Lake Jocassee Camping and Paddling Adventure (SC/NC)
Lake Jocassee Camping
Do you want to go canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping on one of the most beautiful lakes in the southern United States? Do you want to camp for free with no crowds? Are you searching for a great place to camp with your dog? Then put Lake Jocassee on your bucket list, and let’s go!
Lake Jocassee is only 1 hour from Greenville, SC, 1.5 hours from Asheville, NC, and less than 2.5 hours from either Atlanta, GA, or Charlotte, NC. At the southern end of the lake is Devils Fork State Park, at the northern end, is Gorges State Park. Unlike most lakes in the Carolinas, Lake Jocassee is almost entirely undeveloped.
Lake Jocassee Paddle-in Camping
The clear water, unspoiled coastline, and limited boat traffic make Lake Jocassee a paddler’s paradise. Did we mention that you can paddle to waterfalls that are only accessible by boat?
There are also 25 paddle-in, backcountry campsites located a short paddle across the lake from the main Devils Fork State Park campground. Everything thing that you read online will tell you that these campsites are the only option for paddle-in camping on Lake Jocassee. But there is a secret, and it’s one of our favorite things about camping on Lake Jocassee. You are not allowed to camp in most places on the lake, but there are a few exceptions. It just takes a little work and planning to figure it out.
Lake Jocassee Paddling Adventure Guide Notes Includes:
- A 25-page interactive, digital guidebook for paddling and camping adventures
- Example itineraries and alternative adventure ideas
- An overview of the natural history and cultural history of the area
- Links to resources, maps, and weather information to make planning easier
- Risk management, gear, and packing list information
- Details about permits and camping regulations
- Recommendations, tips, and more
