Kings Mountain State Park lies just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Piedmont foothills region of South Carolina. It is adjacent to the national park of Kings Mountain National Military Park, a Revolutionary War battleground memorial park. This park lies along the border between North Carolina and South Carolina. Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, Kings Mountain State Park is made up of beautiful, natural hiking and equestrian trails, including a living history open-air museum.
The park consists of hilly terrain surrounded by zigzag log fencing around picnic and playground areas and a miniature golf course. There are two nature walk and hiking trails to allow visitors to enjoy the wooded foliage and wildlife. Additionally, the park offers equestrian trails for riders, which are shared with the adjacent national park. Dogs are permitted in the park if they are leashed. Sheltered picnic sites for large groups are available by reservation or on a first-come, first-serve basis if no reservations are made.
The open-air Living History Farm is a living history Piedmont farm replica built by the CCC; some buildings were moved there from adjoining properties in the Piedmont foothills. The park is maintained in the style of the period of the middle 1800s, including farms with gardens, farm animals, and even barn cats. The Living History Farm includes barns and outbuildings. It also features a combined blacksmith and carpenter shop with working smiths, carpenters, and a cotton gin. Guests can watch open-fire cooking and demonstrations of the farming skills from long ago eras.
Kings Mountain State Park has two fishing and boating lakes for guests’ enjoyment: Lake York and Lake Crawford. Jonboats, kayaks, or canoes are available for rent, and fishing can be enjoyed by those with proper South Carolina fishing licenses. Bank fishing is not allowed on either lake.
Accommodations at Kings Mountain State Park include group cabins with mess halls and bathhouses. Recreation vehicles can use packed-gravel sites with water and electrical hookups, as well as nearby shower facilities. There is a large campsite area for tent campers with central water facilities. Equestrian primitive campsites are also available. All cabin and camping accommodates should be reserved. Contact the park for information.
