Kings Mountain State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Nestled in the northern hills of South Carolina, Kings Mountain State Park boasts over 6,800 acres of untouched natural beauty waiting to be explored by RVers. The rolling hills of this state park offer over 20 miles of hiking trails. There are also 30 miles of equestrian trails complete with an equestrian campground for overnight guests. Lake York and Lake Crawford are popular destinations you won’t want to miss on your motorhome vacation and provide excellent fishing and paddling opportunities.
History buffs and curious learners alike can step back in time and explore a historical garden and the Living History Farm. This replica farm provides a glimpse into 19th-century life, complete with a blacksmith, barn, and farm animals. There's also plenty of wild animals that you may spot during your visit, from deer and turkeys to rabbits and waterfowl. The park is conveniently located next to Kings Mountain National Military Park, where you can discover the history of the Revolutionary War.
There's no bad time for an RV visit to Kings Mountain State Park due to warm summers and mild winters. Those looking to stay overnight can pull into one of over 100 RV- and trailer-friendly sites at the park campground, all of which are equipped with water and electric hookups.
RV Rentals in Kings Mountain State Park
Transportation
Driving
Kings Mountain State Park is situated in northern South Carolina, so far north in fact that it is almost hugging the North Caroline border. Less than an hour southwest from Charlotte, North Carolina, the park is in close proximity to major routes. You can get to the park from both I-85 and I-77 since it is conveniently located off of the well-traveled Highway 161. If you are driving a big rig or hauling a trailer, you may want to take the roads around the park at a slower pace, as some of them can be quite curvy.
Local roads within the park will take you anywhere you want to go including the campsites, Living History Farm, trailheads, and lakes. While the park is located in a mountainous region, there are no driving restrictions for RVs or trailers within the park.
Parking
There are three main parking lots located in the park. You can park near the Living History Farm, the picnic area, and the Trading Post. There is also equestrian day-use parking located near the equestrian campground. And of course, if you are staying overnight you will have your own private parking space at your campsite.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Kings Mountain State Park
Campsites in Kings Mountain State Park
Reservations camping
Kings Mountain State Park Campground
Kings Mountain State Park features 115 sites that offer hookups for electricity and water. There are also 10 additional tent-only sites if you'd like to get out of the rig and sleep under the stars for a night or two. Each site provides a picnic table and access to a fire ring or grill. This pet-friendly campground features restrooms, hot showers, and a dump station. Most sites can hold rigs up to 30 or 40 feet long, although one site can accommodate a vehicle up to 45 feet in length. You can use the playground, picnic areas, horseshoes, basketball, and volleyball courts located on-site. You will also enjoy easy access to hiking trails and fishing on Lake Crawford. Reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights and can be made from the same day to 13 months in advance.
Alternate camping
Off-Site Campgrounds
If you prefer to stay outside of the park, you can stay at one of the many private campgrounds or RV parks located nearby. The experience of these accommodations may range from rustic to resort-like. You might be able to enjoy a range of modern amenities like wireless internet, cable television, and seasonal swimming pools.
If you prefer the state park camping experience but couldn't snag a spot at Kings Mountain State Park, South Mountains State Park is located just under an hour north over the North Carolina border. Here guests will find RV and equestrian campgrounds, both of which are equipped with electric hookups.
Equestrian Camping
Kings Mountain State Park features equestrian camping, so don't hesitate to bring your horse on your camping trip to South Carolina. There are 15 campsites in the pet-friendly equestrian campground that feature grills and fire rings. The campground provides shared water and restrooms are located nearby. You will enjoy easy access to 30 miles of horseback riding trails. You must stay for at least one night in the equestrian campground, and reservations can be made from the same day to 13 months in advance.
Seasonal activities in Kings Mountain State Park
Off-Season
Outdoor Recreation
Even during the cooler months, there are still plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation during your RV visit to this beautiful state park. If you want to shoot some hoops at the basketball court, play a round of volleyball, or battle it out at ping pong, you will enjoy the facilities located near the campground. The kids will love playing on the playground, which is conveniently located near the picnic area. Boat rentals are also offered throughout the year at Lake Crawford if you feel like spending a day on the water.
