Keowee Toxaway State Park
Keowee Toxaway State Park is an overlooked gem of a park on the northernmost section of Lake Keowee. While the rest of Lake Keowee shoreline is developed, Keowee Toxaway State Park is a small undeveloped area tucked between The Cliffs and the Jocassee Gorges Management Area. Admission is free, and there are 5.5 miles of hiking trails and 24 low-cost camping sites. Ten sites are standard paved sites with water and power for RVs (maximum 40 ft) or tent camping. There is a central restroom facility and a dump station. There are 14 additional non-powered tent sites with central water and three special backcountry campsites.
Keowee Toxaway State Park also has the Keowee Lakeside Cabin. It is a modern, completely furnished, 3-bedroom house with a large porch overlooking the lake.
Keowee Toxaway State Park has the most affordable lakeside camping on Lake Keowee.
Paddle-in Campsites and Camping at Lake Keowee
Our favorite thing about Keowee Toxaway State Park is the three backcountry campsites and a group camping area. The backcountry campsites are only a 2-mile hike. Or, a 0.5-mile paddle!
That’s right, Lake Keowee has three campsites that are on the lake and are accessible only by boat or hike. It is one of the easiest overnight paddle destinations in the Carolinas. Grab your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and go!
Each campsite has full shade and space for 6 people and your pets. There are no amenities except for a fire ring. Pack it in. Pack it out. TS-3 is our favorite. Even when other places are full, these paddle-in campsites (or hike-in) are often available.
Check availability and make your reservations through the South Carolina State Park reservation website.
If you are looking for a similar, but more remote camping experience, check out our digital guidebook for an overnight paddling trip on Lake Jocassee. It is our favorite adventure in the area, and we even tell you how to camp for free. Read more about the Lake Jocassee Paddling Adventure Guides Notes or download the guidebook now.
Additional Lake Keowee Camping Options
The following Lake Keowee campgrounds and RV parks have lakeside camping and access to the lake with full campground facilities (showers, toilets, swimming beaches, playgrounds, boat ramps, kayak rentals, and recreation facilities).
Mile Creek Park Campground
The Pickens County Mile Creek Campground has 69 campsites and 10 lakefront cabins. All campsites have water and power hook-ups with either paved or gravel pads. There are also 2 tent-only campsites. All of the campsites have waterfront views, and almost all of the sites are lakeside. It is a popular place for Lake Keowee camping. Reservations can be made through the Reserve America Mile Creek Park website.
High Falls County Park
In the middle of Lake Keowee, near the highway 183 bridge, is the Oconee County High Falls Park. High Falls is a small park (46 acres), and the camping area is closed during winter (mid-November through February). There are 91 campsites, and 10 of the campsites (sites 8-17) have waterfront views. Almost all campsites have water and electric hook-ups and are suitable for RV or tent camping. You can look at all of the sites on the Oconee County website and make reservations through the Reserve America High Falls Park website.
South Cove County Park
At the southernmost end of Lake Keowee is the small South Cove County Park. It is a 48-acre park with a 15-acre peninsula for camping. It is only 10 miles from Clemson University and is another popular location for Lake Keowee camping. There are 86 campsites with water and power that are suitable for RV or tent camping. Most campsites have limited shade, but 41 of the 86 campsites are waterfront. You can check the availability of campsites and make reservations at the Reserve America South Cove County Park website.
Finally, the privately run Crooked Creek RV Park is located in West Union, SC on the western shores of Lake Keowee.
Unless you know someone with a house on Lake Keowee, those are all of your options for camping on Lake Keowee. If you have any other ideas or feedback, please get in touch!