McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

McDowell Nature Center and Preserve - 1,132 Acres on Lake Wylie

1,132 acres of forested rolling terrain along the banks of Lake Wylie in south Charlotte, the oldest nature preserve in Mecklenburg County. The site is 90% undeveloped and includes hiking trails, a campground, and a Nature Center building with educational exhibits.

Programs for Kids

Year-round programming through the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation system. Programs include:
- Summer camps for kids
- Classes covering local ecology and wildlife
- Family Nights and Story Times
- Birthday parties at the Nature Center
- School field trips and scout group programs

What's Included

• Nature Center with live native animals, discovery hall, and classroom
• 56-site campground with hookup, primitive, and tent sites
• Hiking trails and Lake Wylie shoreline access
• County-employed naturalist staff

Experience

South Charlotte and west Mecklenburg families use McDowell for day-long nature outings and overnight camping. The Nature Center is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m., with educator-led programs scheduled throughout the year.