McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

I went camping here this past weekend. It was an extremely pleasant experience. My wife and I camped in a tent in the Primitive section, with nary but a fire to keep us warm during the cold evenings. During the day we hiked the assorted trails and visited the Nature Center. We were lucky enough to visit while they were feeding some turtles and snakes, so that was fun to see.
It got really cold on Saturday night, so we got some extra firewood and the guy at the office was very nice, helpful, and chatty.
The only downside to this place is that it’s very close to both South Tryon and the airport, so traffic noise and airplanes were constant. I can’t hold it against the place though, and if I wanted solitude I could camp literally anywhere else. For anyone seeking a not-​too-​far-​away-​from-​civilization outdoor experience, this is your place.

A big draw for me when deciding where to plant roots is access to the great outdoors. I love to be close to water, near a trail, or even within walking distance to a park. Fortunately for us, the McDowell Nature Preserve is a short distance away, and it has a great variety of the things to do.
I’ve ventured to the 1108-​acre preserve on a few occassions. They have a very nice selection of rated trails. Most are rather easy to traverse, though they might be a challenge for casual hikers. When we’ve been it has been after the rain. This was great for having the park to ourselves, but a bit messy too. All the same, McDowell is just right for getting out of the house and doing something quick and dirty for an hour or two.
One of the nicest features of McDowell is all the various access points to trails and even the playground. Unlike the National Whitewater Center, the parking isn’t all concentrated in one area. You don’t have to hike a mile just to get to the trailhead for the trail you want to hike. This is especially nice when it’s wet and cold.
McDowell also has awesome access to the water. If you like to just stroll along the shoreline on a mini-​boardwalk you can. The length of that walk isn’t insignificant either. When I was there last, several folks were camped out with their fishing poles and enjoying the sun. Didn’t see any catches, but I’m sure there’s some decent fish out there.
I’m not sure I’d actually attempt to bike at McDowell. It’s possible, but the trails are more geared towards longer hikes. It has a great deal of flora and all sorts of fauna. I have not been here in the summer, so I’m excited about what’s to come.
Great place to camp, fish, hike. explore, and learn about the great outdoors. Also a wonderful place to picnic and catch your breath. I’d advise you to also checkout Copperhead Island just across the lake as well. It’s part of McDowell and has its own trails, picnic areas, etc. It takes a drive to access, but it’s well worth it. It also has a boat ramp if you’re needing access.
Awesome park and a great amenity for outdoor enthusiasts.

Love, love, love! This place is just a short car ride from my house but it transports me to a place of peace and tranquility and I just love it! I was looking for a Nature center because we are new to the area and my 4 and 7 year old loved the Nature Center in our old home state. The family hopped in the car and went to check it out. While the Nature Center itself is quite small and in need of some serious updating, you could spend a decent 30 minutes in there before the kids get bored. But the good stuff happened after we left, with map in hand, we decided to go on hike on one of the many trails. We even at one point pulled out the compass app on our iphone to find our way to the lake and what a beautiful scene it was. The water level was low near the shore and the kids were able to go down below on the rocks and enjoy the water. I love the swing and the wonderful picnic area by the water. I was thinking, we need to reserve this place and have a get together. There are kayak rentals, and a boat dock as well. We hiked back to the car and went on another visit soon after. This time we drove down to the lake area, which was harder to find because the signage is not that great. We just went to read our books, relax and enjoy the sun and the view. We are now planning to utilize their camping area and will definitely use this as a regular place to go on our family hikes. Now, if I could just afford one of those houses I’m «forced» to look at while I’m there. LOL! One day, Angela, one day!
That is all!

One of my most favorite places to meditate. Seating along the shore provides a peaceful and serene view. I only wish there was more swing chair seating along the shoreside.

When I am homesick for fresh air and nature I drive out to McDowell Nature Preserve. The park is large considering the proximity to the city. There are several trails with a variety of difficulty and length.
My favorite part of the preserve is the picnic tables and grills set up with views of the lake. If you are looking for a cute date I would definitely pack a cooler and head out here! We have done this several times ranging from a spread of assorted cheese and other cold items to a full steak dinner cooked on the grills they have on site.
The camping here is a great experience for new campers. There is a Harris Teeter nearby for all those essential items you might forget to pack, or for quick start logs when it is damp and you can’t get the fire to start (we may have cheated with that on our last trip). We went for the «primitive site» which was still very cushy camping. We had a fire ring, grill and picnic table at our site and I believe a trash can nearby as well.
I didn’t take advantage of it but if you want to camp and not invest in a tent they have rent a tent sites which is a great option for novice or infrequent campers.

We love the McDowell Nature Preserve! The playground is great and my daughter loves it, the grounds are beautiful and there are many decks around the lake for fishing or just relaxing. Really cool place!

This review is of the Campground at McDowell. We did not go to the lake or hike. We found a site without a reservation in August and stayed here for about a week. The tent sites do not have grass and you are required to set up in a specific gravel area so bring plenty of padding. The areas are level and will allow at least two tents, depending on which site you choose. There are individual, lockable bathroom/​showers which is convenient and they are right next to a small laundry which is open only 8a to 4p. Definitely a good and secluded place to camp, with easy access to Charlotte. No Alcohol which is bad but no out of state fees, which is good. Also, the campground seemed to be at least 10 degrees cooler than other areas of NC and the bugs are minimal. All in all a good place to be.

Stinky wasteland with shallow waters that offer a view and sound of I-​77 and the Lake Wylie Marina. Rocks line the shores and I would definitely not attempt swimming here, though I saw some kids in the water. big disappointment. I left 30 minutes after arrival.

