Quick Answer
Pickleball Charlotte - Sharon Lakes ranks as the #1 pickleball facility in Charlotte with 22 courts (16 indoor, 6 outdoor), a 4.9★ rating, and professional tournament-grade surfaces. For free outdoor options, Clarks Creek Community Park offers 8 dedicated courts with excellent community atmosphere and a 4.6★ rating.
Quick Comparison
| Court | Rating | Type | # Courts | Cost | Lights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickleball Charlotte - Sharon Lakes | 4.9 | Both | 22 | $7-$14 per session or court rental $25/hour | ✅ |
| Pickleball Charlotte - Granite Street | 4.8 | Both | 18 | $7-$14 per session or court rental $25/hour | ✅ |
| Rally Pickleball | 4.7 | Both | 8 | $15-$25 per hour court rental | ✅ |
| Pickleball Charlotte - Ballantyne | 4.6 | Both | 13 | $7-$14 per session or court rental $25/hour | ✅ |
| Pickleball Charlotte - Northlake | 4.5 | Indoor | 8 | $7-$14 per session or court rental $25/hour | ✅ |
| Clarks Creek Community Park | 4.6 | Outdoor | 8 | Free | ❌ |
| Clanton Park | 4.4 | Outdoor | 6 | Free | ✅ |
| Freedom Park | 4.5 | Outdoor | 6 | Free | ✅ |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Park | 4.3 | Outdoor | 4 | $1-$3 per person per visit | ❌ |
| Highland Creek Park | 4.2 | Outdoor | 4 | Free for residents, $3 non-residents | ✅ |
| Pearl Street Park | 4.1 | Outdoor | 2 | Free | ❌ |
Detailed Rankings & Reviews
1. Pickleball Charlotte - Sharon Lakes
Best for: Premier facility with extensive court options
Address
8401 Sharon Lakes Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
Hours
Mon-Sun: 9am-9:30pm
Cost
$7-$14 per session or court rental $25/hour
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓16 indoor courts + 6 outdoor courts
- ✓Climate-controlled facility
- ✓Professional-grade playing surfaces
- ✓Drop-in play, leagues, and tournaments
- ✓Full-service pro shop and equipment rental
- ✓Expert coaching and clinics available
2. Pickleball Charlotte - Granite Street
Best for: Large facility with competitive play
Address
10930 Granite St, Charlotte, NC 28273
Hours
Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-8pm
Cost
$7-$14 per session or court rental $25/hour
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓14 indoor courts + 4 outdoor courts
- ✓Well-maintained tournament-grade courts
- ✓Active pickleball community
- ✓Multiple court reservations available
- ✓Hosting regular leagues and tournaments
- ✓Professional coaching available
3. Rally Pickleball
Best for: Entertainment venue with premium amenities
Address
101 Southside Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217
Hours
Mon-Thu: 7am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 7am-11pm, Sun: 8am-10pm
Cost
$15-$25 per hour court rental
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓4 indoor courts + 4 outdoor courts
- ✓Located in trendy Lower South End (LoSo) neighborhood
- ✓Neapolitan pizza and craft cocktails on-site
- ✓Specialty coffee bar available
- ✓Premium facility with social atmosphere
- ✓Great for post-game celebration
4. Pickleball Charlotte - Ballantyne
Best for: South Charlotte location with full amenities
Address
11611 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
Hours
Daily: 9am-9:30pm
Cost
$7-$14 per session or court rental $25/hour
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓7 indoor courts + 6 outdoor courts
- ✓Climate-controlled indoor facility
- ✓Outdoor lighting for day and night play
- ✓Two dedicated training rooms
- ✓Open play, clinics, and lessons
- ✓Conveniently located in Ballantyne area
5. Pickleball Charlotte - Northlake
Best for: North Charlotte location for serious players
Address
8626 Hankins Road, Charlotte, NC 28269
Hours
Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-8pm
Cost
$7-$14 per session or court rental $25/hour
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓8 dedicated indoor courts
- ✓Year-round climate-controlled play
- ✓Professional court surfaces
- ✓Part of Sports Connection facility
- ✓Leagues and tournaments hosted regularly
- ✓Equipment rental available
6. Clarks Creek Community Park
Best for: Free public option with permanent courts
Address
4330 Weddington Rd, Matthews, NC 28105
Hours
Daily: 7am-Dusk
Cost
Free
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓8 dedicated pickleball courts
