South Mountains State Park

Open — Open year-round for reservations. Park gates open daily at 7:00 a.m. (closed Christmas Day) and close at varying times: 7:00 p.m. December through February, 8:00 p.m. in November, 9:00 p.m. in March, April, and October, and 10:00 p.m. May through September. Campers must arrive before gate closing and cannot exit until morning opening except for emergencies.

About

South Mountains State Park, North Carolina's largest state park, provides diverse camping experiences in Burke County. The family campground offers 17 non-electric sites and 1 electric pull-through site, with driveways ranging from 15 to 50 feet accommodating various RV sizes. An equestrian campground with 15 electric sites includes a 33-stall barn with sawdust bedding for horse campers. Additionally, 20 primitive backcountry campsites are distributed throughout the park at Fox Trail, Jacob Branch, Little River, and Murray Branch locations. The park features extensive recreation opportunities with over 40 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, plus an 18-mile mountain bike loop. High Shoals Falls drops 80 feet through the mountain terrain, though waterfall viewing areas may be periodically closed. Elevations reach 3,000 feet, providing scenic views of the mountain range rising from the Piedmont landscape. The park requires a trout stamp and NC fishing license for anglers. All campers must check in at the visitor center upon arrival to register vehicles and receive hang tags.

Directions

From I-40 Exit 105, take NC 18 South 11 miles, turn right onto Sugarloaf Road for 4.5 miles, turn left onto Old 18 South for 3 miles, turn right onto Ward's Gap Road for 2 miles, turn slight right onto South Mountain Park Avenue for 1.5 miles to park entrance on right.

Nearby Campgrounds