Outdoors
Opportunities galore for exploring outdoors…
In Oconee County, SC the great outdoors includes access to 200+ miles of trails, 29 waterfalls, 200,000 acres of Sumter National Forest, 4 lakes, 4 state parks and 3 county parks!
Travel Tip:
ARRIVE EARLY
Especially if you are coming to enjoy a day on Lake Jocassee or Lake Keowee.
Parking at lake public access points is limited.
Devils Fork State Park–the only public access for Lake Jocassee–is a very popular destination. Depending on the season, the parking lot gets full early in the day. If you’re not there by 9:30AM, you will likely be turned away.
Roads near Lake Keowee have been experiencing heavy traffic. We strongly discourage parking in private neighborhoods along the lake.
Note: The restaurants listed below offer outside seating.
Clemson Lake Rentals
Seneca, SC
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Three vacation rental homes on Lake Hartwell near Clemson University. The homes are perfect for football weekends, wedding events, work related travel, spoiling your special student or just visiting your favorite alma mater.
Clemson Marina
A full-service marina located on Lake Hartwell directly across the lake from Clemson University. Service center with a Master Certified Mechanic on staff. They offer pontoon boat rentals, as well as wet and dry stack storage. The Grill at Clemson Marina features outdoor dining and a unique tailgating experience for the college football season.
Crooked Creek RV Park
Campground located on Lake Keowee. They have 97 RV sites with full hookup. Their marina has a full menu with docks and gas.
Amenities: 24 Hour Security, ATM Machine, Fax Service, Golf Cart Rentals, Camp Store, Picnic Tables at Each Site, Heated and Air Conditioned Bath Houses, Clean Facilities with Individual Rooms, Handicap Facilities Laundry, Swimming Pool, Kiddie Pool, Lake Keowee Beach Area, Fishing.
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.
East Fork Trail
Mountain Rest, S
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Beginning at the picnic area adjacent to the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery, this 2.5-mile trail is an easy hike along the bank of the scenic, fast moving east fork of the Chattooga River. The trail will take you down to the river. Beginning or ending the hike at Burrell’s Ford adds an additional 2.1 miles.
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.
Ellicott Rock Wilderness
South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia
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Ellicott Rock Wilderness was established by Congress in 1975. Encompassing 8.296 acres, this wilderness spreads across the corners of SC, NC, and GA. It also straddles the 15,432-acre Chattooga River Wild and Scenic Corridor. The steep terrain of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness offers numerous mountains and waterfalls to explore. There are several access points where you can enter the wilderness area including Burrell’s Ford Rd. & the Foothills Trail off Hwy. 107 in Mountain Rest, SC.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Now open! Located on Lake Keowee, this hotel is close to historic downtown and minutes from Clemson University. Duke Energy, Itron, Borg Warner and other companies are nearby.
Fall Creek Falls
Multiple falls range from 30 to 40 ft. within a 1-mile stretch. A long, steep, but not dangerous 2-mile hike made more difficult during spring and summer by foliage. Best viewing is in winter. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.82246 W 083.25079
Fishski Business, LLC
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.
Foothills Trail
This National Recreation Trail has its southern terminus in Oconee State Park and extends to the north and east for 77 miles. Sections very in length and difficulty. Day-hikers can access the trail from different points; thru-hikers can spend a week backcountry hiking on the trail. Maintained by the Foothills Trail Conservancy.
Forest Spring Family Campground
A well-kept campground surrounded by peaceful serenity that offers 30 spacious campsites. Daily, weekly and monthly campsites all with full hook-ups either 30 AMP or 50 AMP. Handicapped-accessible heated bathhouse, free WiFi, playground, sites have fire pit and picnic table, exercise room, Camp Store. Also available: 9 rustic cabins that are furnished and handicapped-accessible to sleep 1-4 people.
