The best lakeside camping near Statesville

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Lake camping in Statesville puts you right on the water’s edge, with over 50 spots to pitch your tent or park your RV—many just a short walk from fishing docks or shaded trails. Campsites like Lake Lookout Campground (58 reviews), Carl’s Campsites - Riverside (57 reviews), and Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access (29 reviews) give you front-row seats to sunrise fishing, quiet paddling, and wildlife you’ll spot from your camp chair. Expect toilets, campfire rings, and pet-friendly grounds. You’ll find nights starting at $35, with an average around $56. Bring your rod—bass and bluegill bite early. Horseback trails cut right past the shoreline, and owls pick up the evening shift. This isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a launchpad for your next day on the lake.

86% (162)

Top-rated campgrounds

Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access

1. Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access

100%
(37)
46mi from Statesville · 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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Take a Hike on a Wild side! Camping

2. Take a Hike on a Wild side! Camping

100%
(26)
32mi from Statesville · 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$28
 / night
North 40

4. North 40

100%
(9)
55mi from Statesville · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Norwood, NC
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. .
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
Example of part of one off the riverfront campsites.

5. Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

98%
(89)
43mi from Statesville · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Pilot Mountain, NC
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
The Mountain Island Lake House

7. The Mountain Island Lake House

31mi from Statesville · 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

Lake camping in Statesville puts you right on the water’s edge, with over 50 spots to pitch your tent or park your RV—many just a short walk from fishing docks or shaded trails. Campsites like Lake Lookout Campground (58 reviews), Carl’s Campsites - Riverside (57 reviews), and Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access (29 reviews) give you front-row seats to sunrise fishing, quiet paddling, and wildlife you’ll spot from your camp chair. Expect toilets, campfire rings, and pet-friendly grounds. You’ll find nights starting at $35, with an average around $56. Bring your rod—bass and bluegill bite early. Horseback trails cut right past the shoreline, and owls pick up the evening shift. This isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a launchpad for your next day on the lake.

86% (162)

Top-rated campgrounds

Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access

1. Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access

100%
(37)
46mi from Statesville · 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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Take a Hike on a Wild side! Camping

2. Take a Hike on a Wild side! Camping

100%
(26)
32mi from Statesville · 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$28
 / night
North 40

4. North 40

100%
(9)
55mi from Statesville · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Norwood, NC
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. .
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
Example of part of one off the riverfront campsites.

5. Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

98%
(89)
43mi from Statesville · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Pilot Mountain, NC
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
The Mountain Island Lake House

7. The Mountain Island Lake House

31mi from Statesville · 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field