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.
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 Falls RV Park
Campground located on the shores of Lake Keowee. Beach area, pavilion, hiking and golf cart trails, playground and fishing ponds. Monthly and yearly rentals (no short-term weekend or daily rentals).
Keowee Fishing Service, LLC
Seneca, SC
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Lake Keowee guided fishing, half and full day trips. On-the-water education, training, and information about Lake Keowee bass fishing. Trips for beginners to advanced anglers. Also offering electronics setup and configuration for Garmin Livescope. All trips hosted by Charles, N&C Marine Pro Staff member and tournament angler.
Keowee Luxury Cottages
Seneca, SC
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Keowee Luxury Cottages are two cozy cottages located on the shores of Lake Keowee in South Carolina. Each cottage features 3 spacious bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a private deck, and a beautiful view of the lake. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation!
Keowee Outdoors
Retail store offering tackle, camping, water toys, lake supplies, clothing and more. Their sister company, Southern Outlaw Adventures, offers guide services on the lake.
Keowee Sailing Club
A cruising and racing sail club on Lake Keowee in view of the Blue Ridge escarpment. They engage in sail boat racing, pleasure cruising, skill building, social functions, and maintenance of their club,
King Creek Falls
This 70 ft. tumble through a laurel-choked gorge is one of the best to view. Easy to moderate 30-minute hike that is sometimes slippery. Trail is well marked, with restrooms at the trail head. Family friendly beautiful sight. Kids can play in the pool at the base of the falls. You can hike the look and view the river. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.97128 W 083.11465
Lake Hartwell State Park
Just off of I-85, at the South Carolina-Georgia border, you’ll find Lake Hartwell State Park. Thanks to 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell, fishing in this area is renowned by anglers across the state. Attractions: Unique Single Room Camper Cabins, 128 Camping Sites, 1 Picnic Shelter Building, 2 Boat Ramp, Basketball Court, Swimming and Hiking.
