The biggest playground in the Palmetto State, Lake Jocassee, is 7,500 acres and, in places, is 300 feet deep. The minute you arrive at this mountain reservoir, you’ll be impressed as this is the bluest, clearest lake in South Carolina. But, what all can you do at Lake Jocassee in South Carolina? Is it really one of the best and clearest lakes in South Carolina?
When Jocassee Gorges was filled in with water in the early 1970s, it is likely no one knew just how clear the waters would become.
Facebook/South Carolina State Parks
Lingering just beneath the surface is what remains of the ghost village of Jocassee.
Google Maps/Caroline B A look into Lake Jocassee in South Carolina and you’ll find buildings that weren’t moved. The waters even covered the site of Mt. Carmel Church, made famous for its use in the movie “Deliverance.” As you visit the clearest lake in South Carolina, a marker for Jocassee Town stands in memory of the now underwater ghost town. Locals and visitors alike welcome the reminder of the past as they enjoy the present in and on the lake.
The best access to Lake Jocassee can be found in Devils Fork State Park in Salem. The mountain spring-fed lake offers much in the way of outdoor recreation. A licensed vendor leases watercraft from the park. Hop in a kayak and explore all of the wonders along the shore of this colossal water playground.
Google Maps/Kevin Rogers
A beach found within the park doles out amazing mountain views while you soak up the sun — and cool off in the chilling waters of the spring-fed lake.
Google Maps/Julia Maslyanchuk
Or, if you prefer, you can just hop on your raft and float around the swimming area. Either way, you can enjoy this mountain paradise while getting some R&R.
Google Maps/Layla Warren
Many spots around the lake have crystalline waters. It is no wonder this is known as one of the clearest lakes in South Carolina.
Google Maps/Tabitha Dennis
One of the crystalline lagoons is located just a short hike along the lake.
Trover/Chelsea Rosen
Since the lake is fed by springs and runoff from the surrounding mountains, there are many waterfalls located around the lake’s edges. Do you want to take a tour of all the secret waterfalls around the lake that are only accessible by boat? You can! Some local tour companies offer daily runs all over the lake and in a variety of tour options.
Google Maps/Captain Jocassee
If you decide there is much more you want to do at this swimming lake in South Caorlina, you can always bring the camper, or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can tote your gear down to one of the tent sites near the water’s edge.
Google Maps/Bill McAndrew
Whatever you decide, you’re sure to have the best beach day at Lake Jocassee in South Carolina!
Danielle Watson/Google Local
No matter how much time you spend at or on Lake Jocassee in South Carolina, it is time well spent! The perfect staycation is waiting for you at the clearest lake in South Carolina. When can you go?
Facebook/South Carolina State Parks
Google Maps/Caroline B
A look into Lake Jocassee in South Carolina and you’ll find buildings that weren’t moved. The waters even covered the site of Mt. Carmel Church, made famous for its use in the movie “Deliverance.” As you visit the clearest lake in South Carolina, a marker for Jocassee Town stands in memory of the now underwater ghost town. Locals and visitors alike welcome the reminder of the past as they enjoy the present in and on the lake.
Google Maps/Kevin Rogers
Google Maps/Julia Maslyanchuk
Google Maps/Layla Warren
Google Maps/Tabitha Dennis
Trover/Chelsea Rosen
Google Maps/Captain Jocassee
Google Maps/Bill McAndrew
Danielle Watson/Google Local
Devils Fork State Park is the only public access to Lake Jocassee. Devils Fork State Park is open on a first-come, first-served basis. When the park reaches capacity, you’ll be directed to another park. For this reason, during the summer months, it’s especially important to get to the park as early as possible. Click here to learn more about this state park’s hours, fees, policies, and more.
