Lake Norman State Park, at 759 State Park Road, Troutman, NC, is 39 miles from the center of Charlotte, making it one of the closest North Carolina State Parks to Charlotte. For anyone in the Lake Norman area, or on the northern I-77 corridor, it’s closer still.
The park offers a ton of varied recreation, making it worth the drive. The park contains 30 miles of mountain biking trails and 38 miles of hiking. In addition, you can get out in the water. Boat rentals are available, and there’s also a swim beach. The park also offers camping.
Check out this list of 50+ walks and hikes near Charlotte!
There’s no admission charge, but there is a cost for boat rental, swimming (when there’s a lifeguard) and camping. Call 704-528-6350 for the most current information on hours and prices.
Swimming is free if there’s no lifeguard. When there is a lifeguard, the swim beach is $6 for adults and $4 for kids.
Rental boats include canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and tandem kayaks. They’re all $10 perhour.
Check out this list of upcoming Lake Norman events!
Lake Norman State Park hosts a number of regularly scheduled nature, cultural, and education programs. Read on for a list of upcoming events. Make sure to follow each link, as many events require reservation.
Check out this photo guide to hiking 12 North Carolina State Parks!
Upcoming Events at Lake Norman State Park
End of Summer S’mores and Cookout
Thursday, August 10, 2023
12 to 7 p.m.
Free
End the summer right at a s’mores and cookout event with park staff and the Friends of Lake Norman State Park.
From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., all boat rentals will be free, thanks to the generosity of the park friends group.
Stick around after you spend the day on the water to enjoy a cookout with members of the friends group and learn how you can become a part of their team!
Following the cookout, at 6 p.m., join a ranger for some good old-fashioned s’mores to help celebrate International S’mores Day!
No registration required.
Star Party
Friday, September 22, 2023
7:30 to 9 p.m.
Free
Come out to Lake Norman State Park to be amazed by the night sky. Piedmont Amateur Astronomers are coming out to the swim beach parking lot to show us the stars through their telescopes! Friends of Lake Norman State Park will be there and astronomy-based crafts will be available. In the event of rain, this event will be held on September 23. Meet at the swim beach.
Lake Norman’s Slightly Haunted Trail Hike
Saturday, October 21, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.
Free
Dress up in your favorite costume to collect candy behind the visitor center from local community groups. Hang around after you get your sugar fix to join a park ranger on a nocturnal animal hike. This hike will talk about some of the spooky animals that only move around at night!
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
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However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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More Events in the Lake Norman Area
Check out our list of what to do in Lake Norman, or look at a quick list of upcoming events here:
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