This is a review of the campground at McDowell Nature Preserve.
This place claims to be the «great urban escape.» While it’s not exactly an escape, it certainly makes for a quick weekend getaway when you don’t want to (or can’t) trek it up to the mountains. Granted, this place can’t hold a candle to anything in the Blue Ridge, but to quench that thirst for a one night campout, McDowell will do in a pinch.
Pros:
–It’s close. You can get here from uptown in half an hour, and you don’t have to take a bunch of poorly-​marked or unimproved roads to find the place.
–It’s close to stuff. Need groceries, camping equipment, or have an emergency? There’s a Teeter, Gander Mtn, and Super Target almost within a stone’s throw.
–The bath house is one of the nicest I’ve seen at a campground. Instead of a men’s/women’s setup, there are about 8 or 9 individual unisex lavatories, each with a toilet, sink, mirror (!), actual soap and a legit hand dryer (!!), and a hot shower. Nothing is better than stepping out of the shower and not having to awkwardly and unsuccessfully cover yourself up with a towel because other people are standing around. Granted, the bathrooms aren’t the cleanest ones I’ve ever seen, but they had the best facilities.
–There are water spigots all over the campground, which is very convenient. That’s not usually the case.
Cons:
–It’s close. I love everybody, but there are some people who just shouldn’t be allowed to go camping. Because this place is close to the city and accessible, it draws a few of the, well, er, amateurs. Quite a bunch of RVs, and people pulling up in fancy cars, are just two of the things that mar the overall ambience of the «get away from it all» camping experience.
–The sites aren’t very private. We are here in the summer, when the trees are full of leaves, and we can see our neighbors very clearly. I can’t imagine what it’s like when there are no leaves.
–The entire park is underneath a flight path for CLT airport. Prepare for lots of airplane traffic noise; earplugs at night are recommended.

Beautiful, outdoor getaway in the middle of an urban setting. Nice, easy, and gorgeous trails. Wonderful for any athletic ability! The only reason I’m not giving it a five star is because it lacks more difficult hikes for more experienced hikers. But it is an absolutely breathtaking park otherwise.

I was visiting my sister for the week in Fort Mill, SC. We took a trip to this park, and we had a great time. We did the St. Patrick’s day scavenger hunt along the trail. There are a lot of good opportunities to take beautiful pictures to show the people back home how jealous they should be that they weren’t there. They have backpacks for anyone who wants to borrow them on the trails. Inside the backpacks, they have kits/​supplies according to what you are using the backpack for. for example, if you want to observe the trees, they have books on trees and leaves. or if you wanted to look for the animals in the area, they have the books and pictures on the commonly found animals. They have a lot of things for you to do and it is FREE. Who wouldn’t want to take the advantage of that? Let your inner child come out! Unless, you are a child.
we have yet to explore Lake Wiley, but one day soon, we’ll be there.

The perfect place to go hiking, enjoy nature and go camping. It’s very beautiful out here. I always feel safe and happy here. They even have a playground for the kids too. If you the outdoors then you will love this place.

This a wonderful park to come for the day to hike, and have a picnic. There are also places you can camp if that’s your thing too. Some of the trails will take you to the lake too. There are places to grill, a nature center, and overall a nice park to spend the day outside.

Lots of trash on all the trails. Much better woodland experiences in the area.
It is a huge park. There are pretty cool little lake front picnic tables and grills. Plus, you can camp there. Other than that, I wasn’t impressed. Ever trail I went hiking on had trash on the trails. A few had tree’s blocking the trails as well. It just seems like its not mantained.

Love the nature trails
And the beautiful picnic areas
A great place to take the family

I love this outdoor oasis. I found it years ago and now me, my husband and pug go to grill past the medium shelter. They have numbered grill spots so you can find your favorite and keep coming back.
We go Sundays and bring our picnic basket with kabobs, veggies and cous cous salad and enjoy the sun and fresh air. Each site has a picnic table and typically a view if the water.
After you grill (bring lighter fluid and charcoal) you can hike the trails.
Get out there before the heat if summer arrives!

Short drive to a peaceful getaway. Pack a picnic, grab the pooch, and get ready for a great day.
One of my latest Mecklenburg County discoveries is McDowell Nature Preserve. I love walking trails and getting absorbed in nature and this place fits the bill nicely. Beautiful, well-​kept up place making you feel as though you are miles away from anything when in reality it is minutes from the city.
There is a great campground to bring your tent and stay the night, a playground for the kiddos, many picnic tables, and plenty of trails to walk for miles. You can even fish, but there are signs posted that say caution because the fish may have a high dosage of mercury.
If you are planning a reunion, this would probably be a great place to host it. Rent one of the areas, let people camp out, you are right next to the lake to rent kayaks in the spring and summer… you’ve got yourself one great family gathering spot!
The Nature Center was closed when I was there, but I’m sure one of these days I’ll stop in.

Trees. Trails. Picnic tables and camping spots. I only wish that there was a dog park here and then it would be perfect!

Great place to go year round!
I hike here all the time and love it. There are lots of short trails for quick hikes and you can loop a few together for a longer hike.
Tons of picnic tables and lake scenery.
Hiking and kayaking here is great. The nature center has some good displays as well.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse if some wildlife!

I said it before… Mecklenburg County has some great parks and this one is no exception.
It has lots of activities including the nature center (which I have not been into yet). There are trails for hiking or running, a playground, canoes, picnic tables and shelters and a few docks for fishing or just taking in the scenery.
Like Stephen says, the trails are quite challenging with lots of hills. You’d never think you’d have that in Mecklenburg County but it’s a nice change from the greenways.
If you drive into the park like you are going to the playground and continue down the hill as far as you can go, you’ll come to the main viewing area of Lake Wylie. There’s a long pier that is a great to watch the activity on the lake and zoom in on those expensive houses that sit on the lake shores.
Everyone should check it out sometime!