Whether the spring months are warming up or summer is coming to an end, bringing with it cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors to the Charlotte landscape, it's always the perfect season for camping near Charlotte, North Carolina. There's rarely a good time to get out and enjoy a night or two under the stars at one of the spectacular campsites in and around Charlotte. If you enjoy being one with nature and spending a few days in the peace and quiet of the forest, then you must grab your gear and head out to one of these awesome campgrounds.
The Anne Springs Close Greenway is located in Rock Hill S.C., just 30 minutes away from Uptown Charlotte. The Greenway has lakeside campsites that accommodate up to three tents per site and they offer gorgeous views of Lake Haigler. Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit and picnic table, and campers can enjoy up to one week of camping. You do need a reservation to camp here and the camping fee is $8 per night for Anne Springs Close Greenway Camping Members and $16 per night for non-members. Individual camping is not currently allowed, so grab your family or a group of friends and make plans for a great camping experience at Anne Springs Close Greenway
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In addition to camping, there are numerous other activities you can enjoy while at the Greenway. There are plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and kayaking and fishing are allowed at the lake. This site even has horse camping where paddocks and frost-free hydrants are available for the horses. This place is absolutely amazing for a scenic night under the stars! This is one of the best campgrounds near Charlotte.
Searching for a place to go "camping near me?" Lake Norman State Park is located on the northern shore of Lake Norman, about an hour north of Charlotte. The park has a family and group campground with 44 individual campsites that can be rented during the warm weather months of the year. Rates vary depending on the season and campground amenities include drinking water stations, a bathhouse, fire pits, lantern posts, picnic tables, and more.
Camping at Lake Norman State Park offers amazing views of the lake and tons of things to do. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and exploring the grounds. A lakeside beach is also available for swimming and enjoying some fun in the sun. For more information, be sure to visit the Lake Norman State Park website. This is one of the best parks with campgrounds near Charlotte, NC.
McDowell Nature Preserve is located on York Road in Charlotte and provides 56 campsites ranging from full RV hook-ups to primitive tent sites. Reservations must be made at this campsite 48 hours in advance and camping fees range from $15 per night (county residents) for primitive camping and $36 per night (county residents) for RV sites. The campgrounds have a bathroom, laundry facilities, and a playground, so bring the whole family and enjoy a few days in the outdoors!
McDowell Nature Preserve sits on Lake Wylie and is one of Charlotte's most undeveloped preserves. In addition to camping, visitors can boat, fish, hike, and visit the Nature Center to learn more about the plants and animals in the surrounding area. McDowell Nature Preserve is a great choice for those who want to stay within city limits while enjoying a great camping experience. You can check out the McDowell Nature Preserve website for more details to help plan your experience camping in North Carolina.
Editor's Note: Ebenezer Park is closed as of Sept. 15, 2023 for renovations. Check back on the website below for news on reopening.
Ebenezer Park is a camping spot located north of Rock Hill on Lake Wylie. Only half an hour from Charlotte, this campground is a go-to spot for those who want to stay close to the city and enjoy a great lakeside view. There are 66 campsites and each one has fresh drinking water, a picnic table, electrical hook-ups, and a fire pit. Rates range from $26.00 per night for some York County residents and $31.00 per night for non-residents.
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Activities at the park include boating and fishing, swimming, hiking, and more. Ebenezer Park is a great, close spot for a fun family camping weekend or a camping trip with friends. For more information, visit the Ebenezer Park website.
If you are able to travel a little further north, South Mountain State Park is worth the trip. Located about an hour and a half from Charlotte, South Mountain State Park covers approximately 19,000 acres and includes part of the South Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, and High Shoals Falls.
South Mountain State Park is a great place for those who enjoy backpack camping and offers 20 backpacking campsites at six locations off the trails. The park also offers equestrian campsites for horseback riders and drive-in campsites for those who prefer to bring their vehicle or RV. The mountain views and extensive hiking trails are some of the major draws of this campsite, and visitors often get a glimpse of the gorgeous High Shoals waterfalls when staying here. If you are looking for a more rugged, mountainous camping experience, South Mountain State Park is the place to visit. Be sure to explore the South Mountain State Park website to learn all the information to plan your campout!
Linville Falls Campground is another majestic camping spot if you are willing to drive a little further. Located near Linville, North Carolina, about two hours from Charlotte, Linville Falls offers campers primitive campsites, an RV Park, and even rustic log cabins if you prefer camping indoors. Each site is equipped with a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. Learn more about your camping experience when you check out the Linville Falls Campground website.
