Devils Fork State Park Campground

The best campground I've stayed at in SC! So much to do and the lake is like none other. Crystal clear water (think scuba dive clear~honestly) expansive Mountain View's as well as clean bathrooms with hot showers! Water sports rentals available on site. Spent four nights, could have stayed for four more. Hiking in the Jocassee Gorge is literally 30 minutes away via the foothills trail. Had a blast! 

Absolutely perfect!

This hidden gem is a few miles off a major highway but well worth the journey. I would consider it among my top ten 'near a lake' spots in the entire US. It's right beside Lake Jocassee, which is a marvelous location for any type of watersports.
If you're a scuba diver, it gets even better. This area has an active dive community and there are quite a few great dive sites in the lake, including the remains of structures that were submerged when the dam was built.
If you do come here, there aren't many stores really close by, so outfit and buy groceries before driving on it. That way, all you have to worry about is all the water-driven fun you'll be having.

Off the Beaten Path but Well Worth It!

Great camping and beautiful water. This open mountain lake is full of hidden coves with white sand beaches, there's also cliff jumping and great fishing. Our four legged children agree that its the best lake in the south east!

Lake Jocassee

I've camped/visited Devil's Fork State Park numerous times, and each time has been amazing. There are few places in the southeast that are as beautiful as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee!

The first time I visited, we reserved a drive-up campsite, which had an on-site fresh water pump and electricity hookup (although we didn't use it). The second time, we went with one of the hike-in campsites, which are a little closer to the water. The hike-in sites are still very close to the parking lot, so they aren't too "rustic" compared to other campgrounds I've been to. The hike-in sites have access to a community fresh water pump. The drive-up sites are arranged in a loop, with a central bathroom/shower/laundry facility available 24/7. I believe there are about 4 toilet stalls, 2 sinks, and 2-3 showers. It's also nice that it is heated in winter! The laundry facility has washer and dryers which you can pay for with quarters. I don't remember there being any detergent, etc., available for use, so if you plan on using these, be sure to bring your own. We had no intention of doing laundry during our stay, but we were immensely grateful for the dryers after all of our clothing and sleeping bags were soaked in an overnight rainstorm! 

The people who work at the Devil's Fork ranger station are so friendly and accommodating. We were running late on one trip, but called ahead, and they had no problem leaving the gate open for us and allowing up to check in early the next morning. Plus, they had great recommendations on what to do and see during our stay, and their gift shop sold several things (such as firewood) that could come in handy if you forget to bring your own!

We rented our kayaks from the Jocassee Outdoor Center (http://www.jocasseeoutdoorcenter.com/), which we've had terrific experiences with. Their prices were affordable, they are very friendly and knowledgable, and they delivered our kayaks to the Devil's Fork docks in advance. Be sure to ask for their map of waterfalls in the area! They are really beautiful, although I'd recommend checking the water levels first, if possible. :) 

Jocassee itself is absolutely beautiful. The clear waters contrasting with the rocky and red clay shores looks like a natural wonder from another planet...not like something you'd find in South Carolina! Water sports are great here, as is fishing and swimming. Even just walking along the shores offers beautiful views and is somewhat challenging at the rockier parts. Because it is a smaller campground, the large lake never feels too crowded. Jocassee is a man-made lake, and there is actually a small town at the bottom of it. Those who are scuba-certified can scuba dive down to the town and explore old churches, school houses, and even cemeteries, which I'm sure is a unique experience (although I've never done it myself).

All in all, Lake Jocassee and Devil's Fork State Park are truly jewels of the southeast and should not be missed! 

Lake Jocasse is one of the most beautiful spots in the Southeast

Took a weekend trip with two friends and stayed at campsite #06. The sites are pretty close to each other so it's not like backcountry camping, but it's fun and friendly.

A little pricey, but a GREAT spot to camp

Beautiful lake, this is where the movie Deliverence was filmed. Crystal clear water, waterfalls, camping sites you need a boat to get to. Main campsite is neat a well kept. Check-in was fast. Two hiking trails one is one mile the other is two and 1/2 miles. Three boat ramps 2 for motorized and one for non-motorized. Miles of shoreline to explore.. Two Dive Shops and great country store for supplies.

