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Croft State Natural Area
Overview
Croft State Natural Area serves as a sprawling 7,000-acre retreat located on the site of a former World War II army training base. Today, it offers a peaceful escape for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the rolling hills of the South Carolina Piedmont. The park provides a rustic atmosphere that balances historical significance with diverse recreational opportunities. It is particularly well-known for its expansive trail system and the serene waters of Lake Craig, making it a cornerstone for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Upstate region.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a few miles southeast of downtown Spartanburg, SC, the park feels worlds away from the city's bustle. The landscape is characterized by dense hardwood forests, creek crossings, and gentle elevation changes. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of being near urban services while camping within a protected natural corridor. The surrounding area is a mix of quiet rural roads and residential pockets, ensuring that the natural tranquility of the park remains its most prominent feature throughout your stay.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features a well-maintained campground with 50 paved sites that accommodate both RVs and tents. Most sites offer water and 20/30/50-amp electrical hookups, providing the essentials for a comfortable stay. Key features of the campground include:
- Centrally located dump station for RV waste management.
- Dedicated equestrian campsites paired with over 20 miles of horse trails.
- A boat ramp and seasonal rental facility on the 165-acre Lake Craig.
These facilities ensure that while the setting is rustic, the specific needs of equestrian and traditional RV travelers are well-covered.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure seekers will find over 20 miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Lake Craig is a popular spot for fishing for largemouth bass, bream, and catfish. Beyond the park boundaries, the city of Spartanburg offers cultural highlights like the Hub City Railroad Museum and the beautiful Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve. For a bit of local history and shopping, the downtown area provides a variety of local boutiques and restaurants just a short drive from the campground.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for equestrian travelers and mountain bikers who prioritize access to high-quality trails over resort-style luxuries. It appeals to RVers who prefer a more traditional state park experience where nature takes center stage. Families will appreciate the playground and the opportunity to disconnect from screens, while nature photographers will find endless inspiration along the Fairforest Creek. If you are looking for a spacious, quiet basecamp to explore the South Carolina Upstate, Croft State Natural Area is a perfect choice.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Francis Loughney
Loop trail was more of a workout for my shoulders than legs. Either way it was beautiful and well worth the effort. I think if you bike it clockwise it has a little better flow. They did a great job cutting and clearing the downed trees from the storm a year ago. They also incorporated some of those trees into the trail. Kicked up some deer early and saw 2Great Blue Herons in the creek along the trail.
Paul terry
Our visit was brief but pleasant. There'll be more to review when we have time for a longer visit. We did hike a short distance along Kelsey creek. We were impressed at how well the park is maintained. We also stopped at Craig Lake for a few minutes.
mark copus
We camped in a 44’ class a with tow. We had been doing one nighters for a few days prior. It felt good to have some room again. Easy in, park across from the office and you’re good to go. We stayed in site #1 and it was reasonably level. Not crowded, lots of hiking or bike riding. The maintenance was superb with staff cleaning the sites and roads of leaves. One fault, a few low branches weren’t good for a bigger coach. We went out the way we came in to avoid them. It was a one way but we could easily see if anyone was coming. After all, it was site one.😉
Kristyn Clark
Great camping experience. At first glance, the sites seemed close together, but once set up, there was decent privacy. Great place to bike, hike, watch horses and relax. There is a playground near the horses.
Joshua Griner
Great State Park. I only camped, but very interested in the horse trails. Cool history to the place that I just didn't know about this region. The RV spots were decently spaced. The park it's self is pretty and well wooded.