Devil's Fork State Park Lake Jocassee
Discover the Caribbean-blue waters and hidden waterfalls of Lake Jocassee at Devil's Fork State Park, a mountain paradise.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Devil's Fork State Park Lake Jocassee
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Caribbean-blue waters and hidden waterfalls of Lake Jocassee at Devil's Fork State Park, a mountain paradise.
"This lake in South Carolina has Caribbean blue water."
🚗 Arrive Before 8 AM
Parking fills up FAST on weekends! Get there early or risk being turned away.
🚤 Boat is Best
To see waterfalls & remote spots, a boat is essential. Rent one or take a tour!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal-Clear Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee
Experience the breathtaking, Caribbean-blue waters that make this lake a South Carolina gem. Perfect for swimming and boating.
Hidden Waterfalls
Lake Jocassee
Discover secluded waterfalls cascading into the lake, best accessed by boat or kayak. A true natural wonder.
Scenic Mountain Views
Devils Fork State Park
Enjoy stunning vistas of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop for your lake adventures.
Paddling Paradise
Lake Jocassee
Kayak, paddleboard, or canoe across the serene waters for an intimate connection with nature and access to hidden coves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Arrive Early!
Boat Access is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Before 8 AM
Parking fills up FAST on weekends! Get there early or risk being turned away.
🚤 Boat is Best
To see waterfalls & remote spots, a boat is essential. Rent one or take a tour!
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Great for exploring rocky shores and getting in/out of the water.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The beach area has little shade. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Before 8 AM
Parking fills up FAST on weekends! Get there early or risk being turned away.
🚤 Boat is Best
To see waterfalls & remote spots, a boat is essential. Rent one or take a tour!
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
Great for exploring rocky shores and getting in/out of the water.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The beach area has little shade. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must!
💧 Check Water Temps
For divers, understand thermal layers. Temps can vary significantly with depth.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Jocassee's stunningly clear, blue waters and the breathtaking mountain scenery. Many highlight the joy of boating, kayaking, and discovering hidden waterfalls. However, some find the beach area lacking in shade and space, and parking can be a significant issue on busy weekends, leading some to suggest a boat is essential for the full experience.
"Devils Fork State Park is the best and most visited State Park in South Carolina. Lake Jocassee oh my god!!!🥰 Water is crystal clear and fresh. We had a great time and a nice relaxing spot with families. My kids enjoyed swimming for a long time. My suggestion best time to visit is on cloudy days, especially in the summer season, for those who can't stay outside for long in summer.
Check the weather before planning to go to the park"
Amrutha
"Beautiful natural park with clear water, a lovely lake, and even some waterfalls — if you have a boat, this place is perfect. But if you're just looking for a beach day, it's probably not worth it.
The beach is small, there’s no shade, and in most other areas there’s no easy access to the water — a big downside if you're coming with kids. The water is clear though, and there’s a restroom, a small gift shop, and you can rent a kayak.
If you plan to visit on the weekend, make sure to arrive before 8 AM — closer to 7 is better — because parking is very limited and once it's full, they’ll just turn you away. We arrived at 9 AM and there were already no spots left. We ended up coming back around 6 PM — the park is open till 9, and by then no one was charging admission, so we were able to park and go in for free. However, restrooms were already closed by 8 PM.
Also, don’t expect a peaceful nature getaway — the small beach area gets noisy, people bring speakers, smoke, hang out in big groups. It just wasn’t relaxing.
If I had a boat, I’d definitely come back — but for a beach-only visit, it’s not really worth the money."
Oleksandra (Sasha)
"We went on a great boat tour with Southern Outlaw Adventures. It was 4 hours and we saw the majority of the falls and other areas of interest. It's the only way to see the lake!"
Robin G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Devil's Fork State Park is located at 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676. It's about 1.5 hours from Asheville, NC, and 1 hour from Greenville, SC.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Devil's Fork State Park. It's best to drive your own vehicle or rent a car.
The most popular ways to explore Lake Jocassee are by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Guided boat tours are highly recommended for seeing waterfalls and remote areas.
Devil's Fork State Park offers the only public access point to Lake Jocassee.
Nearby towns include Salem, SC, and Sunset, SC. For more amenities, consider staying in Greenville, SC, or Asheville, NC, though these are further drives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically $8 for adults and $5 for children. However, on Tuesdays, admission is often free.
The park is generally open until 9 PM, but facilities like restrooms may close earlier, around 8 PM. It's advisable to check the official park website for the most current hours.
