Things To Do

Most trips here are some mix of clear water, quiet coves, and a cooler full of reasonable ambition.

Boat to waterfalls and coves

The best Lake Jocassee days usually involve getting out onto the water and seeing the undeveloped shoreline, hidden coves, and waterfall zones that make the lake feel bigger than it is.

Start with the lake guide →

Swim, snorkel, and dive

Lake Jocassee is unusually clear for the region, which is why it stands out to swimmers, snorkelers, and divers who want better visibility than the usual Southeast lake weekend.

Warm-weather favorite

Fish for trout and bass

Jocassee is known for trout as well as bass, and the cooler water is part of what makes the lake different from easier, warmer impoundments elsewhere in the state.

License required

Kayaks, SUPs, and rentals

Not bringing your own gear is fine. Devils Fork is unusually friendly to the rent-first traveler, which helps you test whether your group actually wants a paddling-heavy day.

Good no-boat option

Walk the Oconee Bell Nature Trail

This roughly 1.5-mile loop is the easiest non-water activity in the park. In early spring, it is also the best excuse to care about the rare Oconee bell wildflower.

Best in spring

Do less, on purpose

A lot of people over-schedule this park. One of the better Devils Fork itineraries is a single water activity, a slow lunch, and enough unclaimed time to let the place work on you.

Underrated move