Geocaching
If you are looking for an activity the whole family can enjoy, you should go geocaching during your camping trip to Kings Mountain State Park. Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt where you use GPS coordinates found on websites and apps to find trinkets hidden in the park. This is a great way to get outdoors and explore the lesser-traveled areas of the park. It's also a great way to get the kids out of the pop-up and interested in nature!
Wildlife Viewing and Birding
Make sure you bring your binoculars in your Airstream if you want to see some fascinating local wildlife during your vacation to South Carolina. Keep your eyes peeled for pine warblers, sharp-shinned hawks, scarlet tanagers, and many other unique species native to this part of the state. The one-mile Kings Mountain Nature Trail is one of the best spots to see native wildlife in the forests and hillside including rabbits and deer. You can also see wild turkeys and waterfowl at the lakes.
Picnicking
If you want to enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature’s bounty, an RV trip to Kings Mountain State Park is just the ticket. The picnic area is located near the campground, offering stunning views of Lake Crawford and the woodlands of the park. You can use picnic tables and grills located on-site. There are also five picnic shelters available for rent if you are planning a large get-together, and each shelter can accommodate between 30 and 50 people.
Biking
If you bring your bike along in the motorhome when you visit Kings Mountain State Park, you can cycle on any of the paved roads within the park. You can take in breathtaking views of the lakes, or stop to gaze at the beautiful hilly forests that surround you. Although bikes are not allowed on the nature trails, you can still take a thrilling ride on any of the paved roads within the park, and its a great way to get from point A to point B if you don't want to deconstruct your camp.
In-Season
Visiting the Living History Farm
A must-see during your camping trip to Kings Mountain State Park is the Living History Farm, which is a replica of a 19th-century farm. You can take a self-guided tour and check out the barn, cotton gin, blacksmith, weave shop, and garden. The kids will love to see the farm animals and crops and herbs in the garden, and the farm is a great place to learn something new for both the young and the young at heart.
Paddling
If you are in the mood for aquatic adventure during your RV road trip to Kings Mountain State Park, you can spend the day on one of the two lakes located in the park. You can either bring your own non-motorized boat or rent canoes and kayaks on-site. There are boat launches located at both Lake York and Lake Crawford, so you can coast along the enchanting waters of the park surrounded by awe-inspiring mountainous forests.
Fishing
You will want to bring your fishing gear along in your campervan when you visit Kings Mountain State Park because the 65-acre Lake York is a great place to bait your hook and reel in a keeper. You can drop a line from the shore or via boat, and if you didn't bring your own, Jon boats and canoes are available for rent. You can also fish along the banks of the 13-acre Lake Crawford. You’ll have the chance to catch bass, crappie, and catfish. You'll need a South Carolina fishing license no matter where you choose to cast out from.
Horseback Riding
Kings Mountain State Park is well known for its opportunities for equestrians. If you are bringing your horses in your trailer, you will love the chance to go horseback riding on over 30 miles of trails through scenic, hardwood forests. The Kings Mountain Horse Trail is a 20-mile loop where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of rolling hills while riding on horseback. There are even 15 equestrian campsites on-site so you can stay overnight with your horses.
Hiking
Kings Mountain State Park is a haven for novice and expert hikers alike. Once you park your campervan at the trailhead, you can trek out on over 20 miles of hiking trails. One of the most popular trails is the moderately difficult Kings Mountain Hiking Trail, which is a 16-mile loop that provides gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you’re looking for an easy route, you'll enjoy the Kings Mountain Nature Trail, where you can spot local wildlife and birds. The Living Farm History Trail is another easy route covering 1.5 miles, where you can see a 19th-century replica farm. If you're looking to cross off three state parks in one afternoon, head to the Ridgeline Trail. This loop will take you to Kings Mountain National Military Park just below Kings Mountain State Park, and it will also carry you over the North Carolina border into Crowders Mountain State Park.