While advance booking isn't always required for day entry, arriving early is crucial due to limited parking. For camping or lodging, advance reservations are highly recommended.
Yes, there is typically a fee for boat launching. It's best to check the park's official website or call ahead for current boat launch fees.
Some visitors report that after 6 PM, admission fees may not be collected, allowing for free entry and parking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, scuba diving, hiking, and camping. The park is also known for its beautiful waterfalls accessible by boat.
Yes, there is a beach area on Lake Jocassee. However, reviews suggest it can be small, crowded, and lacks shade, making it less ideal for a purely beach-focused day.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity in Lake Jocassee, especially from the beach area or from a boat. The water is known for being clear and refreshing.
While the park is primarily known for its lake access, there are opportunities for hiking, often leading to scenic viewpoints or waterfalls.
Families can enjoy swimming and boating. However, the limited shade and small beach area might be challenging for young children. Accessing waterfalls often requires a boat.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There isn't a full-service restaurant within the park itself. However, there's a small gift shop. Nearby, Sister's restaurant in Salem offers fresh breakfast and lunch.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. There are designated areas for picnicking.
The closest dining options are in the town of Salem, SC, where you can find local eateries like Sister's.
There is a small gift shop that may offer some snacks and drinks, but it's advisable to bring your own for a full day's outing.
Picnic areas are available, and some may have grills. It's best to check park regulations regarding grilling.
📸 📸 Photography
The most photogenic spots include the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee, the cascading waterfalls, and the panoramic mountain views. Sunsets over the lake are particularly stunning.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the serene beauty of the lake and mountains. Sunsets are magical.
While drones can capture incredible aerial views, be sure to check park regulations regarding drone usage. Many stunning shots can be achieved from boats or viewpoints.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain scenery. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities.
The best way to photograph the waterfalls is from a boat or kayak, allowing you to get close to the cascades. Some viewpoints might be visible from hiking trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Accessing the most spectacular waterfalls typically requires a boat, so consider renting one or booking a family-friendly boat tour for the full experience. Pack plenty of sunscreen and snacks, as shade is scarce and dining options within the park are minimal. 💰 Budget Travelers
Arriving in the late afternoon (around 6 PM) on any day might also allow you to enter without paying the admission fee, though facilities may be closed. Bringing your own food and drinks is essential, as dining options are limited and can be costly. 💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoy a sunset paddle on Lake Jocassee, where the tranquil waters and mountain backdrop create a magical ambiance. Taking a private boat tour to discover secluded waterfalls and quiet coves offers an intimate experience. Pack a picnic to enjoy on a quiet spot along the shore or on your boat for a memorable meal with a view. 🎣 Anglers & Scuba Divers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Lake Jocassee by Water
Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards directly from the park or nearby outfitters like Eclectic Sun Jocassee. For those seeking to explore further, guided boat tours are highly recommended. These tours, like those offered by Southern Outlaw Adventures, provide access to numerous hidden waterfalls that cascade directly into the lake, a sight not easily missed. Scuba diving is also a popular activity on Lake Jocassee, known for its excellent visibility and unique underwater topography.
Pro Tip: If you don't have your own boat, booking a tour in advance is wise, especially during peak season, as they can fill up quickly.
Camping and Lodging at Devil's Fork
Visitors have noted that the roads within the campground can be a bit narrow for larger campers, so be prepared for that. Waking up to the serene panorama of Lake Jocassee from your villa is an experience many rave about. Reservations for camping and lodging are highly recommended, especially for weekend visits, as these accommodations tend to book up well in advance.
The park's setting amidst the mountains adds to the tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal escape for nature lovers. Considerations: While camping offers a rustic experience, be aware that facilities like restrooms may have limited hours, particularly in the evenings.
Chasing Waterfalls: Beyond the Lake
One notable waterfall accessible from the area is Isaqueena Falls, which can be reached via a hike and is a popular stop for visitors. For those who enjoy hiking and discovering waterfalls on foot, exploring trails within or near Jocassee Gorges State Park (located in North Carolina, near Devils Fork) can lead to other beautiful cascades.
These hikes often provide a more intimate encounter with the natural environment, allowing you to appreciate the sounds and sights of flowing water up close. Important Note: Always check trail conditions and be prepared for potentially rugged terrain when hiking to waterfalls. Informing someone of your hiking plans is also a good safety practice.
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