Crowder Mountain State Park is indeed a perfect place for day use--but in contrary to what some previous reviewers mentioned, it is also a neat place to camp if you don't mind a one mile hike in to the campground. See the camping info here:

https://www.ncparks.gov/crowders-mountain-state-park/camping

It isnt a rugged hike, but you must be prepapred to pack everything in. The part of the park that is best to go to is the Sparrow Springs access, some folks may not be aware that there are actually several entrances to the park, and the main entrance with trails to the Crowder Mountain overlook is NOT what you want, that is indeed only a day use area. See park map here: https://files.nc.gov/ncparks/maps-and-brochures/crowders-mountain-park-map_0.pdf

If you start off in other areas of the park you would have a much longer backpack into the camping area but it is still do-able. But Sparrow Springs is the best and easiest way to go.

The campsites are located off the Pinnacle Trail, and there are actually two campgrounds, one with large group sites, and one with individual and family campsites. See campsite map here: https://files.nc.gov/ncparks/maps-and-brochures/crowders-mountain-campground-map.pdf

It is well worth the hike in for a terrific rustic camping experience!

Note: there is also a driveable gravel road that is not open for the general public to drive on, but staff can, and those with permission to access the handicapped accessible campsites at the group camp can also get permission to drive to the top. Note however, that the handicapped accessible campsites are still tent only sites, and the accessible toilet is still a pit toilet!