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This campground is in close proximity to the renowned Linville Gorge and the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. Linville Gorge is an outstanding site that surrounds the Linville River located 1,400 feet below. Some call Linville Gorge the "Grand Canyon of North Carolina." There are many hiking trails that lead you around the gorge, and this place is a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
Have you been camping in North Carolina at any of these locations? Do you have other places for camping near Charlotte, North Carolina that you enjoy? Be sure to tell us in the comment section. We would love to hear from you!
Need new camping gear? Check out the awesome selection from our friends at REI!
If you love exploring the great outdoors of North Carolina, take a look at this video from OnlyInYourState and plan a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Wintertime means a whole lot of fun in Pennsylvania, especially after it snows. While some winter days are meant for curling up under the blanket with a mug of hot chocolate and watching the snow gently fall, others are made for getting outside and having a blast. What's winter like in Pennsylvania? Weather-wise, it's a hodge-podge, never knowing what to expect from one day to the next. Activity-wise? It's a blast. Whether we prefer adrenaline-inducing wintertime activities, including snowmobiling and snow tubing, or laidback adventures like exploring quaint small towns, we'll find for what we're looking in Pennsylvania. Here are some of the best things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania.
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Holiday Events In Pennsylvania
With so many holiday events in Pennsylvania, it's easy to get into the Christmas spirit. Harken back to those childhood days when we piled into the car to ride around the neighborhood to look at the Christmas lights when we visited some of the most dazzling Christmas light displays in Pennsylvania. Whether you prefer staying in your car or going on a Christmastime stroll, you'll find Christmas light displays in Pennsylvania that meet your needs. But that's just the start of the Christmastime fun; don't forget to add some of the best Christmas festivals in Pennsylvania to your holiday bucket list, too.
1. Koziar's Christmas Village
Location: Bernville
Popularity: One of the top Christmas displays in Pennsylvania. Expect long waits on the weekends.
Price: $11-$16 per person
Hands down one of the most magical and popular Christmas lights displays in Pennsylvania, Koziar's Christmas Village has been a Bernville favorite since 1948. Bundle up and wear comfy shoes for your stroll through this Christmas village that shimmers with more than one million lights. As you explore the village, you might run into Santa, pass a Kissing Bridge, and pop into the Old-Fashioned Bakery Shop for a scrumptious treat. A journey to Koziar's Christmas Village, which welcomes visitors from early November through Jan. 1, deserves a spot on every Pennsylvanian's bucket list. It wouldn't be winter in Pennsylvania without a visit to Koziar's Christmas Village.
2. Hershey Sweet Lights
Location: Hershey
Popularity: Gets extremely busy
Price: $29.99 (car) - $52.15 (van)
Listen to Christmas carols as you mosey along the two-mile path awash in twinkling lights at Hershey Sweet Lights, a beloved annual tradition. Your Christmastime adventure will take you past around 600 lighted displays and through an enchanted Candy Cane Forest and Victorian Village. If you'd like sweet treats for your ride, add the Hershey Sweet Lights Sweet Treat Bundle, a half-pound of chocolate fudge and kettle corn, when you purchase your ticket.
The fun doesn't stop there, though. Zip up your jacket and head inside Hersheypark for its Candylane, a Christmastime celebration that includes millions of glittering lights, seasonal goodies, and a selection of open rides. Hershey's Sweet Lights welcomes holiday revelers on select evenings from mid-November through Jan. 1.
3. Holiday Lights on the Lake
Location: Altoona
Popularity: Usually quite busy on weekends
Price: $18 (car) - $100 (motorcoach). An unlimited season pass is available for $75.
Sing along to all your favorite Christmas songs as you slowly wind through 50 acres of glittering lights at Holiday Lights on the Lake in Altoona, hands down one of the best winter attractions in Pennsylvania. Drive through a light tunnel, past a light display of Santa driving a fire truck, and marvel at shimmering Christmas trees. Holiday Lights on the Lake runs from mid-November through Jan. 5, 2025. Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
4. Longwood Gardens
Location: Kennett Square
Popularity: Extremely popular, particularly on weekends
Price: $23-$42. Children four and younger and members are free.
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Celebrate the season with a trip to Longwood Gardens for its beloved annual A Longwood Christmas, one of the best winter attractions in Pennsylvania. Stroll through the gardens drenched in more than a half-million lights, past Christmas trees, and tumbling fountains. Timed tickets are required for this Christmastime event that runs on select days from mid-November through early January.
