Destination Oconee: Chau Ram County Park

February 20, 2023

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 hiking to reach them–which is 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.

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
Disc golf course

Park Highlights

Chau Ram County Park has a retail store, restrooms, and park offices a disc golf course and (60) parking spaces to accommodate visitors.

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

Men and women’s restrooms have baby changing stations

Suspension bridge leads to hiking trails

Surprise outhouse along the Blue Loop trail

map of the Chauga River Disc Golf Course — Disc golf equipment is available in the park store

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

The chimney and foundation are all that remains from the CCC structure

Vegetation has grown up as the site has gone unused for years

Annual Pass

If you frequently visit Oconee County parks, consider purchasing an Annual Pass. The cost is $25 for residents of Oconee County; non-residents $50. The Annual Pass is free to seniors 62+ living in Oconee County.

Annual Passes can be purchased at the Oconee County Treasurer’s office, 415 S. Pine Street in Walhalla, SC. Open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Or pick them up in-person at any of our county parks: Chau Ram, South Cove or High Falls.