The best lakeside camping near Gastonia

·
87% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Starlight Hills

1. Starlight Hills

98%
(2486)
37mi from Gastonia · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bostic, NC
Our Spa and Geodesic Dome Planetarium is now available for booking! Our Pond is now OPEN! We are a constantly evolving location. Our goal is to provide a genuine secluded camping experience immersed in nature in a mountainous forest with privacy and well spaced out, secluded camp sites. We also have minimal light pollution, so our skies are beautiful for viewing the stars. We offer trails through natural wooded habitat with hidden gems of nature. Wildlife viewing throughout. There are feed locations to increase viewing opportunities. A creek on the property is lovely for walking. Centered between Charlotte and Asheville we are within your reach! We offer primitive tent camping, Glamping Tents a tiny cabin and Geodesic Dome. Lodging locations have a private Mountain View, fire pit area, Queen bed, Night Stand (built in phone charger), Desk area, interior and exterior lighting, heater and fan (powered by solar system). As a part of Starlight Hills Campground you have access to filtered drinking water, common overlook (w/ BBQ pits & picnic tables), trails, bathroom and showers. Welcome to bring all your furry family members ❤️. Please Note: 2 Wheel Dr. vehicles can access all of our sites. Gravel/ Dirt road up hill.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access

3. Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access

100%
(37)
12mi from Gastonia · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Charlotte, NC
This 2.5 acre, partially wooded lot is located on a secluded cove of Lake Wylie. Campers can enjoy the lakeview, lake access, a spacious dock, swimming area, fishing, kayaking, and other lake activities! [This camping spot includes a communal or private fire pit as well as access to a gas grill.] Additionally, this lot is within driving distance to many local attractions listed below. This property is BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat)! There are 2 boat landings within 5 miles of the property, campers are more than welcome to tie up their boat to the on-site dock and park their trailer on the property. Pets are welcome, however note that the property owner has a cat and small dog on site. Pets need to be well behaved and not aggressive to other animals. Cleaning up after your pet in the lawn areas is required. The property owner (Teresa) lives on-site in a cabin between the camping pad and the lake. Local attractions within driving distance include: -Copperhead Island (5 miles) -McDowell Park/Nature Preserve (5 miles) -Carowinds Theme Park (5 miles) -Charlotte Premium Outlets (5 miles) -Whitewater Center (10 miles) -David Stowe Botanical Garden (15 miles) -Uptown Charlotte (15 miles) -Charlotte Motor Speedway (25 miles)
Pets
Campfires
Full Hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Lakeside Retreat

7. Lakeside Retreat

98%
(54)
40mi from Gastonia · 1 site · Tent, RV · Forest City, NC
Welcome to Lakeside RV Retreat, where relaxation meets convenience in the heart of natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or a convenient stop-over during your camping travels, our lakeside location offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility. Nestled amidst 40 acres of woods and open fields, our retreat provides a secluded atmosphere where you can unwind and recharge. Yet, you're never far from local restaurants and conveniences, ensuring that all your needs are met while enjoying the serenity of the lake-side setting. As our guest at Lakeside RV Retreat, you'll have exclusive access to free catch-and-release fishing in our well-stocked lake. Cast your line and reel in bass, catfish, and brim, all while enjoying the scenic beauty that surrounds you. Whether you're a seasoned angler or simply looking to relax by the water's edge, our lake offers a tranquil escape where you can connect with nature and create lasting memories. Join us at Lakeside RV Retreat for a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of natural splendor.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Take a Hike on a Wild side! Camping

8. Take a Hike on a Wild side! Camping

100%
(26)
48mi from Gastonia · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lenoir, NC
This property is 180 acres of woods and mountains with streams and ponds. Beautiful settings. If you like hiking in the mountains this will definitely hit the spot. YO can fish in the ponds it has blue gills and catfish. I also added grass carp there as part of weed management. This used to be an abandoned farm which I want to bring back to life. The site offers three luxury large Safari Style Tents and 4 Pioneer wagons. All tents are far away from each other to provide privacy and freedom of going Wild (still remaining civilized in your manners and careful attitude to Nature around you). Tent 1 is in the Forrest itself and it is pretty cook and serene. Tent 2 is on the top of a rocky hill overlooking the forest. Tent 3 is the most remote and closest to the ponds. It has most of the open space around it, and can be a great place for parties. We are working on making the sites and the area more comfortable, but I do not want to make it a manicured park. I want it to remain wild and still offer comfortable stay. The farm is work in progress. Eventually it will be an Ostrich farm. and have other animals too. The closest town - Lenoir is about 12 miles away . Closest Grocery store (Dollar General) - about 3 miles away. Closest Gas station - 2 miles away. Professional Tennis court, Basketball court and large kids playground are in a public park within - 5 minute drive. Lenoir has restaurants, shopping, etc. Hickory is a larger town about 25 minutes drive. Hickory Lake is a large reservoir with marina where you can rent a boat and it also offers a good game fishing. Nice swimming beach access on Lake Hickory 13 miles ( 20 Minutes) from here: Lake Hickory Wittenburg access area (Wittenburg Access Area, 175 Wildlife Access Rd, Hickory, NC 28601) Asheville is 1:25 hrs to the West, Charlotte is 1:25 hr to the East. There are couple of Ski resorts 45 minutes to an hr away.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Lake Lookout Campground