Devils Fork S P Lake Jocassee

We had a great time camping and touring the lake. The tent sites are tiered on a hill;so, most sites have a great view of the lake. They have kayaks for rent. Lake Jacossee boat tours launches from the park boat ramp. The pontoon boat tour was a great way to see all the waterfalls. The park was clean and we'll maintained and the bathrooms were fairly new.

Beautiful Lakeview Camping 

We weren't even able to do everything there is to do here, and my children still keep asking when we are going back! It's everyone's favorite now!

My family's favorite 

I arrived at sunset just as the fog was lifting off the lake. The clouds were reflected in the still water. I found my campsite and hooked up my RV only to find that there was a path leading down to a private beach right behind my site. I sat on logs alone watching the nightfall and listening to the lapping waves. It was the perfect way to end a long day.

Serene lake front park

We spent part of our honeymoon here and had a wonderful time

relaxing

A favorite RV style camping spot, where we bring out all the toys: Hobie sailing/paddlig/peddling... to a cove for mighty fine swimming. This year we will add a couple inflatable kayaks to the mix for friends. We love the views whether in tents or glamping. Don't miss the rare Oconee Bells wildflowers in March! Nearby dayhiking or backpacking the Foothills, take a boat rental across the lake, fish, or visit nearby Dupont State Forest. It's all here!

Why go to the coast for beach when you have real views here?

This is one of my favorite campgrounds so far. Plenty of trees help shade the sites and give more of a feeling of privacy. Our site (34) and the adjacent sItes were a short walk to a nice sandy alcove on the lake, perfect for a dip or float. We rented kayaks for the day to explore some small waterfalls and shallow caves. The facilities were clean for a public park. 

Lovely lakeside camping

This is a wonderful spot to access the absolutely gorgeous Lake Jocassee. There are some fantastic places to swim connected to the campground. The tent spots are by far the best and just a short walk in from the parking area. There is a place to rent kayaks and canoes within the campground.

Great place for swimming and kayaking

The park is very nice with a lot of good sized camp sites and tent sites closer to the lake. The lake is beautiful and clear. I highly recommend visiting and staying for a while.

Favorite Park in the upstate!

We had a great time.  We had reserved a walk-in tent sight and absoulty loved it. Even though there were camp sites next to us they were far enough away to give a little privacy and just far enough in the woods to give you the feeling of being away from everything. It was a great couple of day sour view from the camp site. 

A great.time

Beautiful lake campground 

This lake was beautiful. Great views of lake and mountains. The water was warm in October. Site #27 was good. Some sites were unlevel and on a steep grade and close with minimal greenery between.  The walk-in tent sites were excellent. All sites had table, fire ring, lantern hook, and a gravel tent pad in addition to paved site. Most of the sites were shaded. Bathrooms were good with a big laundry area. There weren't really any paths to bathroom so it would be difficult in the dark if you were further away. We took a waterfall boat tour which was excellent.  There are several paths to get to lake from different spots in campground. Which are like a private beach area. This park/campground is very busy on weekends but Sunday night it emptied out. Bring your boat, floats, kayaks, canoes. There is not much in area outside park. There was a Dollar General store within 15 minutes. The park store was well stocked with many items. Park staff were not that friendly. There are several boat ramps in park. Divers also use this lake since the lake is clear. 

A water lovers dream

Definitely one of our favorite state park! Super clean, wooded, and right on the lake. 

Hidden Gem

This place is simply outstanding! The lake is amazing and it is called the Caribbean of South Carolina for a reason. Besides the excellent campgrounds and facilities we had the pleasure of renting a pontoon boat and taking it out for the day. The lake itself is clear in certain parts. It was really fun playing around the waterfall. The only thing about this park is that you have to book your stay quite a while in advance as it is a very popular place.

Outstanding!

Beautifully located on Lake Jocassee!  Camp sites paved, wooded and nicely spaced. Bathhouses are clean. The lake is gorgeous. Boat ramp and trailer parking. Kayak rentals available. 

Great location!

The park was an excellent diversion for the day. On Lake Jocassee, the water is clear and relatively cool, compared to nearby lake hart well. The swimming area is not very easily accessible, and the entry to the water is very rocky.  It was nice to have a roped off area boats weren’t allowed in. There are canoe and kayak rentals, and even a pump for blowing up inflatables. The grassy areas are rife with goose poop, but that’s part of the charm, I suppose. We plan to explore more next time!

