Equestrian camping near Gaffney, South Carolina offers access to diverse terrain across both Carolinas. Most campsites in this region sit at elevations between 800-1,500 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F, while winter overnight temperatures can drop to the 30s, requiring appropriate camping gear for seasonal conditions.
What to Do
Hiking opportunities: At Kings Mountain State Park, trails accommodate various skill levels. "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," notes camper Don H.
Waterfall viewing: The 80-foot High Shoals Falls at South Mountains State Park requires a moderate 2.35-mile hike 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," reports Dave V.
Disc golf: Chester State Park features a tournament-level course. "There is a disc golf course. If I had known beforehand, I would have taken my own discs," mentions Myron C. The championship course follows the lake perimeter, providing scenic play opportunities.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Brick House Campground offers well-spaced sites. "The only amenity is pit toilets. No water, no electric. Only 23 sites, spaced a good distance apart. Each site has a fire pit and picnicking area," says Karen F. This primitive camping area costs just $5 per night.
Water access: Many campsites at Upper Falls Campsite provide stream proximity. "Site 3&4 are my favorites because they are close to water access (bring a good filter). Plenty of trees to choose from for a hammock setup," advises Julie L. These sites require hiking up steep stairs to reach.
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms receive regular maintenance. "The bathrooms near my site were the best part…it was modern, clean and the showers were hot with good pressure," reports Carol J. about Kings Mountain State Park. At Chester State Park, "the bath house was air conditioned, almost too much. It is a shock to the system moving from the intense South Carolina heat."
What You Should Know
Site leveling challenges: Many sites require equipment for proper leveling. "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," notes Richard E. about Kings Mountain. At Carowinds Camp Wilderness, "Sites were clean, level, and reasonably spaced."
Seasonal considerations: Spring rainfall affects ground conditions. "Sites without proper gravel become muddy after rainfall, requiring appropriate footwear." At Brick House Campground, "Spent new years at site 16 and it was a little damp due to a heavy rain but a great site."
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking. "SC Park system needs to take a serious look at making improvements" regarding site sizing and spacing at Kings Mountain. For South Mountains State Park, reservations fill quickly: "New bathrooms, roomy sites. Gets booked quickly," advises Layne O.
Tips for Camping with Families
Gate closure security: South Mountains State Park implements nightly closures. "What I like most about this park is they do close the gates at night (I can't remember exactly what time) but it definitely cuts down on random traffic," notes Rushell R. This creates a more secure camping environment for families.
Noise control: Campgrounds enforce quiet hours. "At night quiet hours were kept and it was just beautiful!" reports Rachel R. about Kings Mountain. Enforcement creates family-friendly environments even during busy periods.
Stream access: Creekside sites provide natural entertainment. "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!" shares Jessica L. about South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Consider space limitations when reserving. "Some sites are listed as RV sites but are half as large as they need to be to accommodate a medium size RV," warns Richard E. about Kings Mountain State Park.
Road conditions: Access roads present challenges for larger rigs. "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," shares Karen S.
Hookup locations: Utility placement varies significantly between sites. "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites," notes Karen S. about Kings Mountain State Park.
