Orchard Lake Campground

The Great Outdoors

Just north of the RV campground is the Green River Game Lands in Columbus, North Carolina. This is a great destination to quickly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Appalachian foothills. Although there are only 16 miles of trails within the forest, they are relatively challenging trails. If you’d rather enjoy the scenery from a slightly more passive view, you can rent a boat or tube and let yourself drift down the Green River.Just north of your campsite at Orchard Lake Campground is the picturesque Pearson’s Falls and Glen in Saluda. As you explore this 275-acre parcel of land, you will be amazed by how much natural beauty fits into such a small space. You can head down the short footpath to a stunning 90-foot waterfall, or instead, wander down another trail and check out the botanical preserve within the park. With over 300 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers, Pearson’s Falls is a prime destination for nature lovers.Just over the border into South Carolina is Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area in Landrum. This is a great destination for those who want to explore the Appalachian foothills, but also want to get a little farther away from the RV campground to see more of the region. While Squirrel Mountain isn’t the tallest peak in the area, this relatively moderate hike up the mountain offers stunning views. With several little pockets of South Carolina wilderness, you are sure to get a true sense of the natural beauty of The Palmetto State.

Explore the Area

Literature lovers should plan to spend some time at the nearby Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. You can learn about the poetry, music, and activism work of Carl Sandburg as you tour his home and grounds. Due to the park’s artistic founding, it supports writers-in-residence, poetry contests, art exhibits, and even concerts. So, be sure to check the site's events ahead of time.The Western North Carolina Air Museum is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts. The Wright brothers’ first successful flight happened on North Carolina soil. At the Western North Carolina Air Museum, you can get up close to several historic, preserved aircraft. You’ll get to talk to the museum staff to learn more about these engineering marvels. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see one of these beautiful airplanes in action.Those traveling with children should plan to spend a day at the nearby Hands On! Children’s Museum. With an interactive learning theme, many of the exhibits encourage hands-on play to discover the science, art, and technology behind the subjects. You can make a racecar out of Legos and race on the Lego Raceway, create your own puppet show, learn about light and color, or explore the indoor mountain and waterfall. With all these exhibits and more, there is never a dull moment at Hands On! Children's Museum.The American South is known for its regional food: barbeque. However, each state has its own claim to BBQ fame. In the Carolinas, pork BBQ is the go-to. The meat is marinated in a slightly spicy sauce to give it an extra kick. Served up as a sandwich or on its own, this hearty meal is sure to fill you up at the end of the day.