9. Lake Lookout Campground

95%
(87)
38mi from Gastonia · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Claremont, NC
Lake Lookout is a small family campground with waterfront and water access RV and tent sites in Claremont, NC. PLEASE NOTE DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE, THE SITES ALL HAVE SAND, WE ARE WORKING ON MOVING SAND AND GETTING GRASS BACK BUT ASSUME YOUR SITE WILL BE SAND AT THIS TIME. Excellent fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating on the Catawba River and Lookout Shoals Lake We are in the process of improving the facilities and expand the campground area. Please pardon our construction, we are in the process of bringing more amenities to Lake Lookout! Located only 7-minutes off I-40, in the Foothills of North Carolina. Stay on the water surrounded by nature but still be close to everything. 20 minutes to Hickory, 60 minutes to Charlotte, Winston Salem, or Asheville. We currently have waterfront RV and tent sites. 30 amp electric and water hookups. There is a dump station on site also, no sewer hookups due to proximity to the water. Boat ramp access on site included with rental. Extra parking area for boat trailers. Bath house. Community lake front area with shoreline access, volleyball and horseshoe pits for all campers. A short drive to River Bend Park for Hiking and biking trails.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$85
 / night
The Mountain Island Lake House

13. The Mountain Island Lake House

15mi from Gastonia · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Charlotte, NC
🌊 Welcome to The Mountain Island Lake House — Your Lakefront Hideaway! Escape the everyday and uncover serenity on a quiet cove of Charlotte’s Mountain Island Lake. Nestled on a private drive with just a few neighbors, this lakeside gem offers multiple tent and RV/tent sites so you can choose your ideal way to unwind. From the upper deck, soak in panoramic water views. Craving adventure or rest? Jump in the lake, gather around the fire pit, or grill up something delicious under starlit skies. With accessible water, picnic tables, showers, and all the peaceful vibes, this is more than a getaway. It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with sunlight dancing on the water—and evenings wrap up with laughter and the crackle of a campfire. Ready for lakeside memories? Pack up, arrive ready, and let the lake work its magic. 🛶🔥
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night
87% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Starlight Hills

1. Starlight Hills

98%
(2486)
37mi from Gastonia · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bostic, NC
Our Spa and Geodesic Dome Planetarium is now available for booking! Our Pond is now OPEN! We are a constantly evolving location. Our goal is to provide a genuine secluded camping experience immersed in nature in a mountainous forest with privacy and well spaced out, secluded camp sites. We also have minimal light pollution, so our skies are beautiful for viewing the stars. We offer trails through natural wooded habitat with hidden gems of nature. Wildlife viewing throughout. There are feed locations to increase viewing opportunities. A creek on the property is lovely for walking. Centered between Charlotte and Asheville we are within your reach! We offer primitive tent camping, Glamping Tents a tiny cabin and Geodesic Dome. Lodging locations have a private Mountain View, fire pit area, Queen bed, Night Stand (built in phone charger), Desk area, interior and exterior lighting, heater and fan (powered by solar system). As a part of Starlight Hills Campground you have access to filtered drinking water, common overlook (w/ BBQ pits & picnic tables), trails, bathroom and showers. Welcome to bring all your furry family members ❤️. Please Note: 2 Wheel Dr. vehicles can access all of our sites. Gravel/ Dirt road up hill.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access

3. Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access

100%
(37)
12mi from Gastonia · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Charlotte, NC
This 2.5 acre, partially wooded lot is located on a secluded cove of Lake Wylie. Campers can enjoy the lakeview, lake access, a spacious dock, swimming area, fishing, kayaking, and other lake activities! [This camping spot includes a communal or private fire pit as well as access to a gas grill.] Additionally, this lot is within driving distance to many local attractions listed below. This property is BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat)! There are 2 boat landings within 5 miles of the property, campers are more than welcome to tie up their boat to the on-site dock and park their trailer on the property. Pets are welcome, however note that the property owner has a cat and small dog on site. Pets need to be well behaved and not aggressive to other animals. Cleaning up after your pet in the lawn areas is required. The property owner (Teresa) lives on-site in a cabin between the camping pad and the lake. Local attractions within driving distance include: -Copperhead Island (5 miles) -McDowell Park/Nature Preserve (5 miles) -Carowinds Theme Park (5 miles) -Charlotte Premium Outlets (5 miles) -Whitewater Center (10 miles) -David Stowe Botanical Garden (15 miles) -Uptown Charlotte (15 miles) -Charlotte Motor Speedway (25 miles)
Pets
Campfires
Full Hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Lakeside Retreat

