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.

Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area

Sunset, SC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Sunset, SC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Sunset

The Best Camping Near Sunset, South Carolina

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. 

Enjoyable and secluded

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.

Favorite Spot

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!


Amazing scenery and waterfalls

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. 

Words Truly Can’t Describe

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. 

Photos of Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area

Real photos from real campers