Camping spots near Casar, North Carolina extend beyond the town's southern borders into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 900-3,000 feet throughout the region. The area experiences mild winters and comfortable summer evenings with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from March through November, though select sites offer year-round access.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1.5 miles to High Shoals Falls at South Mountains State Park Family Campground: "We searched 'best waterfalls in NC' and this park did not disappoint. Great trails. Great views. The nature trail area was a great way to start and end the day as we hiked back to basecamp," one visitor shared after a three-night stay.
Fishing in small ponds: At Spacious Skies Bear Den, visitors can cast a line in the small on-site fishing lake. "There is a small pond divides the campground. There is a nice hiking trail up the mountain," notes a camper.
Rock hopping and swimming: The Jacob Fork area provides natural water play opportunities. "Lots of places to play on the river, rock hopping or swimming around the Jacob Fork Parking area," writes a camper about the backcountry sites. Water areas are typically uncrowded on weekdays but expect more visitors during summer weekends.
What campers like
No cell service for digital disconnection: Many campers appreciate the forced break from technology at Little River Backcountry Campground. "Very quiet with NO cell service which is a big draw for us," notes a regular visitor. Most campers report complete disconnection within South Mountains State Park's boundaries.
Pristine bathroom facilities: Consistently mentioned in reviews are the well-maintained facilities. "Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" exclaimed one camper at South Mountains Family Campground. Another noted, "The restroom/shower house is a monstrous, mountain lodge style modern facility...very clean, spacious and well-stocked."
Proximity to Blue Ridge Parkway: Campgrounds like Spacious Skies Bear Den offer convenient access to scenic driving routes. "Being right on the Parkway was awesome and provided some great driving and hiking close by," shares a camper who appreciated the location for exploring the region.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: The car camping sites at South Mountains fill quickly. "Gets booked quickly," warns one camper simply. Plan to reserve family sites 3-6 months in advance for weekend stays, especially during fall color season.
Limited water access at backcountry sites: The Upper Falls Backcountry Campground requires water planning. "From the Little River campground, the closest water source is a creek 0.6 miles (1.2 miles round trip) away- filter it- the walk back to camp is a steep uphill," explains a detailed review.
Strict park policies: South Mountains State Park enforces rules consistently. "The no-alcohol policy at the park is STRICTLY enforced, so be careful!" cautions a solo camper. The park gates also lock at specific times: "Gates to the park are locked up at 9pm so there's no getting in or out late at night."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for playground access: Choose sites near recreational areas at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Golden Valley for convenience. "We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. My daughter had a blast and we could keep an eye on her while we worked/played at the site," recommends one parent.
Consider golf cart rentals: At larger campgrounds, transportation becomes important. "Golf carts are a must to get around since the campground is so big! The kids enjoyed the water park, putt putt, gem mining, fishing, crafts and tie dying shirts," shares a family who visited Jellystone.
River-adjacent sites for natural entertainment: Children enjoy water access for hours of play. "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!" notes a parent about their South Mountains stay.
Tips from RVers
Challenging road access: Many campgrounds require navigating steep terrain. At Kings Mountain State Park, "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."
Site leveling concerns: Prepare for uneven sites at some locations. "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," warns an RVer about Kings Mountain.
Hookup placement variations: Electric and water connections aren't standardized. "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site," notes a camper with a Class A motorhome. Bringing extension cords and longer water hoses can solve this problem at most regional campgrounds.