7. Lakeside Retreat

98%
(54)
40mi from Gastonia · 1 site · Tent, RV · Forest City, NC
Welcome to Lakeside RV Retreat, where relaxation meets convenience in the heart of natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or a convenient stop-over during your camping travels, our lakeside location offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility. Nestled amidst 40 acres of woods and open fields, our retreat provides a secluded atmosphere where you can unwind and recharge. Yet, you're never far from local restaurants and conveniences, ensuring that all your needs are met while enjoying the serenity of the lake-side setting. As our guest at Lakeside RV Retreat, you'll have exclusive access to free catch-and-release fishing in our well-stocked lake. Cast your line and reel in bass, catfish, and brim, all while enjoying the scenic beauty that surrounds you. Whether you're a seasoned angler or simply looking to relax by the water's edge, our lake offers a tranquil escape where you can connect with nature and create lasting memories. Join us at Lakeside RV Retreat for a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of natural splendor.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Take a Hike on a Wild side! Camping

8. Take a Hike on a Wild side! Camping

100%
(26)
48mi from Gastonia · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lenoir, NC
This property is 180 acres of woods and mountains with streams and ponds. Beautiful settings. If you like hiking in the mountains this will definitely hit the spot. YO can fish in the ponds it has blue gills and catfish. I also added grass carp there as part of weed management. This used to be an abandoned farm which I want to bring back to life. The site offers three luxury large Safari Style Tents and 4 Pioneer wagons. All tents are far away from each other to provide privacy and freedom of going Wild (still remaining civilized in your manners and careful attitude to Nature around you). Tent 1 is in the Forrest itself and it is pretty cook and serene. Tent 2 is on the top of a rocky hill overlooking the forest. Tent 3 is the most remote and closest to the ponds. It has most of the open space around it, and can be a great place for parties. We are working on making the sites and the area more comfortable, but I do not want to make it a manicured park. I want it to remain wild and still offer comfortable stay. The farm is work in progress. Eventually it will be an Ostrich farm. and have other animals too. The closest town - Lenoir is about 12 miles away . Closest Grocery store (Dollar General) - about 3 miles away. Closest Gas station - 2 miles away. Professional Tennis court, Basketball court and large kids playground are in a public park within - 5 minute drive. Lenoir has restaurants, shopping, etc. Hickory is a larger town about 25 minutes drive. Hickory Lake is a large reservoir with marina where you can rent a boat and it also offers a good game fishing. Nice swimming beach access on Lake Hickory 13 miles ( 20 Minutes) from here: Lake Hickory Wittenburg access area (Wittenburg Access Area, 175 Wildlife Access Rd, Hickory, NC 28601) Asheville is 1:25 hrs to the West, Charlotte is 1:25 hr to the East. There are couple of Ski resorts 45 minutes to an hr away.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Lake Lookout Campground

9. Lake Lookout Campground

95%
(87)
38mi from Gastonia · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Claremont, NC
Lake Lookout is a small family campground with waterfront and water access RV and tent sites in Claremont, NC. PLEASE NOTE DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE, THE SITES ALL HAVE SAND, WE ARE WORKING ON MOVING SAND AND GETTING GRASS BACK BUT ASSUME YOUR SITE WILL BE SAND AT THIS TIME. Excellent fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating on the Catawba River and Lookout Shoals Lake We are in the process of improving the facilities and expand the campground area. Please pardon our construction, we are in the process of bringing more amenities to Lake Lookout! Located only 7-minutes off I-40, in the Foothills of North Carolina. Stay on the water surrounded by nature but still be close to everything. 20 minutes to Hickory, 60 minutes to Charlotte, Winston Salem, or Asheville. We currently have waterfront RV and tent sites. 30 amp electric and water hookups. There is a dump station on site also, no sewer hookups due to proximity to the water. Boat ramp access on site included with rental. Extra parking area for boat trailers. Bath house. Community lake front area with shoreline access, volleyball and horseshoe pits for all campers. A short drive to River Bend Park for Hiking and biking trails.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$85
 / night
The Mountain Island Lake House

13. The Mountain Island Lake House

15mi from Gastonia · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Charlotte, NC
🌊 Welcome to The Mountain Island Lake House — Your Lakefront Hideaway! Escape the everyday and uncover serenity on a quiet cove of Charlotte’s Mountain Island Lake. Nestled on a private drive with just a few neighbors, this lakeside gem offers multiple tent and RV/tent sites so you can choose your ideal way to unwind. From the upper deck, soak in panoramic water views. Craving adventure or rest? Jump in the lake, gather around the fire pit, or grill up something delicious under starlit skies. With accessible water, picnic tables, showers, and all the peaceful vibes, this is more than a getaway. It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with sunlight dancing on the water—and evenings wrap up with laughter and the crackle of a campfire. Ready for lakeside memories? Pack up, arrive ready, and let the lake work its magic. 🛶🔥
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field