The best camping in Lake Norman State Park, NC

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Starlight Hills

98%
(2478)
48mi from Lake Norman State Park · 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

99%
(1274)
35mi from Lake Norman State Park · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · Yadkinville, NC
Our new BATHHOUSE is now completely functional with toilet, sink and SHOWER Please respect our land by not bringing firewood from off-site and burning it here. We are a working farm that allows camping, not a campground. Our native trees and crops could easily be devastated by outside diseases or pests that are carried in firewood. We offer firewood for sale from our farm (delivered to your site for no additional fee). You do NOT have to purchase it prior to your arrival, just let us know how much you will need so we will have it ready for you. Our STORE offers firewood (delivered to your site!) , meats and eggs from our farm, Tallow & lard (both rendered right here!), drinks, Amish made ice cream and jams/jellies/preserves, hammocks, hammock chairs, smoked dog bones, soaps (made right here), rentals of: cast iron cookware, a tent, Coleman stove, fishing poles, ... and MUCH MORE! Please note that all our sites are reserved with a one vehicle limit. Some sites are large enough to accommodate additional vehicles but each additional vehicle will incur a $10 per night charge. Free parking for additional vehicles is located at the office/store. Check us out for your next camping experience. We promise we will do everything within our power to make it great! Looking for a camping experience with a little luxury to boot? Look no further than our Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms! You can drive right up to most sites, weather permitting. You will have access to a fire ring and picnic table (located at each site), firewood for sale on site (please do not bring firewood from off-site), clean well water (located near the pond), the creek to explore, our stocked pond to fish, and wooded trails to hike. Once roamed by Native Americans and now farmed by the same family for over 6 generations, Harmon Creek Farm is a working farm of over acres. Peace, quiet, tranquility and privacy are overflowing along the creek, and hiking throughout the hills on the backside of the farm (and on the other side of the creek) leads to interesting and abundant flora and fauna. The stocked, spring fed pond is 'brimming" with angler challenges🎣 Our cows, pigs, sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese are all eager to meet you, as are we! We currently have fresh eggs, pork and beef for sale on site as well. Like us on Facebook (Harmon Creek Farms of NC) for the latest on what's going on here at the farm. :)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night

Camp Winnie

100%
(1)
43mi from Lake Norman State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Clover, SC
Camp Winnie at the Sanctuary Pond Looking for a peaceful place to unplug, unwind, and wake up to the sound of frogs, birds, and maybe even the distant baa of a rescued sheep? Welcome to Camp Winnie at the Sanctuary Pond, a one-of-a-kind campsite tucked away on our working animal rescue and sanctuary. Located on the back edge of our property, your campsite is nestled near a serene pond and surrounded by woods, wide skies, and the calming energy of animals living their best second-chance lives. Accessible by a short trail (you’ll feel like you’re discovering a secret spot), the site is private, quiet, and ideal for tent camping or small camper setups. While the campsite is separate from the sanctuary area to ensure animal comfort and privacy, guests are welcome to visit with the animals during designated times—if we're around to help guide and supervise. Come say hello to our friendly pigs, sheep, goats, and the occasional chatty chicken. Every animal here has a rescue story, and we love to share them. We’re a small, family-run sanctuary, so things are rustic but full of love. You’ll have a picnic table and lots of stars overhead. We ask that guests be respectful of the animals, our land, and the peaceful vibe we work hard to cultivate here. Whether you're here to camp, connect with nature, or meet some very special animal residents, we can't wait to welcome you to Camp Winnie.
Pets
from 
$20
 / night

Eden Oaks Vineyard & Campground

99%
(374)
34mi from Lake Norman State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Ronda, NC
Eden Oaks Vineyard & Campground was a tobacco farm (antique tobacco barn still on property). The house was built in 1910 and has been updated. We purchased it in 2014 and converted it into a vineyard. We have RV sites with 50 amp and 30 amp electric hookups and water, and tents sites. For 2023 our rates are $30/night for RV Sites (50 amp or 30 amp electric hookups and water) and $25/night for Tent Sites. Tent sites do not have electricity or water hookups, but water is available at the well. (Due to inflation, 2024 our rates will be $30/night for RV Sites, $25/night for Tent Sites.) We do not have a dump station, but we do have a Port A John and a list of dump stations nearby. Campfires are allowed unless we have a state issued burning ban. Campers are responsible for controlling and extinguishing fires. Please be extremely careful during dry or drought conditions. Conveniently located one mile from Hwy 421 but remote and peaceful with plenty of room to roam on our 22 acres with grapevines, fruit trees, forest, creeks, fields, goats, Beagle and Jackabee (Beagle/Jack Russell) dogs, cows, chickens, ducks and goats. Also, we have wildlife such as birds, squirrels, groundhogs, deer, raccoons, opossums, etc. We are about 15 miles from Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro (home of the Merle Fest and Apple Festival). Eden Oaks is 18 miles from W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, 24 miles from Stone Mt. State Park, and 10 miles from Elkin (sponsors of the Wine Festival and Pumpkin Festival). Eden Oaks is in the heart of the Yadkin Valley and Swan Creek AVAs (American Viticultural Area). We're next door (3 miles) to Raffaldini and Piccione Vineyards. Take a day trip to Boone, Blowing Rock, Blue Ridge Parkway, Mt. Airy, Winston-Salem, Charlotte or additional areas of interest. We love it here and would like to share it with you. Learn more about this land: Shaded and semiprivate in woods with creek on property. Located on a working vineyard in the Swan Creek AVA. Primitive camp sites with campfire pits. Water, garbage cans, some sites have electricity available.  We offer individual sites of up to 4 people and group sites of up to 12 people.  We have 3 RV sites with water and 50 amp electric service, and one with 30 amp and water.    We have 4 primitive tent sites with fire pits.  We also supply one free bundle of firewood (more available for purchase if needed).  Please message us if you have any questions.  We look forward to hearing from you.   Update 10/3/2020:  Todd and April have opened FIRESIDE ESPRESSO--check them out on the web.  Update 4/28/2021:  Our Site 1, Site 2 and site 3 are RV sites with 50 amp electric service and water hookups.  Sites 4 is a 30 amp electric service with water which can be a small RV or a tent site. Sites 7, 8, 9 and 10 are tent sites only without water and electricity.  If you  have questions, please contact us.  Thanks. Update 5/3/2021:  Please check out recent photos of each campsite. Update 7/8/2023: Please see us on YouTube EDEN OAKS BEAGLES. Our channel has videos of our dogs, cats, goats, chickens, ducks, donkey and other animals. Very kid friendly. Please watch, subscribe, like and share.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

