Anderson was originally settled by the Cherokee Native Americans, who sided with the British during the Revolutionary War. After the war, the land was acquired by the United States as war reparations and colonized. The town was incorporated in 1828 as Anderson Court House, getting its name from a man named Robert Anderson, who fought in the war and explored the region in the mid-18th century. In 1895, Anderson became one of the first cities in the southeastern United States to have electricity. The city's electricity was established by William C. Whitner at a hydroelectric plant, which resulted in Anderson being nicknamed "The Electric City."
Today, there are around 27,000 people living in Anderson. The city lies only a short distance east of the beautiful Lake Hartwell, which visitors and residents alike frequently use for boating, fishing, and watersports. Other quality opportunities for outdoor recreation in the area include wildlife viewing at Rocky River Nature Park, playing a few holes at Pine Lake Golf Club, and picnicking at Darwin Wright Park.
While you're in the city, you should also think about stopping by the Anderson County Museum. There, you can learn about the history of the area through old photos, artifacts, and various exhibits. Many visitors take the time to stop by Split Creek Farm, where you can buy award-winning handmade goat's milk cheese, yogurt, and fudge. Before you leave town, it's definitely worth grabbing a few tasty craft beers at Growler Haus and sampling the fantastic handmade sweets at CocoBon Chocolatier.
SC Sunflower Festival - Anderson's annual SC Sunflower Festival takes place at Denver Downs in late June. The event features farm attractions, games, and of course, lots of gorgeous sunflowers.
Upstate Shakespeare Festival - The annual Upstate Shakespeare Festival happens in mid-June in Greenville, South Carolina. If you enjoy the theater, you'll definitely want to check out this unique event.
Freedom Blast - Every year in late June, the Freedom Blast is one of the largest fireworks shows in South Carolina. Taking place at Greer City Park, the vibrant festival offers live entertainment, food vendors, and plenty of activities for kids.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most gorgeous natural areas in the country. The breathtaking park, which straddles the North Carolina-Tennessee border, is a wonderful place to enjoy hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, auto touring, and many other activities. The park's picturesque landscape features lushly forested ridges, rushing mountain streams, and majestic peaks.
Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina, which is located near the bustling city of Columbia. Named for the Native American tribe that once inhabited the land, the park is home to the Congaree River and some of the tallest trees on the East Coast. Visitors can learn all about the area's nocturnal creatures by attending the Owl Prowl event, and fascinating wilderness canoe tours are also regularly offered.
The next-closest national park to Anderson is the stunning Mammoth Cave National Park, found beneath the rolling green hills of central Kentucky. The caverns found at the park represent the longest known cave system in the world, featuring over 400 miles of explored caverns. Visitors aren't permitted to explore the caves on their own, but there are guided tours to explore many of the most impressive caverns. Up on the surface, there are opportunities to enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well as fishing and boating in the nearby streams.
Sadlers Creek State Park lies on the shores of beautiful Lake Hartwell and comprises 395 acres. The park contains lovely beaches, shaded hiking and mountain biking trails, and two boat ramps. Many visitors try their luck at fishing in the nearby lake, and many of them come away with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bream, and catfish.
Another wonderful outdoor haven on the shores of Lake Hartwell is Lake Hartwell State Park. The 680-acre park is known as the gateway to South Carolina's mountain country and is an excellent destination for wildlife viewing. Some of the animals that call the area home include groundhogs, coyotes, skunks, and deer. Visitors can also partake in hiking, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking.
If you cross state lines and head into Georgia, you can visit the serene Tugaloo State Park. The park consists of lush forestland, featuring majestic pine, hickory, and oak trees. Located beside Lake Hartwell, the area is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming, watersports, and boating. There are also some fantastic wooded hiking trails to explore around the park.
South Carolina is home to a variety of cool monuments and landmarks, and one that's worth a visit is the Cowpens National Battlefield. The landmark was the site of a Revolutionary War battle in 1781 and now features a museum, visitor center, and reconstructed log cabin.
If you head down to the coastal city of Beaufort, South Carolina, you can explore the fascinating Beaufort Historic District, which features more than 50 restored homes and buildings. You can explore the unique area on a walking tour, bus tour, or horse-drawn carriage tour.
While in Beaufort, you can also stop by the Beaufort National Cemetery. Established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the cemetery was originally intended for Union soldiers who died in nearby hospitals. Today, though, the cemetery has interments from all major American wars.
The greater Anderson area boasts many wonderful camping areas, including the Rainbow RV Park, which contains 100 RV campsites with full hookups. The park features large, roomy campsites and is located conveniently close to shops and restaurants.
You can enjoy a relaxing stay at the Springwood RV Park, where there are 109 RV campsites available for $40 per night or $200 per week. There are full hookups available, and you can choose either a back-in or a pull-through site.
You could also camp at Table Rock State Park, which offers a breathtaking, scenic setting. The 94 RV campsites can be rented for only $25 per night, and although the sites are primitive, the atmosphere is perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Anderson, SC, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Anderson?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Anderson from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Anderson?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.