McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

An absolutely awesome park, and so close to home! Love the trails, the picnic benches and the amazing views out at Lake Wylie! Just the place to go to catch a magnificent sunset!!Visited onWeekday

This place was So amazing! My family and I had an Amazing time and the camping location was everything we could ask for. Our tent pad was very spacious, we had a grill, our own electricity, our own water and trash can. We were within very close proximity to the bath house which was kept very clean. All staff were extremely friendly and helpful! The nights were quiet so we got a good nights rest. We will definitely be booking another visit!!! The campground has so much to offer. I just wish it hadn't rained so much so we would have been able to adventure out some and discover more.

I have visited this park twice now. Have enjoyed our time both times. It is free to get in and parking is usually not an issue. We haven’t hiked all the different trails yet, we mainly walk along the river and play in the water. It’s a great place for dates, picnics or just meditate. There are bathrooms available, and a playground for the kids. Check out the pics!

It was so clean and fun. There's a massive teepee like thing to the side that my son was interested in too. Also a board that shows you what other things are going on in the park and I want to go on one of the kayaking days now too!Visited onWeekdayWait time1 hr+Reservation recommendedYesPrice for adult entryFree

Gorgeous place to be. Normally isn’t super busy and that’s what I look for in a park/ hiking trails! It’s mostly shaded when walking through the woods so even on hot days my pup can enjoy being outside with me.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree

Beautiful natural park. Well taken care of and borders Lake Wylie. Fun fact: Lake Wylie is roughly 80 feet deep at it's deepest!Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFreeParking spacePlenty of parkingParking optionsFree parking lot

Beautiful and natural experience. We enjoyed the playground first, then we checked out the waterfront, we then checked out the hiking trail by the nature center. Definitely was a complete vibe!Visited onWeekday

I had a wonderful time at McDowell. I am so happy I selected this place for camping. This was the first time I had ever gone camping and I couldn’t have asked for a better place! It is a beautiful campground and really easy to navigate. The trails are very beautiful. The bathrooms are big and private and very comfortable and well lit. McDowell Campground is going to be the place I stop to rest any time I road trip up north. Would be great for families :

Great place to go relax and be at one with nature. I attended a private function on the deck by the lake. It was great! The are wad clean including the bathrooms. It was relaxing. I observed kyakers launching from the dock near by as well as persons fishing. Parking lots were small so you may have to park further up the road to walk down. It is a large park. So I know there is more to offer. I also saw a children's playground and a camp site.

Large park that I have seen all of. Only get to visit when I am visiting my parents. From what I have seen so far there are miles if walking trails. Pavilions that I am guessing are rentable. With other picnic table/grills spread about. Look forward to more visits. Was there late afternoon and snapped some pictures.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree