The best camping near Ninety Six National Historic Site

Important battles were fought and lives lost in this South Carolina site, home to European settlers from the mid 18th century. The unusual name refers to the number of miles that early Charleston traders estimated to be the distance between the town of Ninety Six and the Cherokee village of Keowee,

Located at the crossroads of 12 roads and pathways, Ninety Six fended off attacks from the local Indians and grew to become an important frontier town with houses, taverns, shops, a courthouse and jail. Fortified by the British in 1780, it was the scene of the longest field stage of the Revolutionary War when 1,000 patriot troops attacked 550 loyalists who were defending Ninety Six. The Star Fort is now one of the best examples preserved of an 18th century fortification.

Entry is free. The visitor center opens Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. and the park grounds are open to visits daily from dawn 'til dusk. Take a ranger-led tour when available or pick up a map and make your own way along the trails. The one-mile historic interpretive trail that starts and ends at the visitor parking lot takes you past reconstructed siege works, the original Star Fort, the town site and historic roads. There are also some primitive trails for hikers, such as the Cherokee Path, and alternative trails for horseback riders subject to weather conditions.

Pack lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables near the parking lot, just down from the log house, and spend some time birdwatching or fishing at the Star Fort Pond. Fishing is restricted to Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays April 1 to November 1. Fish caught here include crappies, sunfish and largemouth bass, while more than 130 different species of birds have been spotted in the area.