Family Day Trip 

We had a wonderful time camping at Devil's Fork State Park. Our group took up rustic tent sites T1, T3, and T5. On the map, these sites seem not ideal, as they are not on the water. However, they are more isolated, more wooded (plenty of trees for hammocking), and seemingly larger than the other tent sites. They are a short walk from the tent-camper parking area, a short walk from the two water spigots in the parking area, and a short walk from the restrooms. The bonus is that, behind sites T1 and T3, is a jumping rock into a gorgeous cove of Lake Jocassee with beautiful blue-green water. It's a great place to enjoy kayaks, rafts, and other inflatables. 

  

While site T13 books up quick because of its waterfront location on the point, the walk from the parking lot is no joke. 

  

Notes about the rustic tent sites: They have been recently renovated. Each has a picnic table and a fire ring. Only 1 vehicle is allowed to park, per site, unless you pay for the extra vehicle and park in the overflow lot. There is no electricity, and two water spigots located in the parking area. The entire camping area (25 tent sites and 59 RV sites) share 2 restrooms (which were muddy and gross while we were there). No generators are allowed in the tent area. We did have a bear visit us multiple times in one night, putting teeth puncture marks in our cooler. And if the bear don't get ya, the raccoons will!

Loved it so much, we've planned another trip there!

Lake Jocassee is knows as the Caribbean of SC for good reason!  This lake is pristine - the blue-green, transparent water is gorgeous and nice and warm in September.

  

We are tent campers, so we skipped through the RV section and parked in the tent parking lot to go explore the sites.  We were pleased with the first 4 sites that presented themselves to us as we walked - but as we continued exploring - we realized WOW, these sites are phenomenal!!  

  

So a couple things to know:  You will be walking to your campsite.  If you are not thrilled with this idea, pick another park.  It is a walk - but well worth it!  The first few sites are larger than the rest - almost double sites, with more space between you and your neighbors and lots of trees for some privacy.  The lakefront sites are pretty snuggled together - but they are LAKEFRONT!  You can walk from your site - into the lake, by climbing down the rocks.  As you lay in your hammock or tent, you can hear the water lapping on the shore - it is stunning!  If you plan to arrive during daylight and get set up - you'll be fine.  The steps are marked with yellow paint - but seeing in the dark can be challenging!  

  

This park is very busy - and the line to get into the park can be at a standstill for hours.  We came on Sunday afternoon - and the campsites were all booked!  We were very disappointed - but the helpful ladies at the visitor center suggested another campground nearby.  The visitor center also has a very clean bathroom and everything you could have possibly forgotten at home!!  We will surely be back to this campground!

Stunning lakefront campsites with gorgeous mountain views!  

So much for family's to do here. We stopped by to check it out on our way to another site and wished they had a spot available. We will be booking this for another time. Water is so clear. Site is so clean.

Wow! Great Family Campsite!

We were able to reserve site 40 and it was the most beautiful site avaliable at the campground. There is a trail to the lake, where you can access water and it made us feel like we were in our private small beach. There were staff cleaning restrooms regularly, showers had great pressure! You can rent kayaks or paddle boards at the campground. We loved the experience and will definitely be back.

Beautiful place 

Jocassee state park in Devils Fork is awesome for the family! Lots of water activities. The area is clean. We had an awesome stay!

Beautiful water view! Visit jocassee state park

I title it Lake Jocassi because this is the main attraction here.  One of the countries most beautiful lakes (personal opinion).  
Plenty of room between your RV and the neighbors, clean and heated bathhouses.  

Looking glass mountain is the photo.  


Lake Jocassi 

This is a very popular destination.  So, the campground was pretty loud and crowded at night until the lights out call.  The lake views with the mountains in the background are perfect.  Tad cool in the evenings, which would be perfect in the hot months.  We learned that the other campground loop has a quick path down to the lake and playground.  Will stay on that side next time.  Park store was stocked well.

Loud but Beautiful

This is Carolina?! 

Excellent tent camping for family. I came with my pregnant wife, my 10 month old baby, my brother and my sister in law. It was such a great experience, amazing place. Definitely worth the experience. 

