Camping

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Departments / Park & Rec / Activities / Outdoors / Camping

Camping/Outdoor Recreation

Would you like to take the "Great Urban Escape?" McDowell Nature Preserve offers a wide variety of camping and outdoor recreation opportunities. McDowell Campground has 56 campsites rangeing from RV to Primitive sites, and group camping is available at Copperhead Island, just a few miles up the road. McDowell Nature Preserve is just 6 miles from Carowinds Theme Park.

Campsites may be reserved year-round, 7 days a week . Reservations need to be made at least 5 business days before your arrival date. Unreserved campsites are available on a first come, first served basis. Reservations can be made by calling 704-583-1284 between the hours of 9:00am - 4:00pm. Monday– Friday. Reservations made over the phone need to be paid in full with a MasterCard or Visa Debit or Credit Card.

McDowell Nature Preserve offers 1108 acres of peace and quiet. You can hike seven miles of trails or fish from numerous piers and platforms. Visit McDowell Nature Center and learn everything you ever wanted to know about native plants and wildlife.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call 704-583-1284.

McDowell Nature Preserve
15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278

Campground Information
Our campground is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Campground hours are 7:00am - Sunset.

Rent-a-Tent Sites (T1 -7):
T1 includes Cabin
$25 per day – County resident
$38 per day – Non-County resident

Primitive Sites (P1-10):
$6 per day – County resident
$9 per day – Non-County resident

Click here to view a larger version of the campground map including fees and regulations.

Recreation Vehicle (RV) Sites (R1-13):
$12 per day – County resident
$18 per day – Non-County resident

Drive-To Sites (D1-26):
$12 per day – County resident
$18 per day – Non-County resident

Group Primitive Sites:
$1.50 per person – County resident
$3 per person – Non-County resident

Extra Fees:
Firewood: $4.00/bundle
Ice: $1.50/bag

RV (R) and Drive-To Sites (D)

Fire Rings with Grills
Picnic Table
Water (RV = On Site) (Drive-To = Shared)
Electricity (RV = 50amps) (Drive-To = 30amps)
Mecklenburg County Residents = $12.00 Per Night
Non-County Resident = $18.00 Per Night
RV Sites = R1-R13, Drive-To = D1-D26

Rent-a-Tent Sites (T)

9'X12' Tent
2 Cots
Fire Ring with Grill
Picnic Table
Water (Shared)
Electricity = 30amps
Mecklenburg County Resident = $25.00 Per Night
Non-County Resident = $38.00 Per Night
T Sites = T1 - T7

Primitive Sites (P)

Fire Ring
Mecklenburg County Resident = $6.00 Per Night
Non-County Resident = $9.00 Per Night
P Sites = P1, P3, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10

Group Camping Sites

P2 = 20 Patrons or less

Fire Ring
Mecklenburg County Resident = $1.50 Per Person/Per Night
Non-County Resident = $3.00 Per Person/Per Night

P4 = 20 Patrons or more

Fire Ring
Mecklenburg County Resident = $1.50 Per Person/Per Night
Non-County Resident = $3.00 Per Person/Per Night

Accessible Camp Sites

D14, D15 (Drive To)
T1, T4 (Rent-a-Tent)

CAMPGROUND REGULATIONS

Leisure camping only. Maximum stay is 14 days per visit. You can return to camp again after 5 days. Check-In times is 2:30pm, and Check-Out Time is 2:00pm.
The Nature Preserve is not accessible after sunset.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6ft at all times. Pet owners must have updated proof of rabies (paperwork and tag), and you must be with your pets at all times. No pets are allowed in Rent-a-Tents.
Patrons using Rent-a-Tent and RV sites may set up 1 additional 2-person tent (space-permitting). Drive-To sites are limited to a 6 person capacity. This may includes combinations of 2, 3, or 4 person tents.
Alcoholic beverages, drugs, firearms, and fireworks are strictly prohibited.
No swimming or wading is allowed within preserve boundaries.
The collection, removal, or disturbance of any natural or cultural object is prohibited. This includes the cutting of trees and plants for firewood.
You may collect only dead/downed firewood. Firewood and ice can be purchased from the campground staff.
Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings. Do not leave fires unattended. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department reserves the right to ban campfires in unsafe conditions.
Only one vehicle (separate or towed by an R.V.) is allowed at each site. There is overflow parking across from the Information Booth at the entrance of the campground. All vehicles and bikes must stay on paved roads and parking lots at all times. Trails are for foot traffic only.
Quiet Hours are from 11:00pm-7:00am daily.
Sites must be maintained in an orderly manner. Please dispose of trash and recyclable materials in their proper receptacles or dumpsters. Please be responsible and "pack out what you have packed in." To discourage raccoons and other animals, please store food inside vehicles, RV's or a secure container. Please do not feed any wild animals.

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Copperhead Island
15200 Soldier Road Charlotte, NC 28278

Park Hours:
7:00am - Sunset (Daily)

Entire Island Rental:
Entire Island rental includes Picnic Shelter (80 person capacity), 6 Rent-a-Tent sites, Volleyball Court, and Horseshoe Pits
    Weekend/Holiday
    County resident $290
    Non-County resident $435
    Weekday
    County resident $235
    Non-County resident $355

Daily Boat Launch Fees

Weekends and Holidays only (March 1 - October 31)
Mecklenburg County Resident = $5.00
Non-County Resident = $8.00
Senior/Disabled = $3.00

Season Boat Launch Pass

Mecklenburg County Resident = $50.00
Non-County Resident = $80.00

Fishing

All N.C. state regulations apply.
Mecklenburg County Fishing Permits are required for bank fishing only. These permits can be purchased at McDowell Nature Center, located within McDowell Nature Preserve. No bank fishing is permitted after the Preserve is closed.

Daily Pass