![Lake Norman State Park Lake](https://i0.wp.com/www.charlotteonthecheap.com/lotc-cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/lakenorman_lake.jpg?resize=610%2C406&ssl=1)
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 per hour.
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. Also, the events take place at different parts of the park, so make sure to note the address.
Check out this photo guide to hiking 12 North Carolina State Parks!
![Lake Norman State Park Trail](https://i0.wp.com/www.charlotteonthecheap.com/lotc-cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/lakenorman_trail.jpg?resize=610%2C407&ssl=1)
Upcoming Events at Lake Norman State Park
Backyard Bats
Saturday, July 20, 2024
8 to 9 p.m.
Lake Norman State Park-Visitor Center
759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166
Free, but registration is required
Have you ever wondered what you can do for the night’s best fliers? Join park staff and further your understanding of native bats, bat conservation, and bat sightings with an event hike around Park Lake. Learn how and why bat conservation can happen anywhere, even in your backyard!
Please call the Visitor Center at 704-528-6350 to register.
Wetland Wonders!
Friday, July 26, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lake Norman State Park – Visitor Center
759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166
Free, but registration is required
Wetland warriors and Marsh maidens come on an exciting adventure in search of tributary treasures with Lake Norman State Park’s waters. Join our fellow watershed wizards on a 2 hour kayak/canoe journey as we explore the beauty and captivating wildlife of Norwood Creek. Registration is required for this program. Please call the Visitor Center to register 704-528-6350.
*Please wear appropriate footwear for kayaking and walking through shallow, knee deep water (water shoes are highly recommended). Water, sunscreen, bug spray, and water proof phone holders are recommended. We WILL be getting in the water for this program.
World Ranger Day Touch-a-Truck
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lake Norman State Park – Visitor Center
759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166
Free
Come out to the Visitor Center and help the Rangers of Lake Norman celebrate World Ranger Day! Kids will get a chance to sit in a Ranger truck and see all the different equipment they carry to do their job.
Star Party
Friday, August 9, 2024
8 to 10 p.m.
Lake Norman State Park — Swim Beach Area
1412 State Park Road, Statesville, NC 28677
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 Saturday, August 10th. Meet at the swim beach.
End of Summer S’mores and Cookout
Saturday, August 10, 2024
12 to 7 p.m.
Lake Norman State Park
759 State Park Road, Troutman, NC 28166
Free (no registration required)
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!
Star Party
Friday, September 6, 2024
8 to 10 p.m.
Lake Norman State Park — Swim Beach Area
1412 State Park Road, Statesville, NC 28677
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 7. Meet at the swim beach.
Lake Norman’s Slightly Haunted Trail Hike
Friday, October 25, 2024
6 to 8 p.m.
Lake Norman State Park
Boat Launch Drive, Statesville, NC 28677
Free
The weather has started to cool, and the leaves are starting to change colors, you know what that means! Fall is upon us, and it is time to get ready for Halloween at Lake Norman State Park!
Come dressed up if you would like, and join us on a evening hike starting at the Boat Launch. Candy we be handed out for you to enjoy as we hike a section of the Lake Shore Trail. We will learn about the spooky animals that stay up all night!
Meet at the Boat Launch parking lot.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
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: