Panning for gold on your holiday could make your vacation memorable if you are lucky enough to strike it rich. South Carolina has long been associated with gold fever and there are plenty of rivers and streams where you can enjoy the excitement of prospecting for the precious metal while you enjoy a leisurely vacation.
There is only one major camp site for dedicated gold panners in South Carolina. Oconee Camp, with 120 acres of woodland, offers basic facilities with some electrical hook-ups for campers. The site is situated north of Walhalla, South Carolina. Campers have found gold nuggets and panned for fine gold. This camp is about prospecting and getting back to nature; don't expect flush toilets, showers or entertainment.
Combine a gold panning vacation at Oconee with a few days at Mryrtle Beach, with its many amenities. Gold has been found over much of the state, so who knows -- you might strike it lucky in more luxurious surroundings.
Campers at Paris Mountain State Park, near Greenville, can enjoy panning for gold in an organized program on the fourth Saturday of each month. Campers must book in advance and stay a minimum of two nights. Facilities include rest rooms and hot showers.
Combine a visit to the Bluegrass Festival, and all the fun of the foot-stomping music, with camping at one of the nearby state campsites. The festival includes a children's gold panning activity, which could get them excited for future vacations.
