Lake Jocassee has known as the clearest lake in South Carolina for its crystal clear and cool waters from the Appalachian mountain rivers. It is also known for its undeveloped shoreline, and views of the Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area and surrounding mountains, and waterfalls that cascade directly into the lake.
The 7,500-acre, 300-foot deep reservoir located in northwest South Carolina was created in 1973 through a partnership with the state and Duke Power. The Jocassee dam which forms the lake is 385 feet high and 1,750 feet long.
Lake Jocassee’s water is a confluence of four rivers that constantly flow into the lake, the Whitewater River, Thompson River, Horsepasture River, and Toxaway River.
Jocassee literally means “Place of the Lost One” in Cherokee.
Access to Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee’s only public access is through Devil’s Fork State Park which resides on the southern end of the lake and it’s only 1.5 hours from Greenville, SC.
Devil’s Fork State Park is a fantastic place to visit and camp. It provides about anything you can think of for a great lake trip. There are several boat ramps, campgrounds, and hiking trails. Overnight guests can stay in a fully-furnished villa or in one of two campgrounds located near the lake. Remember to make a reservation in advance!
Recreation in Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee is a great place to make a splash. Visitors won’t run out of activities to choose from, they can go hiking in Devil’s Fork Park and other surrounding areas, kayak in the lake, swim through the waterfalls around the Jocassee Gorges, climb Sassafras mountain, or fish for trout or bass.
Check out things to do near Lake Jocassee.
Restaurants Around Lake Jocassee
- Sister’s
- Keowee Towne
- Big D’s House of BBQ
- Pat’s Cash & Carry
- Habanero’s Mexican Grill
- Subway
- The Falls Cafe and Grill
Click here to see more information about these Lake Jocassee restaurants.
Lake Jocassee Distance from Hot Spots
Lake Jocassee located in the far northwestern corner of South Carolina with a distance of about 21.5 miles north of Salem, SC, and 22.7-miles northwest of Pickens, SC is definitely one of the most beautiful and remote places on the entire East Coast.
Real Estate in Lake Jocassee
Since most of the shorelines in Lake Jocassee are undeveloped and protected, there are not a lot of lakefront real estate structures in the area. To date, there are more or less 40 homes on the entire shoreline of Lake Jocassee. Many of these real estate properties have never been sold as they have been family-owned for generations. However, one can still buy real estate a short distance from Lake Jocassee and still get a stunning view of the lake.
See Homes for Sale in Lake Jocassee
Rental Homes in Lake Jocassee
Whether you’re traveling with family or with friends you will find vacation homes or rental properties near Lake Jocassee. You will find myriads of rental opportunities ranging from family rental cottages to treehouses and cabin homes.