South Mountains State Park offers equestrian camping facilities within a 23,000-acre park landscape that reaches elevations of up to 3,000 feet. The park contains 40+ miles of trails that wind through hardwood forests and mountain terrain, with several stream crossings throughout the trail system. Campground access roads can be narrow and winding, requiring careful navigation for vehicles with horse trailers.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access the High Shoals Falls Trail from South Mountains State Park Family Campground, which leads to an 80-foot waterfall. "We stayed for 3 nights- family campsite (sites 6-9 are beat IMO) was used as basecamp. We also had a primitive site that we backpacked to for a night... 10/10 would recommend!" shares Sarah W. from South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
Rock climbing: Crowders Mountain State Park offers beginner-friendly climbing routes within an hour's drive from Boiling Springs. "I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing. It was his first time climbing, and we were able to set up some beginner-friendly routes," reports Les R. from Crowders Mountain State Park.
Trail running: The trail system at Kings Mountain State Park features well-marked paths suitable for trail running. "Hiking trails were really good. Well marked. Beautiful area," notes Bill S. from Kings Mountain.
What campers like
Creek access: Many sites at South Mountains State Park Family Campground back up to flowing water. "We camped at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it! Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" says Jessica L.
Private horse accommodations: Paradise Ridge Permaculture provides an acre of open pasture for horses about an hour north of Boiling Springs. "The pasture has about an acre wide open for dogs, horses or other well mannered animals. A cold but potable shower, a fire pit, a gazebo, short walk to the fresh spring," explains Amber G. from Paradise Ridge Permaculture.
Clean facilities: Equestrian campers note the excellent condition of facilities at multiple horse campgrounds. "The bathrooms are very clean with AC. There a beautiful creek you can ride your horses in or just play if you want," reports Jackie S. from Equestrian Campground at South Mountains State Park.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Popular horse campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "New bathrooms. roomy sites. Gets booked quickly," warns Layne O. about South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
No cell service: Most horse camping areas have limited or no cellular coverage. "Very quiet with NO cell service which is a big draw for us. Far from a town, so don't forget anything," notes Stephen M.
Park gate hours: Many state parks close entrance gates at specific times. "No cell phone service, and gates to the park are locked up at 9pm so there's no getting in or out late at night," advises Jenni P.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: For family horse camping trips, request creek-side sites when available. "The tent sites directly along the riverside are all nice... on the second night we pulled up stakes and moved directly across the campground loop road to site #6 on the river...and a much larger site with trees for hammocking...and great views of the river below," recommends Dave V. from Black Mountain Campground.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevations cause significant day/night temperature changes. "It was a shock to the system moving from the intense South Carolina heat into the bath house," reports Myron C. from Chester State Park Campground.
Arrive early: For the best sites and parking at horse-friendly areas, plan to arrive in the morning. "Roaring Fork Falls, a short half mile walk back from a side road parking lot. The parking lot is small, so arrive early."
Tips from RVers
Level challenges: Many RV sites in horse campgrounds require leveling equipment. "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways," cautions Richard E. from Kings Mountain.
Water and electric hookup locations: Hookups in equestrian areas may have unusual placements. "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites."
Road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds can be challenging for larger RVs. "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction."
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