Carolina Beach State Park is about 12 miles south of Wilmington ... Located just 40 miles north of Charlotte, the Lake Norman Campground is probably the top choice. Lake Norman is the largest ...

For fun with the family, hike and picnic at Lake Norman State Park, or head to Carrigan Farms outside Mooresville, where you can do everything from fruit picking in the summer to hayrides in the fall.

But you don't have to be a millionaire to enjoy your time here. Popular public swimming areas include Lake Norman State Park, Ramsey Creek Park and Jetton Park. You can also rent paddleboards ...