Best Tent Camping near Kings Mountain, NC
State parks and national forests near Kings Mountain, North Carolina support a variety of tent camping experiences, from walk-in sites to backcountry options. Crowders Mountain State Park offers tent-only camping accessible via a one-mile hike from the Sparrow Springs access point. The park features individual and group campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads. South Mountains State Park, located about an hour north, provides backcountry tent camping at Little River and Upper Falls campgrounds. Primitive Camping By the Creek, just across the South Carolina border, offers secluded tent sites with creek access and basic amenities.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require some preparation for primitive conditions. Crowders Mountain's walk-in tent sites necessitate carrying all gear approximately one mile uphill on the Pinnacle Trail. Sites typically include fire rings and designated tent pads, but limited facilities beyond pit toilets. Water sources vary by location, with some requiring filtering from nearby creeks. At South Mountains State Park, campers should note that the Little River backcountry campground requires a 1.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain. Bear boxes are available at some backcountry sites, particularly in South Mountains State Park, where proper food storage is essential.
The terrain at many tent campsites presents both challenges and rewards for campers. One visitor to Crowders Mountain noted, "The 1.5 mile hike to the campsite was very much an uphill climb. It was extremely seclusive." This effort typically results in greater privacy and natural immersion. At South Mountains State Park, a camper reported that "the backcountry campsites were quiet and well-kept" even during busy holiday weekends when day-use areas were crowded. Sites at Upper Falls are particularly praised for their proximity to water sources, though campers are advised to bring filters. The walk-in nature of these tent-only campgrounds means fewer neighbors and more opportunities to experience the natural environment without vehicle noise or crowded conditions.
