Anderson / Lake Hartwell KOA

The Great Outdoors

Anglers can try their luck fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and other stock species in nearby Lake Hartwell. The lake is also an ideal spot to rent a pontoon boat and take a scenic tour of the lake and surrounding shoreline. Picnickers will be in heaven at Lake Hartwell and can take a post-meal swim to round out the afternoon or kick back and enjoy viewing the resident bird and mammal species.Visitors who would like to combine nature appreciation and history can head to Stumphouse Tunnel, an unfinished mountain tunnel that was started in 1852 but left unfinished due to the cost of fighting the Civil War. It was purchased by Clemson University and used to make the state's first blue cheese (which it continues to do today on campus). While there, take a side trip to view Issaqueena Falls located at the end of a wide, gentle gravel path. The falls were named after an Indian maiden who warned European settlers of an impending attack and then hid behind the falls to protect herself.There is another reason you chose an RV rental vacation, and that was to get behind the wheel. Visitors can experience the regional sights by taking a trip along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway which starts near Lake Hartwell and the South Carolina-Georgia state border. This trip will take you through or past Westminster, Walhalla, Oconee Station, and numerous waterfalls; travelers can take side trips to these areas before continuing on. Another potential destination is Devils Fork State Park, where visitors can cool off with a swim or stretch their legs with a short hike. Pontoon boats can be rented to head out and view the lake's almost two dozen waterfalls, and guests can stop to admire the Oconee Bell flower which only grows in that area.

Exploring The Area

A good place to begin your adventure is at a nearby goat dairy farm that markets goat milk products and local artwork. The farm is one of the SC Heritage Corridor's tourism stops where tourists can drop in anytime although the spring is best, when the newly arrived baby goats are learning to walk.Those who like sampling spirits will want to check out a local brewery and a distillery. The brewery is very creative, specializing in sour brews but also experimenting with beers that have citrus or pineapple flavors. They also produce mead and cider, just to keep it interesting. The distillery produces craft whiskey (which has achieved awards) and the state's first legal moonshine which comes in a variety of fruit flavors such as blackberry, apple, and strawberry.Visitors who book an RV in Anderson County will appreciate the retail shopping area located in the north end of Anderson, near Lake Hartwell. Guests can stop here to stock up on food and supplies without needing to worry about parking. Filling up the gas tank will also be a breeze with the multitude of gas stations throughout the area, and there are numerous convenience stores where you can run in and buy a quick snack.If you would rather let someone else do the cooking, head for one of Anderson's local barbecue restaurants which is open for lunch and dinner, from late morning until early evening. Portions are large and well prepared and include a good variety of sauces for diners to choose from. Guests eating here should try the chicken baked beans which are homemade from scratch. Be prepared to take your leftovers back to your rental RV for a late-night snack or next day's lunch. This is what RV camping is all about.