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.
Lake Time Watersports
Offering a brand new line-up of Yamaha VX Deluxe Skis for rental. Lake Time Watersports’ jet skis are a great family-friendly experience the kids will love! On this exhilarating ride, it’s easy to see why Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee are among the most beautiful destinations in the world. You don’t have to race across the waves or be a daredevil to have a good time. Just being on the water and enjoying the view is a thrilling adventure not to be missed!
Lakeside Lodge Clemson
New luxury lakefront condo hotel on Lake Hartwell directly across from Clemson University and the football stadium. This 189-unit condo hotel features on-site farm-to-table restaurant, miniature football field, and other great amenities to make your stay enjoyable.
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
Lee Falls
A bit hard to find, but one of Oconee’s most picturesque falls is on Tamassee Creek. No official trail makes this a challenging hike. Best visibility in wintertime. No swimming. Last 1/4 mile is difficult with lots of boulder climbing. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.89344 W 83.08131. Waterfall coordinates: N 34.89428 W 83.10191
Lighthouse Lake Keowee
Located on a quiet cove on Lake Keowee. Perfect for a special occasion or for grabbing a bite to eat off the lake. Fireside dining, a wrap-around covered patio, and upstairs seating. The Lighthouse Event Center is the perfect destination for gatherings. Whether you’re looking to host a business meeting, birthday party, wedding, anniversary or social event, The Event Center can comfortably hold up to 250 guests.
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.
Long Bottom Ford
Primitive campsites without amenities or facilities. Located approximately seven miles NW of Stumphouse Ranger Station. Turn left off Hwy. 28 onto Low Water Bridge Road. Campsite is .5 miles on left.
Long Creek Falls
A 50-foot waterfall on its namesake creek just before it flows into the Chattooga River. The 1.6 mile unofficial trail is moderately difficult and not well-marked. The last 150 ft. is very steep making it a challenge to climb out. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.77767 W 083.31212. Paddlers and rafters going down the Chattooga River can view this waterfall from the water.
Longnose Falls
Westminster, SC
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Only a few ruins of an old mill remain at the base of this beautiful waterfall. Best accessed by canoe or small boat from Lake Hartwell. Located Near Hwy. 123 at the GA/SC line. On the SC side follow River road north to the third bridge. Paddle up the creek until you reach the falls.
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.
