Lake Camping Near Lexington, North Carolina, US: 20 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Looking for a camping getaway near Lexington, North Carolina, with a stunning lake view? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 280 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. One top-rated campsite to consider is Dark Ridge Hide Out with 422 reviews. If you prefer a babbling brook, check out Babbling Brook Campground with 210 reviews. For a unique experience, consider Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse... with 166 reviews. These campsites offer popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and showers. And when it's time to explore, you can enjoy activities like snow sports, biking, and whitewater paddling. With an average price per night of $35 and options starting as low as $18, camping near Lexington, North Carolina, has never been more accessible!

92% (390) • 25 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lexington

Looking for a camping getaway near Lexington, North Carolina, with a stunning lake view? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 280 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. One top-rated campsite to consider is Dark Ridge Hide Out with 422 reviews. If you prefer a babbling brook, check out Babbling Brook Campground with 210 reviews. For a unique experience, consider Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse... with 166 reviews. These campsites offer popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and showers. And when it's time to explore, you can enjoy activities like snow sports, biking, and whitewater paddling. With an average price per night of $35 and options starting as low as $18, camping near Lexington, North Carolina, has never been more accessible!

92% (390) • 25 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lexington

1. Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

100%

(305)

34mi from Lexington · 1 site · Tent, RV

NOTE: We are OPEN starting April 1st through October 31st. We are closed for the winter season. Welcome! This primitive Tent/RV site offers: 2-Private Acres + FREE Firewood + 8-foot Industrial Picnic Table + Little Tikes Picnic Table + Commercial-Grade Port-A-Potty + Large Garbage Bin + 5-Gallon Bucket + Adirondack/Sitting Chairs + Pet Friendly! Solo travelers, families, and romantic getaway travelers: This is a very private and safe place to camp! Because we only have 1 site, you will be alone in the space the entire time. My family lives on the premises so we are here in case of an emergency. My daughter and I own this 35 acre secluded piece of heaven just minutes from Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park, and other attractions. We are pet friendly (if your pet does not play well with our dogs or horses, please leave them on a leash or at home). Our Shire horses are endangered and very BIG! We hope you have time to say hello to the horses during your visit. NOTE: we do NOT provide electric at the campsite; you are allowed to use a generator. NOTE: please remember to bring garbage bags for all of your trash. All trash must be bagged and deposited into the provided garbage bin.

2. Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

98%

(89)

40mi from Lexington · 17 sites · Tents, RVs

BEST KEPT SECRET IN PILOT MOUNTAIN!! Select TENT SITES below to book specific campsite. Small wooded camping area on the Ararat river in beautiful Pilot Mountain on Private Land! 9 riverfront sites for tents with two access points into river. There is a 2-car limit parking at the sites, and four wheel drive absolute MUST when wet or rain expected! There is also availability to camp on total of 58 acres owned by Carl’s Campsites. Select a field or hike-in site, with 2 field sites which have rock firepits. Bring your own camp toilet and water containers. Take trash with you. Potable water available across from A-Frame. Riverside Sites includes private structure with rustic toilet, an E-series seat, and a place to hang a shower bag. Water and soap for hand washing provided. Separate trashcan for toilet bags. No ATVs. No firearms or fireworks. LIMIT 2 TENTS AND TWO VEHICLES PER CAMPSITE. Campers expected to be environmentally respectful. Riverside sites have trash receptacles, Fire pit, hammock, and picnic table. Swimming, fishing, hiking of property permitted. Pilot Mountain State Park, Hanging Rock, and MANY wineries close by. Lots of hiking on property as well as State Parks close by. Hanging Rock is a great place to explore, with a lake and swimming for reasonable price and picnic areas in the park. We are also 20 minutes from Mt Airy, fictitious home of Mayberry.

3. The Mountain Island Lake House

50mi from Lexington · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

🌊 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. 🛶🔥

4. Lake Norman State Park

93%

(7)

37 sites · Troutman, North Carolina

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

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Basecamp_outdoors

100%

(13)

21mi from Lexington · 1 site · Lodging

Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of this rustic haven. Situated at the heart of North Carolina, cradled in the embrace of the Uwharrie Mountains. This extraordinary off-grid bell tent glamping site promises an unparalleled experience, destined to etch lifelong memories. Explore the Uwharrie National Forest, delve into the wonders of the North Carolina Zoo, and beyond—all within a convenient 25-minute radius. If your heart yearns for adventure and outdoor escapades, look no further. Our haven provides seclusion, yet effortless access to essentials and shopping amenities. Your gateway to serene serendipity awaits.

