Lake Jocassee

Located in Salem, SC, Lake Jocassee is one of our most popular destinations!

Lake Jocassee, was created in 1973 in partnership with the state of South Carolina and Duke Power. The lake covers 7,500 acres and reaches a depth of 300 feet.

Lake Jocassee is a beautiful southern lake known for its undeveloped shoreline and clean water. The lake is bordered by glorious green forests and offers refreshing outdoor pursuits that you can enjoy all year long.

No matter how hot it gets, you can beat the heat in the clear, cool lake. Let the kids swim at the sandy beach. Rent stand up paddleboards, flatwater kayaks, life jackets, or water gear.

Love to fish? Fishing guides can take you to the best fishing spots. The lake’s visibility makes it popular for scuba diving, and several companies offer Jocassee dive trips.

Not the type to get wet? Don’t sweat it. Go hike in the shady woods along the Oconee Bells Nature Trail, Bear Cove Trail, or access the Foothills Trail. Or don’t do anything at all. Just sit, relax, and enjoy being at Lake Jocassee.

For more history and details, read this article: Jocassee is an Adventure Paradise!

Tourist Tips

Lake Jocassee is only accessible from inside Devils Fork State Park.

Park Hours

Late spring to mid-fall, 7am – 9pm
Late fall to mid-spring, 7am-6pm

Park Office is open daily, 9am-5pm

Park admission required: Adults $8/Seniors $5 (age 65 & older)/Children $4 (ages 6-15)/Under 5 free

Parking

Vehicle capacity: 172 trailers, 115 single cars

A limited number of parking spots mean this place fills up early! Get there by 9:30am for the best chance of parking.

Devils Fork State Park will post on THIS WEBPAGE when the park is at capacity.

You can pay a fee to reserve a spot online; parking reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance

You’ll be a good ways out. If you plan to stay at Devils Fork State Park all day, pack a picnic lunch, or purchase snacks from the park store.

Area Lodging

You can find neat places to stay, but keep in mind: the area is not saturated with hotels or tourist attractions, which is a good thing! Overnight accommodations typically book months out.

The closest options are located within Devils Fork State Park (rental villas, RV and campsites). Private RV sites and dozens of vacation rental homes are located near the lake (on Airbnb or VRBO search “Salem, SC”).

Drive Times

Lake Jocassee is popular with visitors traveling from these cities in the southeast:

From Greenville, SC – 1 hour 20 minutes
From Columbia, SC – 3 hours
From Charlotte, NC – 3 hours
From Atlanta, GA – 3 hours
From Charleston, SC – 4 hours 30 minutes
From Raleigh-Durham, NC – 5 hours

Blue Ridge Guide Service

Lake Jocassee
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Owned and operated by Keith Courtney. He has been fishing Lake Jocassee since 1986 and guiding since 1990. Whether you request a touring trip or a trophy trout fishing trip, Blue Ridge Guide Service has the equipment and experience to make your trip memorable.

Devils Fork State Park

Salem, SC
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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.

Eclectic Sun at Lake Jocassee

Salem, SC
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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.

Fishski Business, LLC

Seneca, SC
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Guided fishing on Lake Hartwell and Lake Jocassee with Captain Steve Pietrykowski. Hartwell is a great choice for families or even a corporate outing. Multiple fishing boats for large groups can be arranged. Captain Steve offers day and night guided fishing on Lake Jocassee, which is the only major lake in South Carolina that has an abundant trout population.

Jocassee Charters

Salem, SC
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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 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

Salem, SC
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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

Salem, SC
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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

Salem, SC
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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

Salem, SC
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Craft beer taproom and music/event venue. On-site brewery coming soon! Wine, craft sodas, light appetizers. Dog (leashed) and kid (supervised) friendly.

Jocassee Wild Naturalist Introduction

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.