While Carowinds continues to evolve since opening in 1973, there are still remnants of the original design throughout the park property, including the on-site campground, known as the Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort. Open year-round, the 55-acre campground is nestled in a beautiful, natural setting and offers a full suite of modern amenities.

The Early Years

Carowinds’ on-site campground, originally known as Frog Creek Campground, opened with the park on March 31, 1973. Frog Creek Campground featured 207 camp sites spread across 60 acres. It was known as “the only campground in America where you’re just a moment away from a ride over a waterfall, a trip on a sternwheeler riverboat… and a hundred more exciting adventures.” Amenities included an on-site swimming pool, playground, and locations for mini golf, shuffleboard, badminton, and volleyball.

The campground’s social center, the Trading Post, featured the registration office, convenience store, a spacious lounge with a fireplace, coin-operated laundry, and a shuttle providing complimentary transportation to Carowinds’ main entrance. Fifty years later, the Trading Post remains, and still offers many of these amenities to guests.

The Frog Creek Campground was divided into sections, each named after Carowinds’ original mascots including “Chumper,” a section dedicated to tent sites, and “Hercules,” “Carolion,” and “Ringo,” sections with RV sites.

Frog Creek Campground remained the unchanged through the 1982 season.

Time for a Change

In 1983, the Frog Creek Campground transformed into the Carowinds Campground. After being open to the public for 10 years, the name was changed for better recognition, as some guests were unaware that Frog Creek Campground was on-site accommodations at Carowinds. During this transition, the names of each campground section were also changed. The “Chumper” section became “Country Crossroads,” the “Hercules” section became “Thunder Road,” the “Carolion” section became “White Lightnin’,” and the “Ringo” section became “Pirate Island.”

In 1993, the Carowinds Campground was renamed Paramount’s Carowinds Campground, but remained otherwise unchanged. Operations continued as normal until the campground discontinued operations on November 30, 2003.

Introducing Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

Following two seasons of closure, the campground re-opened as Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort in March 2006. Camp Wilderness introduced a new accommodation for guests to enjoy with cabin rentals - 15 premium cabins furnished with a fully functional kitchenette, satellite TV, air conditioning, a private restroom with a shower and hot water, a front porch swing, and space to accommodate up to eight guests. Once again, the campground’s sections were renamed. The “Thunder Road” section split into two areas and became “Elm” and “Redwood,” and the “Pirate Island” section became “Maple.”

In 2008, Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort introduced the Great Wilderness Lodge, a fully appointed cabin that accommodates up to 14 people with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Complete with the same amenities as the premium cabins, the Great Wilderness Lodge offers a 65” flat screen television, wrap-around porch, and an outdoor grill and patio.

Breathing New Life Into Carowinds History

As Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort approached 50 years of operation, it became clear that some changes needed to be made to better support the Carowinds community and guest experience. In 2019, the tent section of Camp Wilderness was removed to make space for on-site associate housing. However, the area can still accommodate both pop-ups and RVs up to 45 feet. In 2023, the cabins were renovated, breathing new life into Camp Wilderness. Renovations included new paint, new appliances, larger flat-screen televisions, new bunk beds, and new lighting fixtures. These changes present an elevated style of glamping for guests to enjoy as they unwind after a day at Carowinds.

Guests who book a stay at Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort enjoy the best deals on ticket packages for admission during their visit, as well as complimentary shuttle service to the Carowinds North Gate. Season passholders looking for unbeatable relaxation, comfort, and fun can save up to 10% on RV sites when staying over select dates throughout the year.