Croft State Park

Croft State Park is located just outside of Spartanburg in South Carolina.Croft State Park covers over 7000 acres and was originally purchased by the state of South Carolina in 1949. It had been used as a US Army Infantry Training Center during WWII. Now the park is maintained as a recreational area for activities that include camping, fishing, picnicking, as well as trails maintained for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Site Review:

There are a total of 50 RV sites, a handful of primitive tent sets and a few horse camping sites for the entire park. The RV sites are divide into 2 campground areas. Sites 1-25 are set in a forest setting where sites 26-50, also in a forest setting are closer to the lake with some of these sites even having some limited lake access.

Sites 1-25:

The sites in this campground loop are spacious and mostly level. The sites on the perimetre of the loop are better quality in terms of space and a more even pad slope than the ones located on the interior of the loop. All the sites have electric and water hook-up.

We had site #15.

Sites 26-50:

The sites in this campground loop are set right beside the lake. They are generally good quality with gravel pads and include fire rings and picnic tables. There is however more of a pad slope to these sites than the sites in loop 1-25. They are also generally smaller and packed closer together.

Both Campground loops have comfort stations with free hot showers and flush toilets.All RV sites have water and electric hook-ups but no sewer. There is an easy to access dump station conveniently located between both campground loops.

Camping with your horse:

A special feature at Croft State Park is the ability to bring your horse, and utilize the facilities provided for them while also camping. 

The park has stalls,it has a training ring, numerous trails suitable for horses, and based on the information provided at the park website it appears that horse shows are held at the park on a regular basis.The campsites are right beside the stalls so that you are very near your horse.

Activities:

Kayaking/canoeing/SUP:

Lake Craig is a small lake within the boundary of the park, consequently only accessible for those with Croft State Park permits- either as campers or as day use visitors. If you don’t have your own equipment you can rent what you need from the camp store and then retrieve it from the facility set up at the lake.Rates vary depending on the type of equipment your are renting and duration of use.The lake is not large and there does not appear to be any other points of entry except those provided at the rental area.

Fishing:

Lake Craig is stocked with a variety of fish. Fishing can be enjoyed from the pier. You can also rent Jon boats from the camp store for fishing if you don’t have your own equipment.A South Carolina Fishing License is required for those over 16.

Hiking:

There are numerous trails that can be accessed for hiking. Some are multi use trails that can also be used for mountain biking, or to ride your horse.I hiked a couple of the trails, or portions of them since they vary in length and degree of difficulty. They are well marked and nicely maintained.A section of the Palmetto Trail passes through the park. The Palmetto Trail is a trail that is South Carolina’s longest pedestrian and bicycle trail and will be 500 continuous miles when finished.

Biking:

Many of the trials are suitable for mountain biking. There is a bike repair station next to the equestrian show ring should you find yourself needing to do any bike maintenance.

The campground roads are suitable for road biking and the paved road from the campground loops to the front gate is a nice little 6 mile workout (there and back).

There are 2 family cemeteries along the main road. I stopped for a quick (respectful) look and found the graves to be over 200 years old.

Things to Know:

• There is a small camp store where you can buy souvenirs. For forgotten items, you would have to go into nearby Spartanburg.
• Swimming is not allowed in the lake. I don’t know why not. If I were to guess though, given that the water drains into the lake from nearby Spartanburg, I think that the water probably routinely has high levels of bacteria that would make it incompatible for swimming.
• Pets are permitted and expected to be leashed.
• There is a playground.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. I read this on a sign. We were not informed of this at the front gate or at check-in so not sure how strict they enforce the policy. It is a South Carolina State Park policy at other state parks as well.

IMO:

 With only 50 RV sites and a handful of horse camping sites situated in over 7000 acres of park, you have a very private feel in a well-maintained natural environment. The campgrounds were exceptionally quiet. Despite there not being huge diversity with regards to activities,  there is a certain tranquil feeling which is nice given its close proximity to a busy urban centre.

I found Croft State Park to be a hidden gem. I would definitely recommend it as an RV Place to Go.