Well, let's see... with a propensity for quiet natural surroundings, I like Moss Lake near Shelby. Kings Mountain SP with the National Battle Field next door. Any of the several C.O.E. parks on the Kerr Scott Reservoir near Wilkesboro, but I believe they close the end of Oct. Then there is Arrowhead C.O.E. park in the Uwharrie National Forest. That's one of those, "I don't want to see anybody or go anywhere" campgrounds. It's a haul to town. The City of Kinston, N.C. has a pretty nice park called Neuseway Park on the Neuse River... nice nature center, health & science museum, and planetarium. FHU camping is $12/night last time I was there. Small town, relatively quiet, plenty to do for young and old over the weekend. Just south of Charlotte in Rock Hill, S.C. there's a county park called Ebenezer Park. Nice park in a great location, on Lake Wylie, FHUs, Wifi, boating, fishing, and swimming. York County Museum is within a few miles. That will get you started with what I've enjoyed during the Sept/Oct time-frame in the past.
