The county seat of Chester County, this town of just over 5,600 residents was established in 1785. There are many historic points of interest dating back to colonial times, and the current courthouse has been in continual use since it was built in 1852.
Chester is best known for having the first railroad in the area, which became operational in 1851. You can learn about Chester's railway history and more at the Chester Transportation Museum housed at the original train depot on Wylie Street. Out on Fishing Creek Church Road is the Fishing Creek Creamery, a great place to pick up handmade soaps and farm-fresh goat's milk products.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the downtown Chester Historic District is distinguished by its elaborate Victorian-era homes and Monument Square. Visit the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers at the Old Catholic Church and Cemetery or revisit the beginning of the 20th century through the lens of the Henry O. Nichols Photography Collection. For something truly different, the Chester County Historical Society hosts Ghost Tours for small groups.
Holiday Horse Camp - This is a two-day event in January for kids ages 5 and up that's sponsored by the Gaston Farm Road Equestrian Center. The camp costs $150 per person. Registration and a deposit are required.
Annual AHA Beach Ride - Now in its 41st year, this annual horse-riding event to benefit the American Heart Association runs every November at the Lakewood Campground Resort in Myrtle Beach. Fees vary by age, and a $50 deposit is due at registration.
BloomFest Craft and Garden Fair - This annual 10-day garden and craft show in Rock Hill is hosted by Glencairn Garden every April.
Chester is less than a day's drive from three national parks, each with its own distinct flavor and attractions. Just over an hour away down I-77 S is Congaree National Park. This protected wetland along the Congaree River features hardwood forests, and it's a great destination for bird-watchers. In fact, the National Audubon Society leads tours on the second Sunday of each month, and kids will love the Owl Prowl.
The drive from Chester to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a road trip you won't forget and offers some of the region's best scenery. Take a hike in the mountains, fish, or join one of the many organized events. You can reach this location in about three hours from Chester via I-26 W.
If you're more into outdoor adventures like rock climbing or white-water rafting, consider taking the five-hour drive north up I-77 to New River Gorge National Park. This mountainous setting in West Virginia offers a natural canyon to rival the Grand Canyon, panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains, and miles of marked trails.
There are a number of state parks in the region, and some, like Chester State Park, are within minutes of the city of Chester. This is a great location for an impromptu picnic or fishing in the 160-acre lake.
Speaking of fun on the water, Andrew Jackson State Park is an idyllic 360-acre setting for boating, fishing, and waterskiing on its 20-acre lake.
Traveling the 41 miles to Blacksburg, SC up SC-97 N takes you to Kings Mountain State Park. This 6,886-acre mecca for outdoor adventure has a campground on-site. The central feature is the traditional 19th-century Piedmont farm with a working blacksmith's shop and cotton gin. There are also miles of hiking trails, or you can rent a canoe to explore the park from the water at your leisure.
One building that dominates the city skyline in Chester is the Romanesque City Hall and Opera House, built in 1891. The Aaron Burr Rock in downtown Chester marks the spot where the notorious figure made his famous proclamation. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Chester County Courthouse, a fine example of Georgian architecture with an authentic Civil War cannon on the front lawn.
Combine your love of camping and NASCAR with a stay in nearby Charlotte at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Campground. In addition to races scheduled throughout the year, this campground has 380 campsites, with 30/50 amps and full hookups. Rates start at $31 per day, or you can call for weekly or monthly rates.
If you're looking for something a little quieter, consider Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort. This family-friendly RV camping spot has 89 pull-through/back-in spots with full hookups and 30/50 amps. Features include organized events, and there's a grocery store on-site if you need food or supplies. Rates are available by phone.
The Lake Myers RV & Camping Resort is situated on 74 acres, and it has 444 camping sites on its wooded grounds. Pull-through/back-in sites are available with full hookups and 30/50 amps. There is a swimming pool, horseshoe pits, hiking trails, and an on-site grocery store and restaurant. Pricing is available online when you make your reservation.
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 Chester, 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 Chester?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Chester 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 Chester?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
