The Kings Mountain area straddles North Carolina and South Carolina state lines at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,700 feet, creating diverse terrain for campgrounds. Winter temperatures typically average 30-50°F while summer can reach 85-95°F with high humidity. Many campsites in this region feature significant elevation changes that can affect site leveling, especially for larger camping units.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: South Mountains State Park offers an 80-foot waterfall accessible via a 2.35-mile trail with nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. "The High Shoals Falls Trail, which, depending on your level of fitness could be deemed a moderate to strenuous 2.35 mile climb and descent to the upper falls and then wooden boardwalk and steep steps down to the gorgeous 80 ft High Shoals waterfall," notes a visitor to South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
Revolutionary War history: The area includes significant historic sites worth exploring. "Tons to do, including hikes and history. Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event," recommends a camper at Kings Mountain State Park.
Lake activities: Multiple campsites provide lake access for fishing, boating, and water recreation. "The lake has great fishing," reports a camper at John H. Moss Lake Campground. Several camping areas sit adjacent to either Lake Wylie or smaller lakes throughout the region, providing access for anglers and boaters.
What campers like
Primitive camping experience: For those seeking a more natural setting, Crowders Mountain offers walk-in sites. "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," explains a visitor to Crowders Mountain State Park Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Clean, modern facilities get frequent mentions from satisfied campers. "The bathhouse near my site were the best part…it was modern, clean and the showers were hot with good pressure," notes a Kings Mountain visitor. At South Mountains, a camper describes "a monstrous, mountain lodge style modern facility...very clean, spacious and well-stocked."
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds feature dedicated areas for children. "Pool is amazing. Tons of stuff for the kids to do," shares a camper at Iron City Campground. Multiple sites offer playgrounds, organized activities on weekends, and easy access trails suitable for younger campers.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in this region require significant 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," reports a Kings Mountain State Park visitor. Another camper notes, "The park is very pretty with all the trees, but the campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly."
Internet and connectivity: Cell service varies widely between campgrounds. South Mountains State Park has "NO cell service which is a big draw for us," according to a regular visitor. While some campgrounds offer WiFi near visitor centers, connectivity is generally limited throughout the region's camping areas.
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. "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," warns a camper at Kings Mountain State Park. McDowell Nature Preserve is described as "not terribly big rig friendly but still worth staying at when you are in the Charlotte Metro area."
Tips for camping with families
Creek-side sites for kids: Water access can provide hours of entertainment. "We stayed at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it!" shares a South Mountains visitor. Sites near water features allow for wading, exploration, and natural play.
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events. At Iron City Campground, "The host does a great job lining up activities including Kona Ice for the campers on Saturday's." Similar seasonal programming occurs at other campgrounds, especially during summer and holiday weekends.
Tent pad surfaces: Be aware of the ground material at tent sites. At McDowell Nature Preserve, a camper cautions, "I was patching holes in the floor of my tent from where the stone pad had caused damage. I know a seasoned camper would've put down a tarp but we didn't have one." Bringing appropriate footprint protection can prevent equipment damage.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: For RVers, selecting the right site is crucial due to terrain. "If that wasn't enough, sites are very close to each other and there are almost no plants other than tall trees to offer any privacy," notes a Kings Mountain camper. At Primitive Camping By the Creek, a different experience awaits: "The campsite was spacious for us to set up camp and keep the jeep nearby."
Hookup placement: Utility connections can be awkwardly positioned. "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites," reports a Kings Mountain visitor. RVers should bring extension cords and extra water hoses to accommodate unusual hookup configurations.
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Gets booked quickly," warns a South Mountains camper. Weekends at McDowell Nature Preserve "gets jam packed," according to another review, suggesting weekday visits or advance bookings are advisable for RVers seeking prime spots.