Cj’s Suburban Oasis

98%
(23)
17mi from Lake Norman State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Davidson, NC
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
from 
$30
 / night

Waterfall camping close to CLT

99%
(358)
30mi from Lake Norman State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Bessemer City, NC
My Neighbor has started his own Campsite, "The Swimming Hole". If mine is booked up and you still want to camp, look him up. His is better suited for small groups but has much more privacy. We have a new road to the campsite; you can now drive down with two-wheel drive vehicle or RV down and park near your tent! 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, large amounts of rain can change conditions and make it unusable. I should also add, this is not a completely private campsite deep in the woods. 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 spend a weekend afternoon enjoying the waterfall view also. Still much quieter and more private than a regular campground. Glamping tents and additional camping tents are available through a local company. Look in the pictures for the tent with red, white, and blue balloons. Message me for details. Close to US 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$58
 / night

Neal Creek Camping Sites

100%
(266)
47mi from Lake Norman State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Blacksburg, SC
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. Plenty of shaded area's. We have a 6-8 person tent available to rent as well! 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 creek. If you don't have or own a tent, we have a large 6-8 person tent available for a small rental fee too. Build a nice fire in the fire pit. The firewood and kindling is provided. The campsites are semi-wooded areas with plenty of shade. They are very large private, peaceful and quiet sites.  View the stars at night, play in the creek 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

A Site From Above

100%
(11)
36mi from Lake Norman State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Belmont, NC
Escape to a haven of privacy and seclusion at our campsite, where you'll be surrounded by the beauty of mature trees and diverse wildlife. Set atop an elevated 10+ acre tract, this tranquil spot provides an ideal setting for those seeking peace and connection with nature. We have Recently Added an additional 30 amp breaker and a 50 amp breaker for an additional camp site. Making a total of 2 sites. Great for camping with others camper friends. . Small campfires are allowed , there’s plenty of dead wood - limbs on the property to burn.No need to buy firewood. Each site has water , sewer,30amp 50 amp power, Picnic table Fire pit Road side trash bin Artificial turf rugs Enjoy the serenity of your surroundings, with horses from neighboring properties adding to the charm. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with ample areas to walk and hike, creating the perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Conveniently located just minutes from Lake Wylie, Walmart, and other shopping and dining options, this campsite offers the best of both worlds – seclusion and accessibility. Explore nearby attractions like the botanical gardens, boat ramps, and the new Drift restaurant on Lake Wylie, all within a five-minute drive. While the drive to your secluded retreat may be steep and currently a dirt gravel road, it adds to the rustic charm of the experience. Bring your boat along, as there is plenty of room for parking, ensuring you have everything you need for a memorable and peaceful getaway.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night

Other options near Lake Norman State Park

The best camping in Lake Norman State Park, NC guide

Overview

About

An easy escape from Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park is the perfect getaway. With 30.5 miles of single-track trail, it’s home to one of the region’s most popular mountain biking networks while also offering hikers more than seven miles of hiking-only trails that lead through thick forests to shoreline views. You’ll also find opportunities for kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and swimming off a sandy beach. Anglers can launch their own boat or rent one for a day to go fishing for crappie, bluegill, perch, and catfish, as well as striped, largemouth, and spotted bass. Campers can park or pitch a tent at the campground, which has sites with and without hookups.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Booking in advance is recommended and can be easily done online or by phone, up to 11 months in advance.
  2. A cancellation fee will be added (on top of a booking fee) if your plans change, so try to be sure of your dates before confirming your booking.
  3. It’s possible to make same-day reservations, so it is always a good idea to check online before showing up.

When to go

Lake Norman State Park is open year-round (closed on Christmas Day) and a great place to visit any time of year. The summer temperatures tend to be around the mid- to high 80s and winters are mild to cool, often in the 40s and 50s. As with most state parks, the summer months are busiest, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, if possible.

Know before you go

  • Head to Troutman, a historic town a few minutes’ drive away, for food and other supplies.
  • Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in buildings or swimming areas.
  • Alcohol is prohibited in all North Carolina state parks. This is strictly enforced by rangers. 
  • Campers who arrive after closing time will have to camp elsewhere until park gates open at 8 am. 
93%
7 ratings · 1 review