Travel Tip: ARRIVE EARLY! If you are coming to enjoy a day on the lake, make sure you arrive by 9:30AM for the best chance of getting a parking space. The park is the only public access point for Lake Jocassee, a 7,500-acre reservoir lake. Boat ramps for public boat access to the lake; 20 lakeside villas; 59 standard sites for RV or tent camping; 25 tent camping sites; 1 boat-in campground; 2 picnic shelters; 2 playgrounds; 2 mile Bear Cove Trail; 1 mile Oconee Bell Nature Trail. Park store.
Devils Fork State Park
Travel Tip: ARRIVE EARLY! If you are coming to enjoy a day on the lake, make sure you arrive by 9:30AM for the best chance of getting a parking space. The park is the only public access point for Lake Jocassee, a 7,500-acre reservoir lake. Boat ramps for public boat access to the lake; 20 lakeside villas; 59 standard sites for RV or tent camping; 25 tent camping sites; 1 boat-in campground; 2 picnic shelters; 2 playgrounds; 2 mile Bear Cove Trail; 1 mile Oconee Bell Nature Trail. Park store.
More to do around Salem, SC
Bad Creek Spur Trail
Salem, SC
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This easy 0.8-mile spur trail provides a connection to the Whitewater River, the Foothills Trail, Coon Branch Trail, and to Lower Whitewater Falls (via the Foothills Trail). Enter the gate to Duke Energy’s Bad Creek Hydro Station on SC 130, and proceed two miles down to the marked entrance to the large trailhead parking area. Fishing, but no camping, is allowed along the Whitewater River. A designated campsite is 0.5 miles past junction with the river.
Bee Cove Falls
Salem, SC
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Remote multi-tiered falls is a difficult 2-3 hour hike, but worth the effort!
Directions/GPS N 34.98149 W 083.06280
–NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy. 28.
–BEAR RIGHT Hwy. 107
–12.5 miles PARK on left.
–WALK 150 yards on right to FS 702
–Roadbed goes along creekside.
–BEAR RIGHT at 3-way intersection.
–FOLLOW less defined path & sounds to waterfalls.
GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.98149 W 083.062800
Black Bear Lodge
Salem, SC
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This rustic, charming home is one of a handful of short term rentals on Lake Jocassee. Nestled high in the trees, this home is perfect for spreading out and relaxing, hiking, or enjoying the lake with your group. The views from this home are unbeatable and breathtaking. This home offers the highest measure of privacy and seclusion you can find.
BnBeached Houseboat
Salem, SC
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Welcome aboard! A restored, rustic yet modern, space for guests to stay near Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom accommodates up to 4 guests.
Butterfly Ridge Mountain Retreat
It’s the perfect destination for a getaway to the beautiful upstate South Carolina foothills. This is a pet-friendly and plant-based vacation rental for couples who want to relax in a peaceful setting. Three suites and one cottage have private entrances. Each can accommodate 2 guests and offers either a balcony or patio, access to the lodge, deck and gazebo. Stays include a healthy and delicious breakfast.
California’s Mexican Grill
Mexican grill and bar. What started as a food truck has expanded to a covered patio, with walls, giant fans and heaters.
Clemson Cabins
Salem, SC
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“Downtown Salem Cottage” and “Little River Retreat”. Vacation or short term rental houses near Clemson. Both are managed by Cope Property Management in Seneca.
Crave Kitchen
Il Mercado & Crave Kitchen is a new neighborhood market and restaurant near Lake Keowee. Their locally-minded menu is seasonally focused with elevated modern-American cuisine. Open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday and brunch on Sunday.
Devils Fork State Park
Travel Tip: ARRIVE EARLY! If you are coming to enjoy a day on the lake, make sure you arrive by 9:30AM for the best chance of getting a parking space. The park is the only public access point for Lake Jocassee, a 7,500-acre reservoir lake. Boat ramps for public boat access to the lake; 20 lakeside villas; 59 standard sites for RV or tent camping; 25 tent camping sites; 1 boat-in campground; 2 picnic shelters; 2 playgrounds; 2 mile Bear Cove Trail; 1 mile Oconee Bell Nature Trail. Park store.
Eagles Nest Art Center
The building was once the Tamassee-Salem High School. After the school district closed the facility, it was refurbished and is now Eagles Nest Arts Center. The center is available to rent for performances, education programs, concerts, plays and community events. There are classrooms and museum rooms that keep Tamassee and Salem memories alive. The auditorium seats 280 people.
Eclectic Sun at Lake Jocassee
Located in the “Pavilion” of Devils Fork State Park in the day use picnic area. Provides everything you would ever need for a day of Fun on the lake. A genuine surf shop and snack bar combined.
For The Birds and More
Everything you need to attract wild birds to your yard, including: wild bird feeders, houses and food as well as home, lawn and garden decor. This is “Oconee County’s only dedicated wild bird supply store.” Home to the patented invention: BirdSong IdentiFlyer which helps identify more than 100 types of birds based on their sounds and songs.
