Where the Blue Ridge foothills meet South Mountains State Park, Upper Falls Backcountry Campground provides full hookup camping with electric, water, and sewer connections. The drive-in campground sits on open terrain and includes restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and allows both campfires and pets. Reservations are available for the $17 per night sites.
One reviewer noted the campground works well during winter months. Hiking trails access the surrounding park from the campground. Other backcountry options within the park include Shinny Creek Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park and several additional sites. RV campers seeking full services will find the hookup combination convenient for extended stays.
Description
REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS HAVE TO BE MADE BY CALLING RESERVE AMERICA (877) 722-6762
The park has gate hours. You must arrive prior to park closing, and will not be able to exit the park prior to park opening the following day, unless it is a documented emergency. Gate hours are as follows:
Open every day (except Christmas Day) year round at 7:00 AM.
Closing:
- December - February: 7:00 PM
- November: 8:00 PM
- March, April and October: 9:00 PM
- May - September: 10:00 PM
Back country campers must record the tag numbers of all vehicles that will be left in the park overnight. This is to be done at the park office.
For the Equestrian Campground, campers must have at least one horse per campsite, and one stall must be rented for each horse.
A trout stamp, as well as a basic NC fishing license is required to fish in the park.
Regardless of reservations, all campers must stop at the Visitor Center to register their vehicle, and receive a hang tag to display.
The front gate is closed and locked at posted closing times for your protection. There will be no exiting or entering the gate after this time and the combination will NOT be given out. All visitors not spending the night will need to be out by closing time. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. If you have an emergency, see camp host. Please notify camp hosts for emergencies only.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
All open fires, including campfires and the use of charcoal, are prohibited at all state parks until further notice. There is currently a statewide burn ban in place due to high risk of wildfire. All campers should bring a portable gas or electric stove or grill to cook food. Gas or electric fire pits are permitted. Lanterns and heaters are permitted. Never leave any of these devices unattended. Handle and store flammable liquid containers with care. Call 911 to report a wildfire. More information at ncparks.gov.
Holiday booking date rules are as follows: 2 nights Minimum Stay on holiday weekend (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday) 2 nights Minimum Stay still apply to cabin rentals at Hanging Rock, Morrow Mountain, and Cliffs of the Neuse State Parks 1 night Minimum Stay on holiday weekend if the booking dates within 14 Days before Arrival Date Rule applies to the following holiday weekends: Memorial Day July 4th Labor Day
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundUpper Falls Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park is located in North Carolina
Directions
From I-40 Exit 105, Take NC 18 South 11 miles, Turn Right onto Sugarloaf Rd. - 4.5 miles, Turn left onto Old 18 South - 3 miles, Turn right onto Ward's Gap Rd. - 2 miles, Turn slight right onto South Mountain Park Ave. - 1.5 miles on right.
Address
3001 South Mountains State Park Ave
Connelly Springs, NC 28612
Coordinates
35.59420501 N
81.63832569 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups







