Destination Oconee: Chau Ram County Park | Visit Oconee South Carolina

Convenient For Travelers and Handicap Accessible!

cropped image of Chau Ram graphic — “Chau Ram” might sound funny, but it was so named because the Chauga River and Ramsey Creek both flow through the property.

Located just a few miles outside of the City of Westminster, Chau Ram County Park is a wonderful setting with lots of amenities for the public to enjoy.

For a $3 entry fee, an entire carload of people can enjoy the park. The park has over 400 acres of woodland, huge boulders for kids to scamper over, beach areas, picnic places, and miles of trails to explore.

Fun ways to enjoy the park: hiking, tubing, fishing, swimming, camping, splashing in the falls, playing on the playground, or just chilling any way you like.

See a Waterfall From Your Car

Most of the waterfalls in Oconee County require a hike to and from in order to view them–a limiting factor for some visitors to the area.

One of the best things about Chau Ram County Park is that many of the attractions are handicap accessible and conveniently located near parking areas.

Park Amenities

Handicap accessible picnic shelter, waterfall viewing, and restrooms
Ramsey Falls is a 40′ waterfall that cascades over large boulders where Ramsey Creek flows into the Chauga River
160′ suspension bridge spans across the river
Four rental picnic shelters
Playground
Restroom facilities located throughout the park
26 campsites with water and electricity
Three+ miles of hiking trails
Over a mile of the Chauga River runs through the park
Life Jacket Zone with free use of life jackets if needed for river play

New Additions!

Chau Ram County Park has undergone construction of a new building that houses a retail store, restrooms, and park offices. The addition also includes 60 much-needed parking spaces to accommodate more visitors.

photo of new building at Chau Ram Park — New building houses park office, retail store & restrooms

photo inside the park retail space — Retail store on opening day

image of new restrooms at the park — Men and women’s restrooms have baby changing stations

Disc Golf

A course has been constructed behind the new building and the park’s retail store offers disc golf equipment.

Park Highlights

image of picnic shelter and parking lot — One of four picnic shelters

image of port-a-potties near trail — Portable restrooms near picnic shelters

photo of chauga river wooden sign — Chauga River and Ramsey Creek converge on park property

photo of suspension bridge across the Chauga River — Suspension bridge from parking area to trails

image of bench, sign and trash can — Picnic area next to the Chauga River

photo of the chauga river and selfie sign — Selfie station on the banks of the river

image of outhouse on the blue loop trail — Surprise outhouse along the Blue Loop trail

image of water treatment pump along the chauga river — If you hike upstream you’ll see this pump station that pumps water out of the Chauga River to be treated by the City of Westminster

If you frequently visit Oconee County parks, consider purchasing an Annual pass for $25.

Annual Passes are available at each of the county parks (Chau Ram, South Cove and High Falls) or at the county treasurer’s office at 415 S. Pine St. in Walhalla on weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Historic Past

If you hike the Cabin Trail you’ll come across what remains of an old CCC cabin that was built in the 1930s. The cabin did not survive the test of time. The structure was unsafe and most of it was demolished except for the stone foundation and fireplace.

Years ago the Boy Scouts breathed life back into the cabin when they added benches for outdoor gatherings. But this historic site, which has remained uncovered, continued to suffer from the elements and is no longer in use by Boy Scout troops. Chau Ram park rangers would love for other groups or individuals to take it on as a project to help make it serviceable again.

vintage photo of people at Chauga Falls — Vintage postcard

Side view of old cabin on Chau Ram property — The chimney and foundation are all that remains from the CCC structure

image of what remains of CCC cabin on Chau Ram property — Vegetation has grown up as the site has gone unused for years

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