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Established Camping

Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area, near the South Carolina border, is a fantastic destination for those who love the great outdoors. This area is perfect for tent and RV camping, offering a chance to immerse yourself in nature with stunning scenery and a variety of activities.

Visitors rave about the opportunities for kayaking and hiking, with trails that wind through beautiful forests and lead to breathtaking waterfalls. One camper described the water as "clean and clear," making it a great spot for those looking to enjoy a refreshing dip or a peaceful day on the lake. Just keep in mind that there’s no swim access directly from the campground.

The facilities here are basic but well-kept, featuring fire rings for cozy campfires and water hookups. While some amenities like showers and toilets are absent, this adds to the rustic charm of the area. Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere, especially during less busy times, allowing for a truly secluded experience. As one reviewer noted, “It’s a very quiet area right along the foothills trail,” making it ideal for those seeking solitude.

If you’re planning to visit, be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. With its beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures, Jocassee Gorges is a great choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Location

Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.97514178032193 N
82.87074549040918 W

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Connectivity

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    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Electric Hookups
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2020

Not big rig friendly

Lots of opportunities for kayaking, hiking. Not an easy place for first timers to get into. No swim access to the lake. Small campground loop. Forested and moderately strenuous hiking trails.

  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Candy H., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Candy H., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Candy H., September 21, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2020

Words Truly Can’t Describe

We are from TN, but my family has lived in the Upstate area for a long time. My family just recently found out about this place a few years ago. Well this was our first time out on the water and wow it was beautiful. Clean and clear water like we haven’t experienced before. Beautiful water falls! Also Nicely taken care of facilities! We couldn’t have asked for a better place to spend our visit. We plan to bring our camper in the future and explore all this area has to offer.

  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Benjamin C., July 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Benjamin C., July 17, 2020
  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Benjamin C., July 17, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 25, 2019

Amazing scenery and waterfalls

This small primitive campsite is located near the NC side of Jocassee. A lot of people hike in to these campsites via the foothills trail but it’s a very long hike so we carefully boated in from the Devil’s fork side. There’s no water spigots, bathrooms, or amenities other than a fire ring, and cell service is spotty so this is truly a down-to-basics getaway. It’s one of the most beautiful areas and we love Jocassee for its amazing scenery- very little houses, it’s a deep cold lake and the cleanest lake in SC. There are so many gorgeous waterfalls on the lake! They have a bridge crossing over the river, but you can also fish in the river. They also allow hunting. It’s a very quiet area right along the foothills trail and I highly recommend camping here, or even just staying the day!

  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Erica , May 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Erica , May 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Erica , May 25, 2019
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2018

Favorite Spot

There are so many campsite available through Jocassee. Currently my favorite campsites lie off of the Canebrake Trail and connect with the Foothills Trail. My family and I mainly hike to the first-come-first-serve campsites but there are also a lot of boaters tying off at the shoreline. It features two bridges and a waterfall/river. The reservable campsites right across from the concession building on the other side of the lake are also well kept and are considered drive-in which is useful if you plan to stay only a few days, but they are too close to one another for my taste. I would recommend reserving campsites plenty of time ahead as it gets filled up quickly, especially on holidays and during the summer.

  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Maggie J., October 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Maggie J., October 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area by Maggie J., October 23, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2018

Enjoyable and secluded

My only complaint was that the grounds could have been cleaner but I’m sure part of the blame is on the poor weathers we have been having for the past few weeks. Fortunately for us the poor weather also scared off fellow campers so we ended up being the only ones in sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots in the Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area?

Camping spots in Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area are available in several locations. Popular primitive campsites can be found along the Canebrake Trail where it connects with the Foothills Trail. Additional campsites are located near the North Carolina side of Lake Jocassee. These sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Many visitors access shoreline campsites by boat, particularly the more remote sites. The area features both hiking-accessible sites and shoreline locations where boaters can tie off and camp.

Do I need reservations for camping at Lake Jocassee?

Most camping sites in the Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area operate on a first-come, first-serve basis without reservations. This is particularly true for the primitive campsites along hiking trails and shoreline areas. The area can be less crowded during poor weather conditions, offering more solitude. For the best chance at securing a spot, arriving early, especially on weekends and during peak season, is recommended. Check with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for the most current information regarding any policy changes.

What hiking trails are available in the Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area?

The Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area offers several hiking options with varying difficulty levels. The Foothills Trail is a major route through the area, connecting to other paths like the Canebrake Trail. These trails provide access to remote campsites and stunning lake views. The hiking terrain is primarily forested and can be moderately strenuous, making it somewhat challenging for beginners. Trails lead to scenic waterfall views, with some routes extending quite far—hikers accessing campsites from the Foothills Trail should be prepared for potentially long treks.

What should I know about the Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area regulations?

Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area is a primitive wilderness experience with minimal facilities. Campsites typically have fire rings but no water spigots, bathrooms, or other amenities. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply—the area should be kept clean, and all trash must be carried out. Swimming access to the lake may be limited in some areas. Boating is permitted and provides access to remote campsites and waterfalls. The terrain can be challenging for first-time visitors, so proper preparation is essential. For complete and current regulations, contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before your visit.