Waterside barns near Mooresville
Race into Mooresville for camping near iconic go-kart tracks and horseback riding through forests.
- Mooresville
Popular camping styles for Mooresville
Waterside barns near Mooresville guide
Overview
Nicknamed “Race City USA,” Mooresville, North Carolina, is home to several NASCAR and IndyCar teams, as well as the GoPro Motorplex with high-performance go-karting and world-class tracks. Relax back in the natural splendors of Mooresville on endless trails for hiking, mountain biking, OHVing, and horseback riding in Uwharrie National Forest, or hit Lake Norman for a refreshing summer swim. With full-service RV parks, glamping campsites with cabins and shower facilities, and off-grid tent sites with pit toilets, Mooresville is waiting to showcase its outdoor opportunities and diverse camping spots.
Where to go
Lake Norman
Less than 30 minutes from Mooresville lies Lake Norman, which holds the title for the biggest man-made lake in North Carolina at 32,510 acres. From swimming and fishing to jet ski rentals and chartered cruises, aquatic adventures are endless. Lake Norman also boasts a beer and wine trail map that lists local breweries and wineries dotting the area. Drive-in yurt camping near Lake Norman is another favorite option, and many of these campsites offer picnic tables, firewood, and drinking water.
Uwharrie National Forest
Covering 51,546 acres and sitting just over one hour east of Mooresville, Uwharrie National Forest offers horseback riding trails through the trees, hiking trails, mountain biking loops, and OHV trails. Camping options include pitch-your-own tent campgrounds, RV campsites, dispersed wilderness camping, and even horse-friendly campsites in select areas. There’s a 14-day limit on camping within a 30-day period.
Charlotte Surrounds
The most populated city in North Carolina, Charlotte is just 40 minutes south of Mooresville. Featuring the NASCAR hall of fame, Carowinds (a 407-acre amusement park), trampoline parks, and two mint museums, Charlotte offers campers a quick city trip with urban amenities. Stay at an RV park near Carowinds equipped with full hookups for water, electricity, and sewage, or opt for a wilderness cabin at a campsite with outdoor grills for sizzling up hot dogs.
When to go
July and August are the warmest months in Mooresville, with temperatures up to 86°F. This time of year also sees the least amount of rainfall. Mooresville averages 216 sunny days per year (above the national average at 206), so, even in colder months, sunny days can be expected. May, September, and October are also great months for visiting since they bring fewer crowds. The weather will be a little cooler but the leaves will make for a colorful hike. Although snow is seen in winter, temperatures don’t typically fall below freezing.