5. A Gettysburg Christmas Festival
Location: Gettysburg
Popularity: Busy
Price: Mix of free and activities with a cost
Gettysburg town square at Christmas
Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday celebration at A Gettysburg Christmas Festival, an annual event that takes place the first weekend of December. A variety of family-friendly activities will fill the weekend, including visits with real reindeer, bounce houses, a mechanical snowboard, and family games. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand for several events, including a craft workshop where kiddos will paint a toy or make an ornament. Entertainment is planned throughout the three-day celebration. While you're in town, be sure to get a bit of Christmas shopping done at the quaint shops, and try one of the town's restaurants.
6. Dickens of a Christmas
Location: Wellsboro
Popularity: Busy
Price: Free
The enchanting town of Wellsboro transforms into a winter wonderland every year for its Dickens of a Christmas Celebration. The daylong celebration, usually held the first Saturday in December, features a full menu of family-friendly fun. The sweet song of carolers will fill the air as you shop at the Victorian marketplace, indulge in seasonal goodies, and do a bit of Christmas shopping. A variety of tours and concerts are generally scheduled throughout the day too, and nearly 125 vendors are expected to be on hand for this Christmas celebration in Wellsboro.
Christmas Towns In Pennsylvania
While the Christmas season tends to be jam-packed with activities and events, a visit to one of the best Christmas towns in Pennsylvania is well worth squeezing in. One of the best family things to do in Pennsylvania in winter is a day trip or a weekend getaway to these enchanting small towns that promise an ideal opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season, indulge in seasonal goodies, and even get some Christmas shopping done.
7. Bethlehem
Location: Bethlehem
Popularity: Popular, especially during the weekends
Price: A variety of free and paid activities and events
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At the top of every Pennsylvanian's Christmas bucket list should sit the shining star, Christmas City itself. Bethlehem shines during the holiday season with locals and travelers flocking to the town to check out its Christkindlmarkt, the Christmas City Village and Christmas huts, and the elaborate destinations at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Make time to just meander through the downtown area, too, to admire the decorations.
Journey to the Switzerland of Pennsylvania for a magical Christmastime adventure. The darling town of Jim Thorpe promises a fun and festive getaway. Christmastime means the annual Jim Thorpe Olde Time Christmas. Held the first three weekends of December, the beloved Christmas festival in Pennsylvania features horse-drawn carriage rides and strolling carolers. While in town, hop aboard a Christmas train with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Santa might even join in on the fun.
9. Indiana
Location: Indiana
Popularity: Can get really busy during the It's A Wonderful Life Festival, quieter later in the afternoon and later in the season
Price: Free
Beth Price-Williams
Step into a real-life Bedford Falls with a visit to the enchanting town of Indiana. The hometown of Jimmy Stewart, "It's A Wonderful Life's" George Bailey, transforms into the idyllic small town of Bedford Falls, complete with a "You Are Now In Bedford Falls" sign and a lighted sign of "George Lassos the Moon." The It's A Wonderful Life Festival runs on select weekends from late November through December, kicking off with a parade downtown. Festival activities include visits with Santa and roasting marshmallows. The shops downtown are perfect for Christmas shopping; grab a bite to eat at one of the quaint restaurants, and stop by The Jimmy Stewart Museum, where you might catch a showing of It's A Wonderful Life.
Indiana is one of my favorite small towns in Pennsylvania, and I go here every Christmas to visit my favorite actor's museum, visit with Santa, and get into the Christmas spirit. In recent years, parking has been free downtown on the weekends, so keep an eye out if you visit.
Outdoor Activities
If you're looking for fun things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania, you have no shortage of choices. From gliding around outdoor ice rinks to zipping down hills on sleds, you'll easily be able to pack your winter schedule with a ton of outdoor fun. Here are some of the best Pennsylvania winter activities.
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10. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink
Location: Philadelphia
Popularity: Be prepared to deal with crowds
Price: Ice skating admission $5; skate rental $12
Embrace the magic of wintertime at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, an annual event running from late November through early March. Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, a beloved winter attraction in Pennsylvania, features a full menu of fun, including the centerpiece - the ice skating rink. Warm up near a firepit; soak up the ambiance, and grab a drink and a bite to eat at one of the eateries, which serve such seasonal delights as holiday mocktails, cocktails, and hot chocolate. Pair your drink with a classic Philly cheesesteak, pizza, or classic fair food like funnel cake. Just entering Winterfest is free, so if you're looking for cheap things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania, add this epic event to your calendar.
