Croft State Park
4.7(1.9K)google
5.0(2)yelp
FishingNatureOutdoor
Overview
Croft State Park is a massive, incredibly diverse 7,000-acre wilderness and recreation destination located in Spartanburg, proudly standing as one of the largest state parks in South Carolina. Rich with history, this sprawling property once served as a bustling army training base during World War II before being beautifully reclaimed as a premier natural sanctuary for outdoor recreation. The park is highly celebrated for its world-class equestrian facilities, offering a continuous 20-mile network of premier horse trails, alongside show rings, rustic horse stalls, and fruitful fishing on the expansive 165-acre Lake Craig.
Practical Info
Every day7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeOctober to November for temperate autumn conditions and golden hardwood vistas, and April for optimal trailing. Arriving between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM is best. Spanning over 7,000 acres of a former WWII Army training base, its 20-mile network of multi-use equestrian and biking paths is best tackled in the crisp morning air when sharp sunshafts cross the loblolly pines near the scenic Craighead Pedestrian Bridge.
Getting ThereSituated just south of Spartanburg, lacking transit connectivity; driving is requested. From central Spartanburg, travel south along SC-56 S (South Church Street) for 5 miles, locate the grand park signage on the left, and make a left turn onto Dairy Ridge Road. This entry road drives straight to the Lake Craig activity hub and gravel trail lots.
Travel Tips
- This 7,000-acre tract was a WWII infantry training camp with potential unexploded ordnance; leaving marked trails to bushwhack or camp is strictly illegal.
- Equestrian shows on the third Saturday of each month overwhelm the central sectors; Lake Craig access roads become jammed with massive horse trailers.
- The rocky Fairforest Creek loop forces a strict clockwise routing rules for mountain bikers; exposed granitic slabs become slick, and bridge load caps are restricted.
Reviews
Positive
- A massive state park spanning a former WWII military base! Expansive Lake Craig is beautiful, ringed by towering trees for an elite natural view.
- The absolute hub for equestrian trails in South Carolina, boasting lengthy and fun mountain biking singletracks alongside great pier fishing.
- Charging just a few dollars per car, it features fully hooked-up campsites, spacious shaded picnic pavilions, and a large playground. A model of high value.
- The overall visitor density is beautifully low, far from commercial noise. Rangers are highly dedicated, keeping bathhouses clean and orderly.
Heads up
- As an old infantry camp, a few undeveloped deep zones still carry 'unexploded ordnance' warnings, which can worry some parents despite zero actual risk.
- The fishing pier and small boat dock on Lake Craig look weathered and aged, lacking smooth modern accessible paths, reducing stroller convenience.
- The location is remote with narrow, winding access roads. The park area is so huge that signage feels sparse, and cell signal frequently drops deep in woods.
- With horses regularly trail-riding, dirt paths are often dotted with manure and churned into uneven ruts, turning extremely muddy and messy post-rain.