Summer Adventures

Wondering where to cool off as summer heats up?

Come spend your days in Oconee County, SC!

Oconee is a Native American word that means “Land beside the water.”

And that’s what you’ll find here! Our lakes, rivers and waterfalls are obvious places to beat the heat. But our state parks, county parks, mountain bike park and dozens of forest trails are also great sites near bodies of water that offer respite from seasonal temperatures.

You really can take your pick when it comes to outdoor activities you’ll have access to in Oconee County, SC. Visitors love the area for boating, rafting, kayaking, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, hiking and mountain biking.

If you’ve got gear, bring it. Otherwise, plan to rent equipment from marinas and stores near the lakes. You should be able to find just about anything you’ll need. To name a few rental options: kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, motor boats from which you can wake board, ski or swim. You can charter boats and hire guides who welcome the chance to show you the best places for your adventure.

Where to go after your big day?

Dinnerphoto of dinner at Bonaterra

Fancy or casual it’s up to you

Drinksphoto of drinks

Breweries, wine bars, distilleries and more

Nightlifephoto of night club

Summer events and performances


Want to spend the night?

Great idea!

Oconee County, SC offers many great outdoor adventures, but the area is widespread.

We want to help you find lodging close to where you’ll be because it’s always better to spend more time having fun and less time driving!

Click on the town links below. Then choose the STAY tab (on the town page) to find places to near various points of interest.

Seneca, SC is close to Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, South Cove County Park, High Falls County Park, Clemson University

Salem, SC is close to Lake Jocassee

West Union, SC is close to Lake Keowee

Fair Play, SC is close to Lake Hartwell

Mountain Rest is where you’ll find: Oconee State Park, Stumphouse Park, Chattooga River, Chauga River, area waterfalls

Long Creek is home to: the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River, the Chauga River, Chattooga Belle Farm event venue, trails & waterfalls

Westminster, SC  is close to Lake Hartwell, Chau Ram County Park, Magnolia Manor, The Ridge at Summit Farms

Note: There are too many places to list on our website.  We recommend searching our towns on AirBnB or VRBO for additional vacation rentals.


Come for the weekend or just for a day!

image of visit oconee SC logo* Approximate drive times from regional metropolitan areas

  • From Greenville, SC: 50 minutes
  • From Columbia, SC: 2.5 hours
  • From Charlotte, NC: 3 hours
  • From Atlanta, GA: 2 hours
  • From Charleston, SC: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • From Raleigh-Durham, NC: 5 hours

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