522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
(704) 853-5375
crowders.mountain@ncmail.net

Camping, education and events, hiking, picnicking, rock climbing, water sports

Camping
When you've finished exploring for the day, settle in for a long night's sleep. Located approximately one mile from the park office are secluded areas for camping — areas so private there's often not another person in sight. Both campgrounds are reached by trail and all supplies must be packed to the campsites. Campers must register at the park office.

Backcountry Camping: A one-mile trail leads to the forested camping area where each campsite has a grill and tent pad. Drinking water and pit toilets are provided. A modest fee is charged and campsites are available on a first-come basis.

Group Camping: Larger groups will enjoy fellowship in the group camping area. Each of the six group sites will accommodate up to 15 people. Camping areas include a fire circle for cooking and campfire tales. Pit toilets and water are located nearby. Advance reservations are required and a modest fee is charged.

Education and events
Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs about Crowders Mountain State Park. Click here to search our database of park events.

To arrange a special exploration of Crowders Mountain State Park for your group or class, contact the park office.

Educational materials about Crowders Mountain State Park have been developed for grades 5-7 and are correlated to North Carolina's competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts. The Crowders Mountain program introduces students to basic geologic concepts, including the rock cycle, rock and mineral identification, weathering and erosion, and resource use. Accompanying the program is a teacher's booklet and workshop, free of charge to educators. To learn more about environmental education or to search our database of upcoming workshops, click here.

Hiking
The beauty and diversity of Crowders Mountain State Park are best appreciated on its miles of hiking trails. Hiking trails lined with wildflowers and mountain laurel lead along the ridges and to the summits of Crowders Mountain and Kings Pinnacle. Other trails are easy promenades through pastoral surroundings. Circle the lake on a gravel path or view aquatic plants and animals along a narrow creek. Bring a pair of binoculars and do some bird watching or tote a camera and capture the beauty of wildflowers in bloom. For information on the length and difficulty of park trails, see the map legend.

Picnicking
The shade of large trees provides a spot for outdoor dining in a beautiful wooded area. Scattered throughout the picnic area are 28 tables and eight grills. Drinking water and restrooms are located nearby. Two large shelters with tables and grills are available for group picnics. Reservations are suggested to be certain they are available. Use of the shelters is free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis unless reservations are requested.

Rock climbing
Experienced climbers will enjoy the challenges of Crowders Mountain. Climbing is permitted in designated areas only. Pitons, bolts or similar devices that may damage cliff faces are not permitted. Further information may be obtained at the park office.

All climbers must register with the park by completing a climbing and rappelling registration and activity permit which is available at the park office. There is no fee for this permit. Prior to activity, a copy of the permit must be deposited in a registration box or given to a park ranger. An additional copy is provided for participants and must be held in their possession while engaged in climbing or rappelling.

Participants are responsible for their own personal safety, including securing proper training and equipment, and adhering to safe practices. Basic rock climbing safety equipment and techniques must be used at all time.

The following state park climbing regulations apply at all times:

• All climbers must register with the park staff and must keep in their possession a valid rock climbing and rappelling permit.

• NC state parks do not install or maintain any climbing route or fixed anchors. New routes are not permitted.

• Climbers climb at their own risk and are responsible for obtaining proper equipment and training. Unroped climbing is discouraged.

• Route selection and the decision to rely on any fixed anchors are the climber's responsibility.

• Climbing activities are permitted in designated areas only and must coincide with the park's posted hours of operation.

• All accidents and injuries must be reported to park staff.

Note: All climbers and rappellers must schedule their activity in order to leave the park by the posted closing hour.

Water sports
Watch a long, lazy afternoon slip away while enjoying the park's wooded lake. Located near the park office and picnic ground, the nine-acre, man-made lake has ample parking nearby.

For those who like to be afloat, canoes can be rented at the park office year-round, weather and staff permitting. Paddle to secluded spots along the shoreline where the only sound is the ripples of the water.

Fish from choice fishing spots on the banks or try your luck from the seat of a canoe. Bass and bream are waiting to be caught! Anglers must have a North Carolina fishing license. Swimming and private boats, canoes and kayaks are not permitted.