85. Local attractions: Biking, Hiking, Climbing and Horse trails - Kings Mtn National Park, Kings Mtn State Park, Crowder's Mtn State Park, Overmountain Victory Trail Segment - Lake Whelchel. Two Kings Casino is just a 10 minute trip right up Interstate - 85, exit 5 Convenient stores/restaurants within minutes from site.

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Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Karl

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

1 night at Beam Family Farm

Appreciated the signage and the exact maps link! Site was clean and quiet. Thanks!

Joshua

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Waterfall camping close to CLT

This is such a great site! So spacious and relaxing. The host was very friendly and helpful. We brought our 3 large dogs and they had the best time too. Can't wait to come back and camp here again.

Sara

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Farm at Long Creek

This place was a treasure! The pond was either full of fish or my daughter and I had some serious beginners luck going on. The canoe was fun to paddle around in, and my 4 year old loved riding her bike around the pond. There was enough firewood to get your first fire or two going great. The creek side was so much fun to hang out in once it got too hot to fish. We have our own bathroom system so we didn’t use theirs, but it would have done the trick in a pinch. Great view of the stars at night! Made it there in a RAV4 with some guts and a little speed :)

Hannah

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfall camping close to CLT

This spot is amazing and Scott is a wonderful host! There was plenty of space for our dogs to run and we spent hours in the water. The amenities with this site are top notch! A shower, propane and charcoal grill, shed stocked with tools, water toys and more. We had an AWESOME weekend! Book while you have the chance.

Julie

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek

An absolutely amazing experience ‼️. Host seems to have thought of everything. Very accommodating and friendly. Peaceful and relaxing stay. We will definitely be back 😁

Surya

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Neal Creek Camping Sites

Very peaceful and calm. Also good for start gazing.

Amanda

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Waterfall camping close to CLT

Scott was amazing! Our girls trip was so nice! The sound of the river/waterfall was perfect. We brought a waterproof/sand proof beach blanket and sun-bathed on top of the waterfall. We will be back. Going to make it an annual girls trip!

Rey

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Group trip

5 nights at Waterfall camping close to CLT

This is by far my favorite campsite in North Carolina! Scott is such a generous and kind host. The new amenities he added to the campsite has made it a place I never want to leave.

Lindsey

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The swimming hole

Amazing spot, easy creek access with swimming. Private and clean with plenty of spaces to set up multiple tents. Host was very accommodating to last minute additions and very responsive to questions. 100% will be back.

Chris

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Basecamp_outdoors

Awesome spot and escape in to nature. We had good fun with the board games. The kitchen was equipped with everything we needed and the tent was very cozy. Thank you.

Heidi

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Farm at Long Creek

Beautiful, quiet, and secluded. The dogs LOVED this place with the creek and pond. Easy to get to with just a short section that was more challenging at end of drive. Nice flat area for a large tent with a table. Not sure there are enough flat areas to say 12 or more people could stay here. We fit 2 tents. Salem was very responsive!

Elizabeth

August 2026

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek

We loved our stay at this quaint little cabin! We loved stripping back to the essentials and enjoying the property and the animals. If there was anything that we forgot, the host had it on hand! We loved giving treats to Jack the Donkey and laughed every time he cried when we walked away. We also enjoyed feeding the pigs our scraps. My daughter had a blast picking and arranging a small flower arrangement from the flowers on site. She also picked some herbs and we used them on our pork chops and potatoes that we cooked on the grill. The hosts were attentive and super friendly. We would stay here again if we had the opportunity!

Abigail

August 2026

Tent

2 nights at The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek

I loved this campsite! Definitely recommend. The site was gorgeous, and they have super cool pigs on the property! The shower is SO nice.

Candace

August 2026

Tent

2 nights at The swimming hole

My 10 year old son and I went tent camping for 2 nights. It was a beautiful spot right in the river. One side has a swimming hole and the other side had shallow pools and waterfalls that my son really enjoyed. Everyone was super friendly and the portapotty was clean and stocked. I would definitely go back, but if you're wanting a more secluded feel while primitive camping, you could hear trains and an occasional loud car. Nothing too crazy though. It was very peaceful listening to the crickets and the water flowing beside us. My son loved it. He has a picnic table set up, fire pit, and a swing that we spent most of our time in. I truly enjoyed my stay

Zach

August 2026

Tent

2 nights at Waterfall camping close to CLT

Scott was an amazing host. The location was spectacular and beautiful. Highly recommend this camping location.

Savanah

August 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterfall camping close to CLT

This campsite is unreal! Excellent for beginners and a dream for seasoned campers. Scott is very accommodating and the site is well equipped - great grill set up and a newly added shower! Spent hours hanging out in the pool below the waterfall, it’s so comfortable (grab the floaties we left from the shed!) and has a surprising amount of fish. We’ll definitely be back! 10/10

Site # 1 located to your left. As you can see, there is plenty of room for a large group on campsite #1

Mary

August 2026

16 ft car

1 night at Neal Creek Camping Sites

Really beautiful! Slight road noise but not enough to to deter me from coming back!

Kylie

August 2026

Tent

1 night at The swimming hole

Private and great swimming! They also have a restroom. We loved the site!!

barbara

August 2026

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Waterfall camping close to CLT

We Love this place. Its an annual thing. Great for a girls weekend away.

Jaclyn

August 2026

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek

Such an amazing time at Dancing Pig! Natalie and Darryl were wonderful hosts and very helpful for our first time tent camping. Super friendly and fun to talk to, we appreciated their welcome visit and were pleased to run into them enjoying their beautiful home while we were exploring throughout our visit. They are truly living the good life, and we’re happy they’re open to letting others enjoy the fruits of their labor! The space was great, the outhouse was very clean and there were nice touches throughout. We enjoyed meeting the animals, exploring the farm store and items available for sharing, and we were super appreciative that they guided us to their “happy place,” a really peaceful dock where we sat to watch the water for a little while. Looking forward to coming back soon’!!!