Pleasant Grove Camp Ground

pleasant grove campground

For North Carolina residents interested in rich local history, spiritual heritage, and a unique communal experience, Pleasant Grove Camp Ground in Waxhaw offers a fascinating glimpse into a deeply rooted tradition. Located at 2220 Billy Howey Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173, USA, this site is not a conventional public campground for RVs or casual tent camping. Instead, it is a cherished historic Methodist camp meeting ground, founded in 1829, which serves as a seasonal retreat and a focal point for spiritual gathering and family fellowship. We understand that as locals, you appreciate places that connect you to our state’s heritage, and Pleasant Grove Camp Ground stands as a living testament to centuries of North Carolina's spiritual and community life.

This tranquil location, with its large oak trees and historic structures, provides a peaceful setting that has nurtured generations. It's a place where families have gathered for decades, passing down traditions and strengthening bonds. While it may not offer typical camping amenities, its profound historical significance and unique communal purpose make it a remarkable site to learn about and potentially experience during its special annual events. It’s a testament to enduring faith and community, offering a different kind of retreat for those who seek reflection and connection to the past.

Pleasant Grove Camp Ground is situated at 2220 Billy Howey Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173, USA, in Union County, North Carolina. This location provides a serene, pastoral setting that feels "so peaceful," characterized by "large oak trees." For North Carolina residents, Waxhaw is accessible from various parts of the state, particularly the greater Charlotte metropolitan area, making it a relatively easy drive for those interested in its historic significance.

The site's accessibility is primarily geared towards its historic and spiritual functions rather than general public camping. It serves as a historic district listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, encompassing various contributing buildings and one site. While it offers a quiet respite, visitors should understand that this is a "church retreat camp, not a campground" in the conventional sense. Therefore, access for overnight stays is generally limited to families who own the "tents" (cabins) on-site, particularly during the annual "camp meeting week" in the third week of July. However, the grounds, including the historic Arbor and Methodist Church, can often be appreciated from the exterior for those interested in its historical architecture and peaceful ambiance. Its historical roots near Mineral Springs and Waxhaw add layers of regional significance, making it a place of interest for local history buffs and those seeking a quiet escape to reflect on the past.

Pleasant Grove Camp Ground operates primarily as a historic religious retreat rather than a commercial campground. Therefore, the "services" it offers are distinct from what one might expect at a typical public camping facility.

• Annual Camp Meeting: The central "service" is hosting the historic week-long annual camp meeting (held annually in the third week of July). During this time, families gather for worship twice a day and engage in fellowship.
• Historic Structures: The grounds feature significant historic buildings, including the Arbor (a large open-air gathering place dating to 1830), a Methodist Church (with regular weekly services), and a former schoolhouse (now used as the preacher's dwelling).
• "Tents" (Private Cabins): The site is dotted with numerous small cabins, historically referred to as "tents." These are largely privately owned by families with historical ties to the camp meeting, providing their seasonal lodging. Some are rustic, while others have been remodeled or newly built, equipped with electricity and water.
• Public Restrooms: Public restroom facilities are available on site, primarily for use during events and services.
• Camp Store (Seasonal): A camp store operates specifically during the annual camp meeting week, providing convenience for attendees.
• Historic Cemetery: An old cemetery is located on the grounds, adding to the historical significance of the site.
• Peaceful Grounds: The overall peaceful ambiance, with large oak trees, contributes to a serene environment for reflection and gathering.
• Spiritual Fellowship: The primary function is to facilitate spiritual renewal and fellowship among a community of believers and their families.

It is crucial to reiterate:

• No RV or Campsites: There are explicitly "no RV or campsites here" for general public rental.
• Not a Public Campground: This is strictly "a church retreat camp, not a campground" for typical recreational camping.

• Historic Significance: As a National Register of Historic Places site founded in 1829, it offers a deep connection to North Carolina's religious and communal history, being one of the few extant religious campgrounds remaining in the state.
• The Arbor: The impressive 80-foot long by 60-foot wide open-sided frame structure, dating to 1830, is a central and unique feature, serving as the main gathering place for worship.
• Sense of Family and Community: Many families have multi-generational ties to the camp, viewing the annual camp meeting as a "big family reunion" for "far-flung cousins," fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared heritage.
• Peaceful and Natural Environment: The grounds are described as "so peaceful," with "large oak trees" and a serene atmosphere, making it a calming retreat.
• Unique "Tents" (Cabins): The distinctive "tents," now wooden structures (some rustic, some modernized with power and water), provide a unique form of seasonal accommodation, steeped in history.
• Spiritual Renewal: The annual camp meeting is a time for "spiritual renewal," with daily worship, singing, and preaching, deeply embedded in the Methodist tradition.
• Continuity of Tradition: Despite centuries of change, the core traditions of the camp meeting continue, allowing visitors to experience a living piece of history.
• Beautiful Scenery: The "beauty of nightfall" and "quietness of early morning" contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal and reflective quality of the grounds.
• Historic Church: The presence of the historic Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, which holds regular weekly services, adds to the spiritual and historical fabric of the site.

Address: 2220 Billy Howey Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173, USA

Phone: Please note that a specific phone number for public inquiries regarding "Pleasant Grove Camp Ground" as a general camping facility is not available, as it is primarily a historic religious retreat. For information regarding the Pleasant Grove Camp Meeting or the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, visitors may need to refer to information provided by Weddington Methodist Church, which lists the camp ground as one of its locations. For annual camp meeting schedules or church service times, direct contact with the church or consulting their online resources (e.g., Weddington Methodist Church website) would be the most appropriate approach. No direct general inquiry phone number is publicly provided for a commercial camping business.

Mobile Phone: +1 704-283-3885 (This number is for Union County Parks & Recreation, which oversees Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw and may provide some general information about local outdoor areas, but it is not specific to Pleasant Grove Camp Ground's operations as a religious retreat).

Pleasant Grove Camp Ground offers a profoundly suitable and enriching experience for North Carolina residents, though not in the conventional sense of a commercial campground. For locals, this historic site provides a unique opportunity to connect with a living piece of the state's heritage, particularly for those with ties to Methodist traditions or an interest in regional history. Its long-standing tradition, dating back to 1829, means that visiting the grounds, especially during the annual camp meeting, is like stepping into a multi-generational family reunion, offering a strong sense of belonging and shared cultural identity that is deeply valued in North Carolina communities.

The serene and "peaceful" environment, shaded by "large oak trees," offers a tranquil escape from modern life's demands. While it doesn't accommodate RVs or general tent camping, its historic "tents" (cabins) and the impressive open-air Arbor provide a unique historical context that can be explored. For North Carolinians, particularly those who appreciate spiritual retreats, historical preservation, or simply a quiet place for reflection amidst natural beauty, Pleasant Grove Camp Ground offers an unparalleled and authentic local experience that transcends typical recreational camping, fostering a deeper connection to faith, family, and state history.

Pleasant Grove Camp Ground

2220 Billy Howey Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173, USA