Florence, South Carolina is a city in eastern South Carolina and the county seat of Florence County. The city was chartered in 1871 by the Reconstruction government, and it was officially incorporated in 1890. Florence developed and grew gradually throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, and some of its early industries were cotton, indigo, and timber. Eventually, the economy of Florence became very dependent on healthcare with two major hospitals and many pharmaceutical plants located in the city. After World War II, the industry of the city grew significantly, which led to Florence becoming known for textiles, paper, and general manufacturing.
As of 2022, Florence has an approximate population of 40,000 and is known for its location along the famous South Carolina Pecan Trail. As a result, Florence offers an abundance of unique pecan-infused cuisine. You'll find some of the best food in the city at spots like the Lizard's Thicket Restaurant, Stefano's Italian of Florence, and Wholly Smokin'. During your visit to the area, it's worth stopping by well-known landmarks such as the First Presbyterian Church, the Florence National Cemetery, and the Mars Bluff Atomic Bomb Impact Crater.
If you want to shop a bit while you're in town, consider visiting Palmetto Peddlers Antiques Mall, which offers a fantastic selection of pristine antiques. For more traditional shopping, you could spend a few hours browsing the stores at Magnolia Mall. Another great destination is Cottle Farms, where you can pick strawberries and purchase other delicious fresh produce. If you're a fan of the performing arts, you may want to attend a concert or theatrical performance at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center.
Florence is home to many interesting educational attractions. A few of the museums most worth exploring are the War Between the States Museum, the Florence County Museum, and the Florence Stockade Visitor Center. When the weather is pleasant, consider spending the afternoon at Timrod Park. The lovely park features tennis courts, picnic spots, a playground, a gazebo, natural trails, a fitness area, and an amphitheater.
Campgrounds Near Florence, South Carolina
The SwampFox Campground is one of many excellent campgrounds to choose from in the greater Florence area. The campground has 70 full-hookup RV campsites available for $45-$55 per night. The park is known for being clean, well-maintained, and family friendly, and guests enjoy convenient access to playgrounds, an archery range, ATV trails, hiking trails, and various other recreational activities.
Another lovely place to camp is the Bass Lake Campground, which boasts 60 pull-through RV campsites, including 49 with full hookups. Daily rates in the park are as low as $50, and the amenities include a dog park, a bathhouse, laundry facilities, and kayak rentals. Plus, there are nearby opportunities for hiking and fishing.
There's also the Florence RV Park, which is home to 55 full-hookup RV campsites that are available for $32-$42 per night. During your stay, you'll have access to the swimming pool, game room, and laundry facilities. There's also an RV dump station and a pavilion that's perfect for holding gatherings. Additionally, the campground is only a short distance from Myrtle Beach.
State Parks Near Florence, South Carolina
Lee State Park is a peaceful nature area located along the Lynches River in a dense hardwood forest. The quiet park is a popular spot for several recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. You can also hike through the forest and observe the many interesting birds that inhabit the area. You can borrow a fishing rod at the park office if you don't have your own equipment. With a little luck, you could reel in a few sunfish or catfish.
Located in the northeastern area of South Carolina, Cheraw State Park is a 7,362-acre area featuring historic buildings and boardwalks. The park is also home to a championship-level 18-hole golf course as well as the 360-acre Lake Juniper. The reservoir is perfect for boating and fishing, but if you'd rather stay on dry land, you can explore the extensive network of hiking trails instead. Additionally, the park has a camp store that provides boat rentals.
Little Pee Dee State Park is a large natural haven found in Dillon, South Carolina. The park's namesake stream as well as the nearby Lake Norton provide great opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking. If you don't have your own boat, you could rent a kayak or jon boat at the park. During your visit, you may also want to check out the sand rim at Carolina Bay. If you're in the mood for a short hike, the Beaver Pond Nature Trail offers gorgeous scenery and a tranquil atmosphere.
National Sites Near Florence, South Carolina
One great national site for history buffs to visit is the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site. Covering 107 acres, the site provides the opportunity to learn about some of the biggest victories and defeats of the Revolutionary War. Between 1780 and 1781, the area was a British supply post, and it was also a garrison during several battles. During your visit, you can enjoy the live reenactments, take a tour of the grounds, visit the gift shop, and explore the Historic Camden Nature Trail.
If you'd like to learn about the beginnings of the Civil War, then Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is absolutely worth a visit. The park preserves the site where the first shots of the war were fired in 1861. Visitors can tour the fascinating forts, browse the unique museums, and explore a variety of historical buildings. While you're there, you might also want to check out the Fort Sumter Beach Trail and the Fort Moultrie Trails.
Another interesting national site to visit in South Carolina is the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. The trail maintains the routes that patriots marched along in the late 18th century to prevent the British from taking over the city of Charleston, South Carolina. The trail covers approximately 330 miles spread across four different states, beginning at Abingdon, Virginia and ending at Kings Mountain, South Carolina. Along the trail, you'll come across a number of interesting museums and historic sites where you can learn about early American history. You can hike along many parts of the route, but an RV is also an excellent way to explore the area.
National Forests Near Florence, South Carolina
Francis Marion National Forest is located north of Charleston and is named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion. The subtropical coniferous forest was damaged badly by Hurricane Huge in 1989, and most of the area's trees have grown in the years since. The forest is a fantastic place for various forms of outdoor recreation. You could go riding on the off-road ATV trail, do some shooting in the rifle range, or enjoy some fishing or boating in the Santee River. You could also explore top-notch hiking trails like the Awendaw Passage Trail and the I'on Swamp Interpretive Trail.
Sumter National Forest encompasses approximately 371,000 acres and features three separate ranger districts. The diverse forest is home to the Indian Creek Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative, the Chattooga River, and towering mountain peaks. If you enjoy mountain biking, you'll want to visit the popular Forks Area Trail System. If your preference is hiking, routes like the Opossum Creek Falls Trail and the King Creek Falls Trail are exceptional options.
Croatan National Forest is a coastal wooded region named after the Croatan Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The forest is known for its unique ecosystems, which include swamps, bogs, and salt estuaries. Although it has unusual features, Croatan National Forest is home to cool wildlife species, abundant fishing, and lots of interesting vegetation. While exploring popular hiking trails like the Patsy Pond Nature Trail Loop and the Island Creek Forest Walk Trail, keep your eyes open for deer, black bears, alligators, snakes, osprey, wild turkeys, and other fascinating species.