6. Campground & Zoo

100%

(10)

46mi from Lexington · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Liberty Acres Campground & RV Park is located in Liberty, NC on a 60-acre Farm and Zoo, home to Horses and exotic animals, such as Zebras, Kangaroos, Monkeys, Lemurs, Foxes, Llamas, Alpacas and more. Reside in a field overlooking a pond with capybara, black swans and other waterfowl. The adjacent field is home to llamas. RV sites have 30 & 50 amp hook ups, a central dump station as well as individual connections at each site along with water connections and a dumpster on site. Swing-set for the little ones and firepits on site. https://www.libertyacrescampground.com/

7. North 40

100%

(9)

38mi from Lexington · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land: In this 40 acre track there are 2 hay fields, pasture, and forrest. From any area you camp🏕 the pond🏞, with fish, is in walking distance, so is a beautiful clear stream. ****Did I mention that this stream empties into Lake Tillary, yep, that is right. We are within walking distance to Lake Tillary and less than 5 mins to the boat landing. You may bring your boat and park it here while you camp. SPECIAL NOTE: There are animals here that you may pet once you have been properly introduced. You may bring your pets as long as they are vaccinated and behaved. If they fight with other animals or chase chickens or ducks you may want to test this upon your arrival. Unfortunately, you must keep them on leash at all times. Our County does have a leash law, and should property🌱🌹🌻🚜🚗📬🗑or animals🦌🐂🐏🐐🐰🦃🦆 be damaged or harmed you will be held responsible. For example, if your dog kills a chicken, you buy the chicken🐓🐔🐥. If they harm a horse🐎 or donkey🐴, you are responsible for ALL vet fees. Also, be aware we have coyotes, osprey, hawks, as any rural area does. Small animals must be suprevised. We are not responsible for acts of nature. The barn is beautiful and you are welcome to take photos, however, you are NOT permitted in the barn without supervision. Absolutley NO smoking or fire near the barn. It is over 100 years old and built by my great grand family and is irreplaceable. SPECIAL FEATURE: As I am just beginning the camp on site experience I offer several options and additional services. #1. Some find out after arriving that I teach NC Concealed Carry Handgun Classes. If you wish to participate in a class, it is preferred that you register before the day of the class. I will post classes on this site so that campers will know there will be shooting in the late afternoon. Some chose to camp on other weekends, some choose to go out to eat during those times, and some don't mind either way. #2. I am also much in favor of work for camp site. Some have asked to do clean up or other small jobs for the priviledge to camp. So far this has worked out well, with one exception. Please do not accept an offer to take on a task that you do not know how to do. Example, pulling weeds or trimming if you do not know what a weed verses flower looks like. LOL #3. There is plenty of firewood, see photos, here laying around and some trees down that will make great firewood (bring your own cutting tools.) We also sell firewood by the bundle. #4. Being a camper here gives you the privilege of fresh veggies and fruits that are in season, as well as fresh free range eggs. MAJOR POINT: You must remember this is a working farm and our duties and responsibilities for the farm come first. You must abide by the boundaries. *see map* The creek is the back boundary and should never be crossed onto my neighbors. I will not tolerate any disrespect to my neighbors, what so ever. No! the roosters don't have an off button, neither does the jacka... donkey! When it is hay cutting time, we will cut hay. If you want to hike the property, feel free, know the boundaries and bring a machete to cut your way by the creek/stream in some areas. We have thistle trees and briars, you are welcome to cut all you wish as you go. There are spiders, bugs, and snakes etc. Black snakes, king snakes, runners, and whip snakes belong here and we ask that you do not kill them. Copperheads are here as qell and if you see one, come get me and I will dispatch it for you. .

8. Lake Lookout Campground

95%

(87)

48mi from Lexington · 11 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

R

Robert

November 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Campground & Zoo

Absolutely will return to the site in the spring. Amazing and helpful staff onsite.

m

monica

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

I would recommend this campground over and over again! Not only was the site absolutely gorgeous, but the cleanliness of the entire location was truly impressive. Laura and Steve went above and beyond to ensure a safe and beautiful space to retreat. This was my birthday camping trip with my wife, best friend, and fur baby. After the success of our adventure, we plan to make this trip annually.

Plenty of room to make ourselves at home.

R

Robin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

Huge, beautiful, flat, shaded area with a creek for summer cooling. The host are extremely helpful and kind. I will stay again if I'm in the area.

P

Preacher

October 2025

38 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Campground & Zoo

Everything went well. The worker at the zoo was well informed on the animals that I looked at and asked questions about. Camp group very clean.