Geodome
Salem, SC
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This geodesic structure offers a unique clamping experience where you can enjoy the outdoors without the elements. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen, AC & heat and sunrise views of a pasture with farm animals. Zip line on the property as well as a fire pit and covered hot tube area.
Greetings from Salem
This cheerful mural was painted in 2022 on the side of Twice A Town Taproom. The artist painted scenes that represent Salems and the mural is easy to spot when driving through town.
Habanero’s Mexican Grill
Tamassee, SC
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Traditional Mexican menu and beverages. Open 7 days a week 11AM-9PM.
Jocassee Bungalow
Salem, SC
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A restored 1960s mountain bungalow located next to Devils Fork State Park. It’s 1/3 mile from Lake Jocassee beach and boat ramp. The house sits on 2 acres and is nestled atop a babbling freshwater spring waterfall with the state park in the backyard. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath house has a chef’s kitchen, wrap-around porch and accommodates 8 guests. Two paddle boards are included in price of the rental. (7-night minimum Memorial Day – Labor Day.)
Jocassee Charters
Guided fishing trips for everyone from serious anglers to the first-time fishermen. Children of all ages are welcome.
Deep water trolling for big brown and rainbow trout using downriggers. All tackle is furnished. All you will need is your food, drinks and a SC fishing license.
Jocassee Gem Mine
Family gem mine near Lake Jocassee. Buy a bucket and search for gems, fossils and geodes. Open Tuesday-Saturday
Jocassee Hideaway
Salem, SC
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The 2,500 sq. ft. home has 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths with a main level and a loft level living room for plenty of room to spread out and relax. A lakefront cabin where you can enjoy one of the most pristine lakes in the country with a 95% protected shoreline of national parks and conservation protected land.
Jocassee Keowee Rentals
Boating services on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee whether your interest is a day on the lake on a pontoon, kayak, canoe, or utilizing their boat/RV storage facilities.
Jocassee Lake Tours
Love Nature? Treat yourself to an exploration of Lake Jocassee with Brooks and Kay Wade, Upstate Master Naturalists and owners/operators of Jocassee Lake Tours.
Love Waterfalls? Bring a camera…they have plenty to show you! From hidden mountain brooks spilling off the hillside to large, rambunctious, powerful waterfalls.
Love Your Friends and Family? Treat them to a tour of Lake Jocassee. Bring a picnic lunch, kids and grandkids, and experience a relaxing day on Lake Jocassee!
Jocassee Outdoor Center
Offering boat rentals, short-term and long-term boat storage, and camping or boating needs. Lake Jocassee’s only outfitter and marine center complete with a general store, full-service concierge boat storage, boat repair and maintenance shop. Rent from their large fleet of newer model and faster pontoons, performance tritoons and ski boats on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. The lake legacy since 1979.
Jocassee Valley Brewing Company
Craft beer taproom and music/event venue. On-site brewery coming soon! Wine, craft sodas, light appetizers. Dog (leashed) and kid (supervised) friendly.
JocasseeQuest
Salem, SC
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Fishing Carters & Excursions on Lake Jocassee. Matt McCreery has been fishing on Lake Jocassee since the mid 1970s. He’ll be your guide for trout fishing trips and scenic waterfall tours. He’ll provide the boat as well as all the tackle and equipment necessary. (Guests are required to have a valid SC Fishing License). You’ll explore the lake on a pontoon boat that has an optional full enclosure to keep everyone warm on cold days.
Keowee Key Golf Course
Keowee Key’s George Cobb designed championship private golf course is under renovation by Richard Mandell, recently named by “Boardroom Magazine” as the 2017 Golf Course Architect of the year. This 6,426-yard, 18-hole, par 72 course is nearing certification in the Audubon Sanctuary Program, which promotes environmental stewardship.
With its demanding topography, the course is a distinct and fair challenge to any golfer, and five tee boxes are offered to match varying skill levels.
Lake Jocassee
Very popular destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Four mountain streams and several waterfalls feed into the lake, making it cooler than others and a great South Carolina trout fishing spot. The unusually clear water is a haven for boat tours, scuba divers and swimmers. Public access to this 7,500-acre lake is limited to Devils Fork State Park, the #1 visited state park in SC! Park has many amenities and fills up during peak times. Check for reservations before visiting.
Lake Jocassee Dive Shop
Full service dive shop located near Lake Jocassee. They provide air, nitrox, and trimix fills as well as rental gear and a charter service. Come see why Lake Jocassee is the jewel of the south!
Laurel Fork Falls
Salem, SC
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Consider visiting the falls by boat instead of hiking. Witnessing the 80 ft. high falls from a boat in the waters of Lake Jocassee is a one-of-a-kind experience. There are several other falls to be viewed on the lake including Wrights Creek and Mill Creek Falls. For lake access, enter at Devils Fork State Park. Boat rentals and guided tours are available. If you opt to hike, it’s 16 miles round trip. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 35 02.938 W 82 48.828
Lonesome Dove Campground and RV Park
Nightly and month-long rates for RV sites. Tent sites and group tent camping also. Open year round with full RV hookups. On-site propane filling station and Typsy Gypsy Tavern has beer and wine.
