The State of South Carolina is home to countless places that people flock to when it gets hot outside. The beaches are a natural choice, as are other swimming holes you’ll find inland in the Palmetto State. Additionally, our state boasts several huge lakes, including this one: Lake Jocassee.
Lake Jocassee is one of the most spectacular joint efforts between man and Mother Nature that exist in South Carolina.
TripAdvisor/Rick B In the late 1960s, Duke Energy began a project that would eventually create Jocassee Dam and fill this gorge as much as 385 feet deep with water.
The water filling Lake Jocassee comes from four Appalachian rivers that continuously pour cold mountain water into the lake.
TripAdvisor/Pamela C Evidence of those rivers can be seen all around the lake in fantastic freefalling and cascading waterfalls.
TripAdvisor/Stanley W
TripAdvisor/Elaine H
For the most part, you need a boat of some sort to get to the waterfalls.
TripAdvisor/KareeNC704 But not worries there; you can bring your own. If you don’t have a boat, then you can rent one on the lake.
TripAdvisor/explorecreate
Lake Jocassee is 7500 acres large, giving everyone plenty of room…
TripAdvisor/KareeNC704 to claim their own little piece of paradise on the water. Whether paddling alone, in a small group or cruising along in a motor boat, you’ll love the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Love to fish? Ok, maybe not for lost shoes, but…
TripAdvisor/BabyRuth3911 Jocassee is a great spot for catching your dinner. Either from the shoreline or from a boat. Either way, you can alternate between fishing and cooling off in the cool water.
This upstate oasis is known for its crystal clear water.
TripAdvisor/explorecreate
It’s definitely refreshing on a hot summer day.
TripAdvisor/Claudia K
TripAdvisor/Explorecreate
Take a break from all the swimming by taking a hike.
TripAdvisor/jrosten Several well-marked and well cleared trails are just waiting for you to explore them. Will you find the small hidden cave along the shore?
Since Lake Jocassee is effectively a reservoir, the water levels have a tendency to fluctuate.
TripAdvisor/Trish M But no matter the water level, your fun along this deep lake is hardly twarted by the lower water level. The upside to a lower water level - is more beach to claim all for yourself!
This upstate collaboration between man and Mother Nature is the perfect spot to spend a hot summer day in South Carolina. Have you been to Lake Jocassee? We’d love to hear about your experiences and see your photos in our comments!
TripAdvisor/Rick B
In the late 1960s, Duke Energy began a project that would eventually create Jocassee Dam and fill this gorge as much as 385 feet deep with water.
TripAdvisor/Pamela C
Evidence of those rivers can be seen all around the lake in fantastic freefalling and cascading waterfalls.
TripAdvisor/Stanley W
TripAdvisor/Elaine H
TripAdvisor/KareeNC704
But not worries there; you can bring your own. If you don’t have a boat, then you can rent one on the lake.
TripAdvisor/explorecreate
to claim their own little piece of paradise on the water. Whether paddling alone, in a small group or cruising along in a motor boat, you’ll love the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
TripAdvisor/BabyRuth3911
Jocassee is a great spot for catching your dinner. Either from the shoreline or from a boat. Either way, you can alternate between fishing and cooling off in the cool water.
TripAdvisor/Claudia K
TripAdvisor/Explorecreate
TripAdvisor/jrosten
Several well-marked and well cleared trails are just waiting for you to explore them. Will you find the small hidden cave along the shore?
TripAdvisor/Trish M
But no matter the water level, your fun along this deep lake is hardly twarted by the lower water level. The upside to a lower water level - is more beach to claim all for yourself!
Lake Jocassee has public access available through Devil’s Fork State Park. The park opens at 7:00 a.m.daily. There is a fee for park entrance and it’s recommended that you get there early in the day to secure entry. Once it reaches capacity, the park rangers will be kind enough to direct you to another nearby park.
Devils Fork State Park: 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676. More information here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
