5 THINGS TO DO AT KINGS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
If you’re looking for fresh air and outdoor adventure, Kings Mountain State Park in York County, SC, has miles of trails, peaceful lakes, and plenty of space to explore. Here are five things to check out while you’re there.
1. Take a Hike
Kings Mountain State Park has trails for every skill level. Up for a challenge? The 16-mile Kings Mountain Hiking Trail winds through hardwood forests, crosses streams, and even passes a historic fire tower.
For something a bit shorter, the 1.2-mile Kings Mountain Nature Trail is an easy loop through the woods, starting near the picnic area. Keep an eye out for deer, wild turkeys and other local wildlife as you explore.
2. Saddle Up
With more than 30 miles of equestrian trails, Kings Mountain State Park is a great spot for horseback riding. The Kings Mountain Horse Trail offers a mix of flat stretches, rocky patches, and clay sections, making for an easy to moderate ride. Maintained by a local saddle club, the trail provides solid footing—even on ridge climbs. Ride through rolling hills, granite outcroppings, and scenic monadnocks for some seriously great views of the eastern Blue Ridge foothills.
If you plan to stay overnight, the park features 15 equestrian campsites available for $12 per night. These sites offer central water access and privy toilets nearby, making it easy to settle in after a long day on the trails
Insider tip: Bringing your own horse? Check South Carolina’s equine regulations before you go.
3. Cast a Line
If you’d prefer a calming day by the water, the park offers two fishing lakes. Fish for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish by renting a jon boat on the expansive 65-acre Lake York within the park. Bank fishing is also permitted along the shores of the 13-acre Lake Crawford. Just be sure to secure your fishing license before rigging your rod—a South Carolina license is required.
4. Step Back in Time
Kings Mountain State Park brings history to life at its Living History Farm. Throughout the year, you can catch interactive demonstrations that showcase what life was like for South Carolina farmers in the 1800s.
The farm features a house, barn, cotton gin, blacksmith shop, weave shop, and even farm animals. See how families grew their own food, made medicine from herbs, and cultivated just enough cotton for their clothing. It’s a hands-on way to experience the gritty, self-sufficient lifestyle of the past.
5. Set Up Camp
Kings Mountain State Park has plenty of camping options, whether you’re rolling in with an RV or going full-on primitive. There are 115 standard campsites for tents and RVs, plus 10 tent-only sites.
Bringing the whole crew? The primitive group camping area can accommodate up to 30 people, offering a secluded spot with central water access and nearby privy toilets.
Insider tip: Book your campsite in advance to lock in your spot for a hassle-free stay.
Bonus: Relive the Battle
Just right up the road from Kings Mountain State Park is Kings Mountain National Military Park. At the military park, you can journey back in time and learn about the Battle of Kings Mountain, a crucial turning point in the Revolutionary War. Exploring the exhibits and walking the 1.5-mile trail that loops around the battlefield is like walking through a living history book, offering an up-close look at the events that took place.
