Jones Gap has some very good trails, from moderate to quite challenging. It is an excellent place to dial in your gear before long backpacking trips. Site 10 has a gorgeous view of a small waterfall.
I stayed in site 4 and had a great experience. It is right beside a creek that you can hear all night. The sites are clean and well maintained and the short hike in is very nice. Site 4 is about .4 miles from the check in point so if you have a heavy pack it won’t be an issue.
This wilderness area has a terrific trail system with waterfalls, overlooks, and more. I like it because I got to spend time beside the Middle Saluda River. I checked out the other campsites, and I decided to pick campsite 8 because it is right beside the river. You can hear the sounds all night long, which might be a disadvantage if the sound of running water makes you need to go to the bathroom. The best thing about site 8 is that it has more flat space than the other ones I saw, and it is fairly large. There are fire pits at the campsites, but you have to pack everything in. It is a relatively short hike to the campsites, but you won’t be taking the same things you would take for car camping. There is a shower and toilet, but they are back near the visitor’s center. I can’t pick one best thing about this state park, because when you have over sixty miles of trails and two waterfalls, it’s hard to pick. The only drawback this time was that the temperature in July is HOT, so having an electric fan is not an option. Fortunately, there was some cool air at night coming from the river. Rainbow Falls can be accessed by the Jones Gap Trail, which is the one that takes you to campsite 8. If you are staying in campsites 1-4, you will have to go through the parking lot to get to Jones Gap Trail. Likewise, sites 5, 6, and 7 are a short walk to Jones Gap Trail. Overall, camping at Jones Gap State Park is not for everybody since it is not for RV camping nor for car camping. However, if you like camping in earshot of rushing water, you will fall in love with this place.
Jones Gap gives you the feeling of really being deep in the Appalachians. The rushing river and dense foliage with tons of mountain laurel makes the air seem so fresh. I love just coming here and hiking upstream and playing in the river. Great camping spots, all are hike in. Not far, but not car camping at all.
Stayed at campsite #10. It sits about 50 yards up the hill from the main river running through the valley. It is of note that the trail is right by the river, so you will see people walk by and there isn’t any real greenery to block that, even in summer. It is however far enough from the nearest sites that you won’t hear or see anyone else after sundown unless they are hiking at night. The river is a great soundtrack for a nights sleep.
The pad that has been cleared isn’t perfectly level, but it’s fine. There are however a few large buried rocks that keep it from being as smooth as you might expect.
We did a short day hike to check out the camp sites and look at the waterfalls. We went on the weekend and was pretty late start so we did have to wait a good while to be let in the park - minor annoyance but it was OK. The trails and the park are so very well kept up! Was a beautiful day and hike. We are definitely coming back and looking into getting the year pass since it's so close to home.
I adored this area for its flora and fauna. As a wildlife enthusiast I was impressed with the amount of frogs, fish, salamanders, birds, and rabbits I saw in such a short amount of time. I arrived shortly after heavy rain which helped my herping odds. The trails were nice and clean and they few staff members I spoke to where incredibly helpful.
Excellent spot elevated above the Middle Saluda River after a day of exploration. Nice clearing to pitch a tent and kindle a fire, string up a hammock and relax to the tranquil sound of water over rock.
I would consider this park to be the most beautiful of all I have camped at. Tent camping only. Nice, private walk-in sites. Creek runs through park. Definitely no call service. Only an emergency call box if anything goes on at night. It's a pack in pack out park. No trash cans. Does have a nice bathroom that's kept clean. Would definitely return here.
I used site 7 because an oncoming storm made me bug out of my trailside plans. Gorgeous site, a bit chilly by the river but beautiful and close enough to still use the park bathrooms! Sites are large and have varying degrees of privacy. I didn’t realize the main park trail was right across the river, might have been a little shyer if I had! Restrooms are clean and well stocked. No trash cans in park; you’re expected to LNT your trash out. Very helpful staff. Will return.
Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area. We were able to hike in a ton of gear (coolers, dog bed, etc (with a little work and a few trips) and it was worth it for the seclusiveness. Having both toddler and dog we knew we couldn’t go far but this still felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.
Spot is right on the river and a great place to catch some sun on the rocks or rock hop. There are several hike options right from your site including a nice little waterfall. You will find more camp spots as you hike throughout.
This was a beautiful area with a lot to do and we will definitely be returning.
I've now camped at spots 3, 4, and 9. This is my favorite place to camp in the state. The spots are clean and well maintained. As you're in a state park, you have the added benefit of a fire ring and tent pad, but no picnic table. However, unlike other state park campgrounds, each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself. Awesome place!
This campground includes several very private walk-in and back country primitive sites. The trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area are lovely and accommodate a variety of skill levels. It is pretty clean, but you can tell it is a popular campground, as there is plenty of evidence of human activity. The ranger station has a nice picnic area with a little store, a bath house with flush toilets and hot showers, and an old retired fish hatchery to explore.
This is a great campsite for 1st time backpackers. The site is approximately 1 mile from the state park office. The trail is moderately difficult with lots of rocks. We went the day after a light rain and there were many muddy area where water was running to to the big stream. The site is very close to the stream and there are two good shores for filling your water bottles. There are several camp site along the trail but they are well spaces so you get lots of privacy.
This campground has 19 trail side sites that are all great and not far from the Middle Saluda River which runs through the middle of the park. Be sure to check out Rainbow Falls a 90ft free falling waterfall that's about 2 1/2 miles from the campsites.
Jones Gap has a great trail leading up to some good views. The hike can be a little strenuous, but worth it. The sites are really spread out and most are near a stream.
