North Carolina Camping in July. Too Hot?

[rlawton]

Hi,

We're new to camping having just bought a 2008 2720SL. My daughter needs to be in Charlotte to shadow physician assistants for a week and we are considering camping in McDowell Nature Preserve Campground. We have a relatives who have arranged the shadowing and my wife and daughter could stay with them instead of the three of us going with the TM. We're from upstate New York and aren't used to really hot temperatures.

How hot is it to camp in NC in July?
Is it feasible to bring my kayaks for Lake Wylie (too hot?)
Any suggestions of campgrounds close to Charlotte, NC?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

[ShrimpBurrito]

I used to live in Raleigh for a short time, and have family there. How hot does it get in NC? You could fry an egg in your shorts.

I'm have particular disdain for hot temps and high humidity, so if I were in your shoes, I'd head to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Beautiful scenery, higher altitudes and cooler temps, and several places to camp (although not a ton). That's not really within commuting distance of Charlotte though, if that is your plan. It's probably about a 2-hr drive to the closest point on the Parkway.

I was just there with my TM 2 years ago almost to the day, and it was fabulous.

Dave

[Riwright]

I grew up in Charlotte and still visit family there. In July you are looking at average temps in the 90's and pretty significant humidity. Not too pleasant, especially if it is not what you are used to.

The mountains are better but Asheville (a mountain town) shows average temps in the mid 80's for July. Still pretty uncomfortable if the humidity is high (and it will be high).

The lakes are great for kayaking. Very large and calm (unless you count the wakes from the power boats). The heat will be worse out on the water since you have no shade.

If you want to go there it is a wonderful place, but the summers can be very hot and humid. Spring and Fall are long and pleasant. Winters are mild with snow on the ground for only a few days a year.

Go to North Carolina, but not in July.

[Riwright]

A Marine drill instructor at Camp Lejune, NC was standing in front of a group of recruits on particularly hot NC afternoon. He addressed the the recruits, "I understand that some of you men do not like the great state of North Carolina, that you find it too hot. Since you do not like North Carolina, I want all of you to get down on the ground and push it away from you.

[Mrfixit]

We live about 12 miles from Mcdowell Nature preserve and enjoy camping there, but not in the summer! We are expecting temps over 100 this weekend and the humidity is a factor. Also, Lake Wylie is a madhouse with boats and PWC's (personal watercraft) every day of the week in summer. Not enjoyable for us in canoe or kayak at that time.

Hope this helps.

[hillbillyhotel]

we have freinds that come down in aug from mich. and minn. there first yr it was a shock to them, now they kinda know what is waiting for them , hot and sticky, day after day after day,

[countrygirl]

Lol!

[rlawton]

I thought that would be the case. My wife and daughter will go by themselves and I'll stay home in the frigid northeast .

[ShrimpBurrito]

Just to eliminate any doubt from your mind, take a look at the current forecast for Charlotte from the National Weather Service:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick...2=-80.8345&e=0

Highs from 95 to 103, and that's not including any humidity.

Dave