If you're on the hunt for free things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania, make your way to Moraine State Park, home to the majestic Lake Arthur. After a fresh snow, the Western Pennsylvania state park transforms into a winter wonderland. Bring your sled for a day of zipping down hills, or go cross-country skiing or snowmobiling on one of the trails that meander through the picturesque park. Or make the most of winter in Pennsylvania by going snowshoeing on the Pleasant Valley Trail or Sunken Garden Trail. Ice skating and playing hockey are also popular when the lake freezes over.
12. Camelback Mountain
Location: Tannersville
Popularity: Extremely popular, especially on weekends
Price: Varies depending on activity and time of the season and the day
Boasting one of the best family things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania, Camelback Mountain Resort is home to the largest snow tubing park in Pennsylvania. Zip down the hill on a sunny winter day or, for a unique adventure, go snow tubing in the evening. Galactic tubing features disco lights and a ton of fun under the moonlight. Tickets are sold in two-hour increments. Camelback Mountain Resort is also popular with skiing, so you might want to make a day of it.
13. Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Location: Seven Springs
Popularity: Popular
Price: Snow tubing starts at $46.50
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Sashay down the mountain and show off your skiing skills at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The popular Western Pennsylvania resort promises fun for the whole family. Spend the day skiing or snowboarding, or zip down the mountain on a snow tube. You can also take snowboarding and skiing lessons.
14. Sawmill Family Resort
Location: Morris
Popularity: Popular
Price: Tubing rates start at $10 an hour/$25 for three hours
Snow tubing and skiing are, hands down, two of the best winter activities in Pennsylvania, and you won't find a better place to do both than at Sawmill Family Resort. The Pennsylvania resort also offers snow tubing. If a day simply isn't enough, book a room at the inn or one of the resort's cottages.
Winter Getaways
Whether you're looking for one of the most romantic things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania or are planning a family outing, you'll find an assortment of accommodations that make picture-perfect winter getaways. Here are some of the best places to stay in Pennsylvania.
15. Wapiti Woods
Location: Weedville
Popularity: Popular/quiet getaway
Price: From $199 per night
If you're looking for romantic things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania, you can't go wrong with a stay in a cabin at the enchanting Wapiti Woods Guest Cabin Resort. The cozy cabins feature everything you need for a luxurious stay, including a whirlpool tub. Nestled in the woods, the cabins are a hop, a skip, and a jump from a variety of outdoor attractions, including Allegheny National Forest and Elk Country Visitor Center.
16. The Lodge at Woodloch
Location: Hawley
Popularity: Popular year-round
Price: Per night packages start at $549 per person
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Wrap yourself in luxury at the Lodge at Woodloch, an adults-only lodge in Hawley, making it one of the most romantic things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania. When you're not curled up in your luxurious room, check out all the resort offers, including a Himalayan salt sauna, an outdoor whirlpool (open in the winter), and fire pits.
17. Split Rock Resort
Location: Lake Harmony
Popularity: Popular year-round
Price: Rooms start around $160 per night
Watch the snow fall from your room at Split Rock Resort, an idyllic winter getaway in Pennsylvania. Perfect for a family getaway, the enchanting resort brings a bit of summer to the middle of winter with its indoor waterpark. Other family-friendly amenities include an arcade, bowling, mini golf, and a movie theater.
What are your favorite things to do in Pennsylvania in winter? Let us know in the comments! For more free things to do in Pennsylvania in winter, check out these hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Don't forget to take your camera with you on your winter adventures.
The autumn weather in Charlotte is still mild, which means the season for camping will last that much longer! Not a camper? Lucky for you there is an awesome "glampground" only about 30 minutes away from the QC which will offer you a camping experience like you've never had before. If rustic luxury and relaxation sounds fabulous to you, then you must plan a visit to Cherry Treesort before the weather gets too cold!
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Cherry Treesort is a rentable double treehouse located in China Grove, just about 30 miles outside of Charlotte.
This is the perfect place to stay if you enjoy the rustic charm of the outdoors, but prefer to do your camping with running water in a cozy little loft environment.
You can find more details about this one-of-a-kind spot, including reservation information on the Cherry Treesort website.
There's no better way to enjoy camping - or should we say "glamping" - than by visiting Cherry Treesort. There's still time to get away from it all and enjoy some beautiful North Carolina fall days before winter starts to sneak in!
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Have you stayed at Cherry Treesort before? Was it absolutely magical? Share your experience with us in the comments!
