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 ranging 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 and 17 miles from the US National Whitewater Park..

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. Copperhead Island's 14 acres offer direct boat launching access to Lake Wylie, a fishing pier, hiking trails a picnic shelter and Primitive Camping on the shores of Lake Wylie.

Campsites may be reserved year-round, 7 days a week . Reservations need to be made at least 3 business days before your arrival date. Unreserved campsites are available on a first come, first served   basis. Reservations for McDowell and Copperhead Island can be made by calling 704-583-1284 between the hours of 9:00am - 10:00pm, Monday – Sunday. Reservations made over the phone need to be paid in full with a Master Card or Visa Card. Cash, Check and Money Order reservations must be made in person and full payment is expected at that time.

Cancellations for McDowell Campground rentals must be made at least 10 days prior to event. Cancellations for Copperhead Island rentals and McDowell Shelters must be made at least 30 days prior to the event. The cost will be refunded minus a 10% administrative cost. No refunds will be given if cancellation is less than 10 days for the campground or 30 days for the shelters and the island. A $25 fee is charged for all returned checks. In the case of inclement weather, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation will reschedule the event for another time or facility (of equal or lesser value). Refunds will not be given in the event of inclement weather. Reschedules must be made within 7 business days after the original reservation date.

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
$36 per day – County resident
$46 per day – Non-County resident

Primitive Sites (P1-10):
$12 per day – County resident
$15 per day – Non-County resident

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

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)
• 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
• T Sites = T1 - T7

Primitive Sites (P)

• Fire Ring
• P Sites = P1, P3, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10

Group Camping Sites

P2 = 20 Patrons or less

• Fire Ring

P4 = 20 Patrons or more

• Fire Ring

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 14 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.

Return to Top

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 $296
    Non-County resident $445
    Weekday
    County resident $236
    Non-County resident $361

Fishing

• All N.C. state regulations apply.
• No bank fishing is permitted after the Preserve is closed.

Return to Top