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Address: Lake Jocasse, South Carolina 29676, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
clearest lake in South Carolina June 03, 2021 Courtnie Erickson How can I prepare for my trip to Lake Jocassee in South Carolina? Lake Jocassee is the clearest lake in South Carolina and the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. However, to have a memorable and incredible experience, you want to come to the lake prepared. A few tips to prepare you for your trip to some of the clearest water in South Carolina include:
Safety must be a priority. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen. If swimming, kayaking, or simply spending time in the water, bring life jackets for every member of your family. There are no roped-off swimming areas or lifeguards on duty. Lake Jocassee is one of the most popular swimming lakes in South Carolina and it can become crowded very quickly. It is best to arrive early at the lake to find the ideal location. Plus, if the park reaches capacity, you may be directed to another park. Bring plenty of snacks and lots of water. Even though you are in the water all day, it is easy to become dehydrated. If you own kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, etc., bring them along. While Lake Jocassee is one of the best swimming lakes in South Carolina, it is also the perfect water to enjoy these vessels. If you don’t own any watercraft devices of your own, don’t worry. There are rentals at the lake or you can take a tour. If you truly want to see all that the clearest lake in South Carolina has to offer, sign up for a tour from a local company. The best tours will take you to some incredible waterfalls and show you a part of Lake Jocassee in South Carolina that you might have missed. Do your research to find the best tour company for your needs and wants. Each company typically offers different tour options.
What’s the prettiest lake in South Carolina? Lake Jocassee is certainly the clearest lake in South Carolina, and one of the prettiest. Other stunning bodies of water in The Palmetto State include Lake Marion (the state’s largest lake, in fact), Lake Moultrie, and Lake Murray!
The OIYS Visitor Center
clearest lake in South Carolina
June 03, 2021
Courtnie Erickson
How can I prepare for my trip to Lake Jocassee in South Carolina? Lake Jocassee is the clearest lake in South Carolina and the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. However, to have a memorable and incredible experience, you want to come to the lake prepared. A few tips to prepare you for your trip to some of the clearest water in South Carolina include:
Safety must be a priority. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen. If swimming, kayaking, or simply spending time in the water, bring life jackets for every member of your family. There are no roped-off swimming areas or lifeguards on duty. Lake Jocassee is one of the most popular swimming lakes in South Carolina and it can become crowded very quickly. It is best to arrive early at the lake to find the ideal location. Plus, if the park reaches capacity, you may be directed to another park. Bring plenty of snacks and lots of water. Even though you are in the water all day, it is easy to become dehydrated. If you own kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, etc., bring them along. While Lake Jocassee is one of the best swimming lakes in South Carolina, it is also the perfect water to enjoy these vessels. If you don’t own any watercraft devices of your own, don’t worry. There are rentals at the lake or you can take a tour. If you truly want to see all that the clearest lake in South Carolina has to offer, sign up for a tour from a local company. The best tours will take you to some incredible waterfalls and show you a part of Lake Jocassee in South Carolina that you might have missed. Do your research to find the best tour company for your needs and wants. Each company typically offers different tour options.
What’s the prettiest lake in South Carolina? Lake Jocassee is certainly the clearest lake in South Carolina, and one of the prettiest. Other stunning bodies of water in The Palmetto State include Lake Marion (the state’s largest lake, in fact), Lake Moultrie, and Lake Murray!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lake Jocassee is the clearest lake in South Carolina and the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. However, to have a memorable and incredible experience, you want to come to the lake prepared. A few tips to prepare you for your trip to some of the clearest water in South Carolina include:
- Safety must be a priority. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen. If swimming, kayaking, or simply spending time in the water, bring life jackets for every member of your family. There are no roped-off swimming areas or lifeguards on duty.
- Lake Jocassee is one of the most popular swimming lakes in South Carolina and it can become crowded very quickly. It is best to arrive early at the lake to find the ideal location. Plus, if the park reaches capacity, you may be directed to another park.
- Bring plenty of snacks and lots of water. Even though you are in the water all day, it is easy to become dehydrated.
- If you own kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, etc., bring them along. While Lake Jocassee is one of the best swimming lakes in South Carolina, it is also the perfect water to enjoy these vessels. If you don’t own any watercraft devices of your own, don’t worry. There are rentals at the lake or you can take a tour.
- If you truly want to see all that the clearest lake in South Carolina has to offer, sign up for a tour from a local company. The best tours will take you to some incredible waterfalls and show you a part of Lake Jocassee in South Carolina that you might have missed. Do your research to find the best tour company for your needs and wants. Each company typically offers different tour options.
What’s the prettiest lake in South Carolina?
Lake Jocassee is certainly the clearest lake in South Carolina, and one of the prettiest. Other stunning bodies of water in The Palmetto State include Lake Marion (the state’s largest lake, in fact), Lake Moultrie, and Lake Murray!
