Charlotte, North Carolina, is a metropolitan area full of reasons to visit or stay, including Johnson and Whales University's Charlotte campus. JWU offers students degrees in business, hospitality and culinary arts. Downtown Charlotte is walkable and has a big-city feel, but you may be looking for an escape. Pack your gear and spend a night or two getting back in touch with nature at one of several area campsites within minutes of the city.
Where to Camp
For a rustic camping experience, plan a visit to the McDowell Nature Preserve or Copperhead Island on Lake Wylie in Charlotte. A visit to the mostly undeveloped 1,100-acre nature preserve can be an energizing escape from the city. Located about 15 miles outside of Charlotte in Fort Mill, South Carolina, the Charlotte/Fort Mill KOA is an excellent stop if you're camping with children. It has several unusual play areas and a swimming pool. For basic convenience located closer to the city, visit Elmore RV Park on North Tryon Street or Fieldridge Acres on Wilkinson Boulevard.
Campsite Amenities
McDowell Nature Preserve features cabins, RV slots and primitive campsites. For a group of up to 80 campers, consider renting 14-acre Cooper Island, which includes primitive beach and rent-a-tent camping. Choose from tent, RV or cabin camping at KOA's self-contained campsite. Elmore RV Park and Fieldridge Acres are pleasant stops, but beyond basic hookups and access to cable, phone and Internet service for long-term residents, the parks have few amenities. Elmore is located on the city's bus line, which makes access to Charlotte and JWU convenient.
Campsite Activities
Enjoy miles of hiking trails at the McDowell Nature Preserve and Cooper Island. The area includes observation decks for wildlife viewing and docks for fishing and boating. Bathhouses and a nature center are located at McDowell, and Cooper Island features a volleyball court and horseshoes area. Stay active at KOA with its 2,200-square-foot jumping pillow, miniature golf course, children's play area and swimming pool. Rent a bike to tour the park's wooded roads.
Nearby Activities
If you have decided on one of the parks closer to the city, take advantage of your central location and explore Charlotte. Mecklenburg County maintains more than 200 parks and recreation facilities throughout the city. Stroll through the streets of Charlotte after dark to check out the city's lively nightlife. Stay near the hotel district and you'll find plenty of sights between West 4th and 6th Streets and North Church and South College streets. If you are in the mood for live music and late-night dancing, check out the Tremont Music Hall or the Milestone Club for rock, punk and hip-hop acts.
Considerations
Most campsites near JWU are open year round, as heavy snow in Charlotte is not typical. Although Charlotte receives between three and four inches of rain each month, April and December are the city's driest months. Campsites at McDowell Nature Preserve are popular, making advanced reservations a necessity. Keep in mind that Fieldridge RV Park is located close to Interstate 485 and the Charlotte Douglas Airport. While the park's location makes transit convenient, noise may be an issue.
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