Lost Treehouse on Lake Jocassee
Salem, SC
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The perfect hideout near Lake Jocassee. This treehouse has a small fridge, eating utensils, a coffee pot, and small burner.
It’s everything you’ll need for a cozy stay. A four-burner grill is available for those who want to cook a full meal. Sleeps 2, bathroom and air conditioning. There are no hotels and very limited rentals available on Lake Jocassee, so this is a real find!
Lower Whitewater Falls
A dramatic 200 ft. drop, these falls are the highest in eastern America. The Lower Falls (in South Carolina) is about half-mile down the Whitewater River from the Upper Falls (in North Carolina). The trail to the overlook is a dangerous 1.7 mile trek. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 35.01246 W 082.99911
Maplecrest at Lake Jocassee
A wonderful country charmer on 2 wooded acres just 1 mile from Devils Fork State Park and Lake Jocassee. Comfortably furnished with 4 private bedrooms and 2 full baths accommodating 8 guests. Amenities include: all linens, activity field, boat parking, campfire ring, fenced yard, full kitchen, gas grill, pet friendly, screen porch, sundeck, WIFI, Satellite TV.
Mill Creek Falls
Located on Lake Jocassee, this waterfall is only accessible by boat. Launch from Devils Fork State Park. For exact location of the falls, stop by the Devils Fork Ranger Station for map and detailed directions. GPS coordinates for Devils Fork State Park: N 34.952139 W 82.946134
Morning Glory at Jocassee Ridge
Salem, SC
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Vacation rental home in Jocassee Ridge gated community just 2 miles from Devils Fork State Park. Pond stocked with fish and outdoor amenities to enjoy. 2,800 sq. ft home with 4 bedrooms/3 baths (sleeps 8-10) overlooks beautiful mountains and Jocassee Dam.
Oconee Bells Nature Trail
This easy, 1-mile loop within Devils Fork State Park gets its name from a rare wildflower that has gorgeous white blooms in the early spring. Many native plant species are identified with markers along the trail. The trailhead is behind the bark office and has an informative kiosk at the beginning of the trail.
Old Pickens Presbyterian Church
Listed on the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and the National Register of Historic Places. This church/meeting house is the only building still standing on the site where the town of Pickens Courthouse was established in 1828. Not an actual museum, but the adjacent cemetery has over 200 historic graves dating back to 1790.
Robinson Lake Front Lodge on Lake Jocassee
Salem, SC
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This cozy mountain lodge sleeps 10-12 and is located directly on Lake Jocassee. House includes a dock with a newly extended ramp and tie up for boats. Amenities: 4 queen bedrooms, sofas, 3 baths, fireplace in living area, deck w/ gas grill, screened porch, covered patio, and boat dock.
Sister’s Restaurant
A casual breakfast and lunch cafe near Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee. Take out available. (Closed Monday & Tuesday)
Southern Outlaw Adventures
Offering Lake Jocassee Scenic Boat Tours! A chance to experience beautiful waterfalls and swim in Caribbean-style blue waters and light sand beaches with your friends and family on one of their Private Scenic Tours.
Sunflower Treehouse near Lake Jocassee
Salem, SC
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This new home is 1 mile from the entrance of Devils Fork State Park. It’s a tiny house with nice details making it perfect for couples or a girls getaway weekend retreat. Sleeps 4. King bed, twin beds and two bathrooms. Laundry room, hot tub, and comfortable outdoor area for relaxing or grilling. Good to know: They DO NOT have parking for boats.
Sunrise Farm Bed & Breakfast
The farm is the last part of a late 1800s 385-acre cotton plantation. Guests are served a full sumptuous breakfast, featuring all-natural ingredients, fresh local produce, and homemade specialties. Wooden rockers and wicker furniture on the large wrap-around porch.
The Cliffs at Keowee Falls
Private golf course named for Falls Creek, which winds its way through seven holes. A challenging course consisting of 160-acres of undulating terrain with dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, streams, ponds and lengthy par 3s.
The Jocassee Tiny House
Salem, SC
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The Jocassee Tiny House is nestled on 13 acres of land near beautiful Lake Jocassee. On the property, you will find a little creek and an orchard of very young fruit trees (apples, pears, and peaches). Additionally, you might find blueberries, blackberries, and muscadines. There’s a fire pit for bbq and s’mores. On a clear night, you can’t beat the view of the stars in the night sky. The house has 3 bedrooms; 1 queen bed, a twin bunkbed, 1 king bed and 2 twin beds.
Twice a Town Taproom
Drinks, pool and darts. Open daily with Happy Hour specials (weekdays) 5-7pm and Live music on Thursdays.
Wright Creek Falls
Salem, SC
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Located on Lake Jocassee, this falls is only accessible by boat. Launch from Devils Fork State Park (parking fee required). Boat rentals and lake tours available. Stop by Devils Fork State Park for map and directions. GPS coordinates for Devils Fork State Park: N 34.952139 W 82.946134
