Campground Review: Cane Creek Park, Waxhaw, North Carolina

Published on June 28, 2024 – Narrated by Carmen (updated April 2026)

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“What’s the most amazing place you’ve ever seen?”

We’re asked this question so often we should print the answer on our t-shirts.

We always respond with something impressive: “The Canadian Rockies,” “Autumn in Vermont,” “Yukon,” “Denali,” “The Outer Banks,” “The Upper Peninsula,” or “Canyonlands!” And, with all sincerity, any one (or every single one) of those responses is true.

It is way too blunt, in the course of a passing conversation, to surrender the most complete and truthful answer: “The most amazing place on Earth is … right here, right now.”

Like the cantos of Dante’s Paradiso, Earth reveals herself to us in portions that are part of a whole, everything exquisitely connected to a genius we may never fully grasp.

Jim and I love the dreamy atmospheric space between water and sky, and kayaking on Cane Creek Lake was like being treated to first-class seats on Spaceship Earth.

It’s just a lake …

Honestly, it’s just a lake. It has no glacier views or cascading waterfalls. It isn’t mentioned on any of the “10 Best” lists, and it’s not even big. Kayaking slowly around the circumference takes about four hours max.

But something about this lake speaks and listens. If nature can explain the universe and our place in it, then Cane Creek Lake served us well for our two week maximum stay.

Come paddle with us on Cane Creek Lake.

While taking a break from our Civil Rights tour, shady Cane Creek Lake Campground introduced us to this serene micro-paradise on the edge of North Carolina.

Cane Creek Park and campground is in the Piedmont Region near Waxhaw, about an hour south of downtown Charlotte.

The area is named for the Waxhaws, who lived here first.

This is where the “People of the Cane” first experienced contact with Europeans in the mid-1500s AD.

Cane Creek Park

Cane Creek Park encompasses 1,050 acres of land surrounding a 350-acre fresh water lake. 

The campground entrance on Cane Creek Lake’s south-side is wide and the check-in area, inviting.

The Rangers handled the reservation and check-in process.

All of the campground roads are paved.

Turns are wide enough for easy maneuvering.

Speed bumps are stationed throughout and show signs of wear.

Cane Creek Park has four different camping options.

The Family Camping Area contains 108 back-in campsites with easy access to Cane Creek Lake.

All campsites in this area have a fireplace/grill combo and picnic table. Every site has potable water and 30/50 electricity, but only a limited number of sites circling the lake-front have sewer hookups.

Most sites are asphalt paved…

and some are gravel.

Some sites back up into a shady grove …

while others back up onto a lawn with a full lake view …

or a partial lakeside view.

Several campsites are too steep (in our opinion) to level a rig safely …

and some sites are way too close together.

The Wilderness Camping Area, located near the boat ramp, has nine sites, restricted to tents, which can accommodate a maximum of six people with two tents.

There is no potable water or electricity near the wilderness camping area.

The Group Camping Area has 7 small sites (20 people/4 tent max) and 4 large group sites (30 people/6 tent max) with no potable water or electricity on-site.  

The Rustic Cabins can accommodate up to six people. They are equipped with electricity, two sets of bunk beds, one double bed, a dorm-size refrigerator, a heating and cooling unit, but have no potable water. A bathhouse is located within walking distance. No smoking or cooking is allowed in the cabins. A fire pit, grill and picnic table are provided for cookouts. You must provide your own linens, cooking utensils and cookware.

Amenities

The dump station near the entrance is positioned for use upon departure, not arrival, but we were able to make a sharp left turn and loop back to our campsite.

“The Lakeside Lodge” is available for meetings and gatherings.

This (99 person max) facility is equipped with a full kitchen, bathrooms, an outdoor patio with designated parking for 25 vehicles.

Child-Friendly

The campground provides several play areas.

The primitive miniature golf course looked tempting.

Camp Store

A small camp store, in the office building, offers firewood, ice cream and basic camping needs.

Activities

The Cane Creek campground is quiet and open year-round for fishing, boating, hiking, picnic areas, ball fields, playgrounds, miniature golf, disc golf, and multi-use mountain bike and horse trails. On site canoe, kayak, and jon-boat rentals for fishing are offered. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the ranger station.

Kayaking

The boat launch with a small parking lot and ramp with portable pier is a short walk from camp.

Cane Creek is no longer a wilderness, but Nature seems to hold this little Eden close.

Hiking

A well-maintained hiking trail follows the entire shoreline even though no one else seemed to be using it.

We had this enchanting summer forest all to ourselves.

There is no dedicated area for dogs but they are allowed on the trails.

And, there is no additional fee for pets.

Bathrooms and Showers

The campground primarily serves locals, so there is no laundry. Bathrooms and showers (though dated) are tidy. Take note of the twice-per-day cleaning hours to avoid disappointment.

Nearby Towns

This countryside campground is about a 15-minute drive from Waxhaw, population 20,000. Historically identified with Andrew Jackson Park, Waxhaw is a bustling tourist destination on the State Line with every service you need, and a variety of restaurants and well-stocked supermarkets.

The DreamChasers Brewery dominates the town square, offering an excellent Hazy IPA and fun beer flights.

Also, Benford Brewing (a friendly and popular Harvest Host microbrewery in Lancaster, South Carolina) offers excellent taps.

Lore Brewing Company in Indian Land, South Carolina, lined up a delightful selection of fine beers

Closing summary

Again, Cane Creek Lake Campground is just a simple, small lake – a lake that vibrates with the language of frogs and insects – a lake that still occupies our thoughts like a memory-retreat, a place where we can go to quiet our minds and soothe our souls.

You can see our exact route on this map.

*photos in this post (unless otherwise noted) were taken and copyrighted by Living In Beauty.

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This review reflects our personal experience. We were not paid, reimbursed, or influenced in any way.

See our other campground reviews.