State: North Carolina
Address 1: 3001 South Mountain Park Avenue
City: Connelly Springs
Zip: 28612
Phone: 828-433-4772 828-433-4686
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 46
Camp URL: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo/main.php
Full Hook: Yes
Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Here you can see a majestic mountain range peeking out from the gently rolling landscape of the piedmont.
The park includes elevations up to 3,000 feet, a waterfall dropping 80 feet and more than 40 miles of trails. From equestrian camping to trout fishing, mountain biking to picnicking, a number of activities are available at South Mountains State Park.
Visit one of the state’s most rugged parks. Hike the trail to High Shoals Falls to witness the roar of the waterfall as it pours into a large pool. Backpack through the woodlands for primitive camping. Fish for trout in miles of mountain streams, or bicycle along the 17-mile mountain-bike loop.
Twenty backpack camping sites are offered in six areas of the park. These sites are designated on the park map, and hiking distances to each backpack camping site vary. Each camping area has a pit toilet located nearby. All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. To drink water from nearby creeks and streams, use a filtration device or boil the water for at least five minutes.
Primitive family camping is available a half mile east of the Jacob Fork parking area. Eleven campsites include a picnic table and fire circle, and one site is wheelchair accessible. Pit toilets and drinking water are located nearby. When you arrive in the campground, set up in an unoccupied site.
Group camping facilities are available in some backpack areas.
The equestrian camping area adjacent to the horse trailer parking area consists of 15 campsites, a 33-stall barn (nine stalls are 5’x10′ and 23 stalls are 10’10) and a washhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. Campers without reservations must confirm site availability with park staff before occupying a site. Only campers with horses can stay at the equestrian campsites. Proof of a negative equine infectious anemia (Coggins) test is required for horses using the barn.