Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee is a public state park in South Carolina near Salem. Spanning 622 acres and established in 1990, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | South Carolina |
| Nearest City | Salem |
| Park Size | 622 acres |
| Established | 1990 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.8/5 (1000 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Lake Jocassee is located near Salem, South Carolina. The park’s coordinates are 34.9529, -82.9476.
Things to Do
South Carolina state parks stretch from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Lowcountry coast, offering remarkable ecological diversity. Activities include hiking through misty mountain forests and along dramatic waterfall trails, swimming at Lake Jocassee and warm Atlantic beaches, kayaking through blackwater cypress swamps and tidal salt marshes, fishing for bass in piedmont reservoirs and redfish in coastal creeks, camping in Spanish moss-draped settings, biking the Palmetto Trail, bird watching for painted buntings and bald eagles, and exploring antebellum plantations and Revolutionary War battlefields.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are ideal for most South Carolina parks, with comfortable temperatures and manageable humidity. Summer (June–August) brings intense heat and humidity inland, though coastal and mountain parks offer relief. The Upstate mountain parks stay 10-15°F cooler. Winter is mild, especially along the coast, making it excellent for hiking and birding without summer crowds. Wildflowers peak in April, and fall color in the mountains arrives in late October.
Visitor Tips
Most South Carolina state parks charge a modest admission fee of $3-$8 per adult (children under 5 free). An annual pass ($99.95) covers unlimited visits. Camping and cabin reservations can be made through southcarolinaparks.com. The state park system is known for excellent cabin and lodge accommodations. Insect repellent is essential in Lowcountry and swamp parks, especially from May through September.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit South Carolina state parks?
Most South Carolina state parks charge $3-$8 per adult for admission. Children under 5 are free. An annual pass costs $99.95 and covers unlimited visits to all parks.
What are the best state parks for waterfalls in South Carolina?
Top waterfall parks include Table Rock (Carrick Creek Falls), Caesars Head (Raven Cliff Falls — tallest in SC), Jones Gap (connected waterfalls), and Wildcat Wayside. Many are in the Blue Ridge escarpment area.
Can I kayak at South Carolina state parks?
Yes, many parks offer excellent kayaking including the blackwater rivers at Congaree, coastal paddling at Hunting Island and Edisto Beach, and mountain lake kayaking at Table Rock and Devils Fork.
What is the best time to visit South Carolina state parks?
Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer the best conditions. Summer is very hot inland but great for coastal parks. Winter is mild, especially along the coast, and ideal for hiking without crowds.
Explore More South Carolina State Parks
Lake Jocassee is one of many outstanding state parks in South Carolina. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in South Carolina guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Lake Jocassee — 7,565 acres of crystal-clear mountain lake in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge — fed by multiple waterfalls that cascade directly into the lake. Water visibility reaches 25+ feet. The lake’s cold, deep water and mountain forest support brown and rainbow trout, bald eagles, and black bears. Oconee bells — a rare wildflower found nowhere else on earth — bloom along the shoreline.
Nearby Attractions
Salem — adjacent. Devils Fork SP — on the lake. Whitewater Falls — 15 miles north — the highest waterfall east of the Rockies (411 ft). Table Rock SP — 15 miles south.
