Camping, hiking, or boating – there's a spot for every outdoorsman in Orangeburg County.

In the year 1920, the first Superintendent of Parks, Andrew Dibble, planted five acres of azaleas along the beautiful Edisto River. A playground and greenhouse soon followed, and, in 1951, the first rose was planted. Today, the Edisto Memorial Rose Garden is home to 79 beds of roses from miniatures to Old Garden Roses. This landmark example of Orangeburg County’s natural beauty is also the home to the Orangeburg Festival of Roses, one of the Southeastern Tourism Society’s top twenty events, celebrating the annual blooming of the garden. The Gardens are found within the City of Orangeburg’s limits on US Highway 301 a few blocks from the city center. Consider visiting during the peak of spring bloom, from March 15 to April 15. Call the City of Orangeburg Parks and Recreation Department for up-to-date bloom information at (803) 533-6020.

Take your family on an aquatic adventure to the Midland’s newest water park. Featuring a zero-entry pool, fountains and spray jets, and an enormous twisting water slide for the kids alongside a full-sized pool and several athletic fields. The Santee Recreation & Water Park is operated by the Orangeburg YMCA.

If you’re looking to kayak or canoe on the Edisto, America’s longest free-flowing blackwater, Baughman’s Landing is the perfect spot to put in. Baughman’s Landing is just seven miles from the Edisto Memorial Gardens in downtown Orangeburg, which features its own landing spot.

Located in the Sandhills of South Carolina, just off the western edge of Lake Marion, Santee State Park is one of Orangeburg County’s many natural treasures. Whether you’re looking to hike, kayak, canoe, fish, or camp, there’s a spot to be found in the park. The park also features overnight cabins, biking trails, pontoon tours, and a screened-in grilling facility.

Right on the banks of Lake Marion, this 92-site campground offers family camping nestled among the natural splendor of Orangeburg County. If fishing and boating is more your speed, the Marina has a full fishing shop and convenience store to get you stocked up – along with the local favorite, Mill Creek Food & Spirits.

Located on the shores of Lake Marion, this marina and resort offers camping, fishing, boating, and golfing for every outdoorsman. Enjoy fishing off the 450 foot dock, take a trip onto the water with a fishing guide, or try one of several championship golf courses. And while you’re there, explore the rest of the Santee area, where you’ll find museums, nature trails, historic battlegrounds, and some of the best antiquing in the South.

Established in 1941, the Santee National Wildlife Refuge is made up of 15,000 acres rich with bird life and wetland animals. The refuge offers plenty of opportunities to explore, with a 7.5 mile wildlife drive, a canoe trail, observation towers, miles of hiking and biking trails, and some of the best bird watching in the country.

A perfect spot for the whole family, the Rockspond Campground & Marina features multiple lakeside campgrounds, two boat ramps, spots for campers, and activities like miniature golf, a playground, and more.