- ✓5 courts for reservations, 3 for open play
- ✓Permanent net installations
- ✓Well-maintained facility
- ✓Active pickleball community
- ✓Perfect for casual and competitive play
7. Clanton Park
Best for: Evening play with lights
Address
1520 Clanton Road, Charlotte, NC 28205
Hours
Daily: 8am-10pm
Cost
Free
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓6 dedicated pickleball courts
- ✓Asphalt court surfaces
- ✓Full LED lighting for night play
- ✓First-come, first-serve availability
- ✓Adjacent to other recreation facilities
- ✓Community-friendly atmosphere
8. Freedom Park
Best for: Downtown location with excellent amenities
9. Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Best for: Community center with multiple sports
Address
2500 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Hours
Daily: 7am-Dusk
Cost
$1-$3 per person per visit
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓4 dedicated pickleball courts
- ✓Part of larger recreation complex
- ✓Active adult leagues
- ✓Well-maintained surfaces
- ✓Community-focused facility
- ✓Various skill levels welcome
10. Highland Creek Park
Best for: Southeast Charlotte location
Address
14320 High Bluff Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277
Hours
Daily: 8am-Dusk
Cost
Free for residents, $3 non-residents
Amenities
Highlights
- ✓4 dedicated pickleball courts
- ✓LED lighting for evening play
- ✓Available to residents and guests
- ✓Beautiful park setting
- ✓Well-maintained facilities
- ✓Family-friendly atmosphere
11. Pearl Street Park
Best for: Quick games in central location
How We Ranked These Courts
Our rankings are based on comprehensive analysis of multiple factors to help you find the perfect court for your skill level and preferences.
- User Ratings: Average of 400+ verified player reviews from multiple sources
- Facility Quality: Court surface condition, net quality, line visibility, and overall maintenance
- Amenities: Parking availability, restrooms, water fountains, seating, shade structures
- Accessibility: Location convenience, cost, hours of operation, booking requirements
- Player Experience: Wait times, court availability, community atmosphere, skill level mix
Did You Know?
Charlotte has seen a 300% increase in pickleball court construction since 2020, with Sports Connection operating 4 major facilities and numerous public parks offering courts. The Queen City is one of the fastest-growing pickleball destinations on the East Coast.
Source: Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation, 2024Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pickleball court in Charlotte?
Pickleball Charlotte - Sharon Lakes ranks #1 with 22 courts (16 indoor, 6 outdoor), a 4.9-star rating, and professional-grade surfaces. It's ideal for competitive players with drop-in play, leagues, and tournaments. For entertainment and dining, Rally Pickleball offers a premium venue experience.
Are there free pickleball courts in Charlotte?
Yes! Most Charlotte area courts are free. Clarks Creek Community Park, Clanton Park, Freedom Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Highland Creek Park, and Pearl Street Park all offer free play. These are great options for casual games and building community.
Which courts are best for beginners?
Freedom Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Park are excellent for beginners with welcoming communities and less competitive atmospheres. Clarks Creek Community Park is also beginner-friendly with permanent courts and open play sessions. Many facilities offer clinics and lessons for skill development.
Are there indoor pickleball courts in Charlotte?
Yes, Charlotte has excellent indoor options. Pickleball Charlotte operates four locations: Sharon Lakes (16 courts), Granite Street (14 courts), Ballantyne (7 courts), and Northlake (8 courts). Rally Pickleball also offers 4 climate-controlled indoor courts in the Lower South End with full amenities.
Which courts have lights for night play?
Courts with LED lighting for evening play include: All Pickleball Charlotte locations (Sharon Lakes, Granite Street, Ballantyne, Northlake), Rally Pickleball, Clanton Park (full lighting until 10pm), Freedom Park, and Highland Creek Park. These allow play well into evening hours for working professionals.