Crowders Mountain State Park

Companion peaks at Crowders Mountain State Park—The Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain—offer challenging hikes, towering cliffs and 25-mile views of the surrounding piedmont. Eleven trails range from pastoral to strenuous, including the Ridgeline Trail, which links to Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina. A nine-acre lake offers choice spots for fishing or an opportunity to try canoeing with rentals available. Backcountry camping is featured with individual sites approximately a mile from parking areas. The rugged terrain of Crowders Mountain lends itself to rock climbing and bouldering with permit in designated areas. A visitor center with museum-quality exhibits complements regular interpretive programs.

Camping

Backpack camping
When you've finished exploring for the day, settle in for a long night's sleep. Located approximately 1 mile from the park office are secluded areas for camping — areas so private that there is 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 visitor center.

Each family campsite has a grill, picnic table and two tent pads.  Drinking water and vault toilets are provided. Forgoing a few of the comforts of home is worth it when every stream, tree and flower seems made just for you.

Group camping
Larger groups will enjoy fellowship in the backcountry group camping area. Sites 2-5 can accommodate 10 to 15 people, while sites 6-9 can accommodate up to 25 people.

Each site includes a fire ring with grill and three picnic tables. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided. Advance reservations are recommended.

Firewood
Firewood is available for $5.00 per locker.

No outside wood is allowed. Firewood from outside of the park can carry dangerous insects and diseases — such as the emerald ash borer — which can harm the forest.

Activities

Hiking
The park is a great place for a hike!

Paddling and Fishing
Watch a long, lazy afternoon slip away while enjoying the park’s beautifully wooded lake. Located near the park office and picnic areas, the seven-acre manmade lake has parking nearby.

Fish from choice fishing spots on the banks or try your luck on our fishing pier. Visitors and fishermen may launch personal canoes and kayak. Only human and electric powered watercraft allowed. Largemouth bass and sunfish are just waiting to be caught. Anglers age 16 or older must possess a valid North Carolina fishing license. Swimming is not permitted. Please be safe and wear a life vest while on the water!

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.

Bouldering
This form of rock climbing, done without anchors and ropes, is available at the Boulders a one mile hike from the Boulders Access Area. All climbing regulations, including the requirements of a permit, are in effect and some sections of Boulders may be closed to bouldering at certain times of the year. Check with park staff for more information.

Picnicking
The shade of large trees provides a spot for outdoor dining in a beautiful wooded area. Scattered throughout the picnic area are 10 tables with a grill at each table. There are five picnic tables at the Linwood Access Area and four at the Boulders Access Area. 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.