D

Daniel

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

Peaceful and family oriented. Right on the river. Easy to setup camp and enjoy a fire. Bathroom outside was nice and clean. My 10-year old and I will come again!

O

Owen

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

Great site! Beautiful, big, and private. The picnic table was huge and the fire pit was big and really nice. The best part was the TONS of complementary firewood. One of their dogs hung out with us and our dogs for a few hours before it got dark. There are also 2 barn kittens that hung out with us all night lol. Dayla and Denae were very sweet and generous hosts. We can't wait to go back!

The hammock made for very relaxing naps for young and old.

T

Tina

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

We loved everything about Carl’s Campsite! We stayed on Site 3, Toad Hollow and had tons of room for 2 tents and 2 canopies. The playground area was a favorite for my grand daughters (age 4 and 6) and my boyfriend and son also played horseshoes. The river was beautiful. The leaves falling, cool nights and warm days made for a rejuvenating, soul healing weekend! Did not want to leave!!!! Will definitely revisit.

L

Laura

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

This is a beautiful, peaceful piece of land with a great camping setup. We had a great time, and the hosts were helpful and communicative. We’ll be back!

Campsite #10 is a shady spot at the back ridge, with hammock, picnic table, trashcan, and stone firepit. Parking onsite

R

Rachel

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

The location was amazing! Laura and Steve were wonderful hosts and made sure I had everything I needed. Firewood was onsite for purchase, they had water stations for each campsite. The rustic toilet and shower set up were great to have. Lots of land to explore and let your dog off-leash. Will def be coming back!

T

Travis

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to North 40

Great site and great host! Will definitely be back

J

Jessie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

We had a great night at Bear Den #2! The location is peaceful and perfect if you like to fish. This camp ground is very dog friendly.

A

Alejandro

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

A beautiful experience, time of disconnection and a good rest, I bathed in the river and it is one of the best since it is the current is very calm to bathe with children 5 star ✨

Sean

October 2025

10 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

We really enjoyed our stay here. Super responsive host. Site was clean and private, you get the entire place to yourself. All the free firewood you want, that's a nice touch! Clean porta john. A gas station and Dollar store less than 3 minutes away too if you forget anything.

River Rest, at the end of the campground, is a unique campsite. It has the best river noise, with water rushing over large rocks. The River Access #2 is right on the site where the fence ends.

J

Jennifer

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

This site is beautiful, clean, well-maintained and well provisioned. The hosts don’t leave you wanting for anything. Our dogs loved being off-leash and playing in the river. Every site having its own camp toilet and shower was a truly nice touch. We will definitely be back!

S

Sarah

September 2025

With kids

2 nights at Basecamp_outdoors

Everything about this site was convenient and fun! Can’t wait to go again!

Toad Hollow is spacious, shaded, and on the riverfront with hammock, picnic table, trash receptacle and firepit. Parking is onsite

E

Eliza

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

Had such a wonderful stay this past weekend! The campsite was adjacent to a calm river and had lots of rocky spaces to sit and enjoy the scenery.

E

Elijah

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

Dayla is the warmest and most welcoming host I have ever met! She was so kind and made sure to go the extra mile in every way so that our experience would be one for the memories. Great spot with complete privacy, pond to fish, horses to pet, a creek to bathe in and relax by, an open area for activities, a camp fire to sit and laugh around, wood to burn, and it’s in a great location. We hiked hanging rock and got ice cream that was DELICIOUS and spent the rest of the time on site laughing, worshipping and learning about the Lord, and making memories that will last a long time. Highly recommend and plan on going back soon!

M

Melissa

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

As a single woman camper, I couldn’t feel any safer knowing I’m in the middle of a sprawling property, with host’s who are there for me, who understand the safety and peace desired. This is my 3rd or 4th visit and I’ll for sure be back. I love the privacy of the HipCamp with the horses just across the creek to go visit. I was surprised happily that they were recently (also surprise) donated some kittens. There were 3 kitties that became friends by the end. There’s also two dogs who may or may not interact. I enjoyed my visits with all the animals as well as lots of time on my own. The port a potty is convenient and potable water is available up a hill at the host’s home. I tent camped and enjoyed fires in the evenings with a ton of complimentary wood. It’s very quiet aside from a bit of street noise at peak times and maybe some mowing of the large property. Love this place.

W

Wes

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

What a beautiful place, and very accommodating hosts. The site was as described and very peaceful. We would definitely visit again.

M

Megan

September 2025

Tent

4 nights at Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

I had such a wonderful time! The site was gorgeous and secluded and seeing the horses on the farm was incredible. They were so beautiful and friendly. I would definitely recommend and would love to go back!