Tent camping

The hike in tent sites are excellent. The walk is well worth the work, ive heard the boat in sites are even better. We camped in January and it was cold enough to surprise us with snow a few nights but warm enough for t shirts in the afternoon. Bring extra gear. The fishing from shore is decent but to get the good trout and such you really need a boat. The camp store has pretty good provisions but not everything you may need. TIP: town is a ways away- stop at the Engels market on the way
 There is a bunch of wild life, put your food stuff in a tree.  The views from a few sights are phenomenal for coffee drinking 

Hiking trails are nice- bring a boat for the best time

Well maintained with space between campsites.  Beautiful scenery with easy lake access

Very Nice

I hardly ever give a campground five stars, but for me, this one deserves five stars. It is not perfect, but which campground is? I was bouncing between four and five stars since there is no real camp store that I know of, and the tent pads are hard gravel. However, rating campgrounds is sometimes subjective. I feel, though, that this one deserves a 4.5. 

  

Except for the beach area, the campground at this state park is fairly clean, and the park has taken measures to make sure people are safe from COVID-19. The restrooms and showers had tile floors and were clean. The staff members that I encountered were friendly and gave me the information I needed to know. There are two tenting areas and another area for RVs and tents, which provide water and electricity. We chose to be close to the water, however, and the walk from the car to the tent sites are no more than a hundred yards or so. Our site didn’t have water, but it was close. Electricity was not a concern since we have lanterns and the evenings this time of year are not hot. I loved the different framed-in gravel levels at the site we chose. This gave us more room for our tent and for other gear. Lower down at our tent site, there was a place for us to sit and enjoy the lake. This was especially great since it was almost a full moon when we were there. 

  

There are several things to do, including hiking, but since I had my grandson, he enjoyed the water more. There is a large area to swim, but officially, there is no swim beach. I believe the park posts the signs for its own protection. There were well over a hundred people at the waterfront and many of them swimming or playing in the water. Kayaks and SUPs were available for rent for campers and for day visitors. 

  

There are several places to launch your own kayak, and there is also a boat ramp area with at least three ramps. Although the day use areas were crowded, the campground was not overly packed, especially the tent area. The RV/tent sites were a combination of pull-throughs and back-ins. Most of them were spacious enough that there were RVs and tents at the same site. I was truly impressed with the arrangement of the individual campsites, although I thought they were a little too close to each other. 

  

Overall, the campground at this state park is in good condition, and its proximity to Lake Jocassee scores bonus points for me. I would definitely recommend this campground.

Great State Park for Many Reasons

I loved this campground. It was very remote and beautiful. I loved the views and was happy with the campsite! 

Great campground! 

Stayed here during off season so was very quiet, but can only imagine how great it would be in the peak season. The lake is absolutely beautiful and they have some lovely tent sites right on the water. We went kayaking and would definitely have swam if it was warmer! so many nice hiking trails and close to the mountains. Bathrooms are clean and have hot water. No wifi at all but that didn’t bother us :)

Great stay

We loved our stay. We were in campsite 3, lake view, next to bathhouse, lake trail access right next to our site. We did the Oconee Bell Trail.  Cute little hike. Was well maintained. Bathrooms clean. Definitely will visit again. 

Great little campground 

I have been to Devils Fork state park many of times and it never disappoints. The park is not overly big and has lots to do and places to enjoy.

A Great Park!

Awesome!

The campsites may be a bit close, but the beauty of Lake Jocasse always makes me forget all about that. Bathrooms had been updated since our last visit. Very nice!

There are lots of waterfalls, accessible only by boat. Unfortunately, we went in late summer, and some of the falls were only trickles compared to a previous spring visit.

It's sometimes difficult to reserve a site at this campground. Will definitely visit again.

Nice Campground 

Our trip to Lake Jocassee at Devil's Fork was beyond anything we had imagined. The lake was beautiful! So many fun things to explore with it being so big and all by boat. Yes, if you don't have a boat, you have to rent one. But let me just say, it was not touristy at all!! We got to see and climb up the waterfalls, jump off cliffs and swing off rope swings with very few people to have to share it with. The bathrooms were very, very well maintained and they were super cute might I add. The one thing I would say is that the tent pads were a bit on the small side and not all of them are the 12x12 that I was told when chatting with the reservations lady, but we made due. The laundering facilities were very clean as well. Our was an amazing trip, we will definitely be back!