← Back to search

South Mountains State Park

Connelly Springs, NC

South Mountains State Park
South Mountains State Park photo 1 South Mountains State Park photo 2 South Mountains State Park photo 3
Fee: Day use is free. Fees apply for camping, event permits and facility reservations.

About this park

South Mountains State Park is in Burke County, about 55 miles east of Asheville, at the crossroads of the Appalachians and the Foothills. Elevations reach 3,000 feet. It has an 80-foot waterfall and nearly 50 miles of trails for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The Jacob Fork River has designated trout waters, and a separate Clear Creek access lies to the far west. Camping is available.

Nearby state parks

๐ŸŒฒLake James State Park ยท Nebo ยท 19.5 mi
๐ŸŒฒCrowders Mountain State Park ยท Kings Mountain ยท 31.6 mi
๐ŸŒฒKings Mountain State Park ยท Blacksburg ยท 35.0 mi

South Mountains State Park FAQ

Where is South Mountains State Park located?
South Mountains State Park is in Connelly Springs, North Carolina, at 3001 South Mountain Park Ave.. GPS coordinates: 35.5963, -81.6. Get directions.
Is there an entrance fee at South Mountains State Park?
Day use is free. Fees apply for camping, event permits and facility reservations. Fees can change by season, so confirm with the park before you go.
How do I contact South Mountains State Park?
You can call (828) 433-4772 or email south.mountains@ncparks.gov. The park office can confirm RV site availability, hookups, length limits and current conditions.
Are there RV campgrounds near South Mountains State Park?
Yes. The closest RV-friendly campgrounds listed on ParkedRV are:Distances are straight-line miles.
How current is this information about South Mountains State Park?
This listing was last updated on October 6, 2026. If something is out of date, let us know and we'll fix it.