This Lake In South Carolina Has The Clearest Most Pristine Water In The State
The biggest playground in the Palmetto State, Lake Jocassee, is 7,500 acres and, in places, is 300 feet deep. The minute you arrive at this mountain reservoir, you’ll be impressed as this is the bluest, clearest lake in South Carolina. But, what can you do at Lake Jocassee in South Carolina? Is it really one of the best and clearest lakes in South Carolina? I’d have to say yes and there’s a good chance you’ll agree!
No matter how much time you spend at or on Lake Jocassee in South Carolina, it is time well spent! The perfect staycation is waiting for you at the clearest lake in South Carolina. When can you go?
Devils Fork State Park offers the only public access to Lake Jocassee. Devils Fork State Park is open on a first-come, first-served basis. When the park reaches capacity, you’ll be directed to another park. For this reason, during the summer months, it’s especially important to get to the park as early as possible. To learn more about this state park’s hours, fees, policies, and more be sure to visit the official South Carolina State Parks website.
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More to Explore
Best Swimming Lakes in South Carolina
What are the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina?
The most beautiful lakes in South Carolina can be found throughout the state. A few you'll want to visit first include:
- Lake Keowee: Taking up a beautiful 26 miles, there's a ton to enjoy in the outdoors at this lake in both Pickens and Oconee Counties. Some people even call it the most scenic in the state.
- Tugalo Lake: Located on the border of Georgia in Oconee County, this beauty is often considered the most remote lake in South Carolina.
- Lake Jocassee: Despite having just 75 miles of shoreline, this lake is one of the most popular in the state.
Which state parks should I visit in South Carolina?
You should visit as many state parks in South Carolina as you possibly can! You can start with the following:
- Keowee Toxaway State Park, Sunset: This park is a great day trip for a variety of reasons. But we love it for its many bridges that are all worth exploring.
- Givhans Ferry State Park, Ridgeville: Located on the Edisto River, this beautiful park offers 988 acres of Lowcountry nature to explore.
- Caesars Head State Park: The largest state park in the entire state offers just about every outdoor activity you can imagine. Plan for a few days of exploration if you really want to soak it all in.
How can I prepare for my trip to Lake Jocassee in South Carolina?
Lake Jocassee is the clearest lake in South Carolina and the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. However, to have a memorable and incredible experience, you want to come to the lake prepared. A few tips to prepare you for your trip to some of the clearest water in South Carolina include:
- Safety must be a priority. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen. If swimming, kayaking, or simply spending time in the water, bring life jackets for every member of your family. There are no roped-off swimming areas or lifeguards on duty.
- Lake Jocassee is one of the most popular swimming lakes in South Carolina and it can become crowded very quickly. It is best to arrive early at the lake to find the ideal location. Plus, if the park reaches capacity, you may be directed to another park.
- Bring plenty of snacks and lots of water. Even though you are in the water all day, it is easy to become dehydrated.
- If you own kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, etc., bring them along. While Lake Jocassee is one of the best swimming lakes in South Carolina, it is also the perfect water to enjoy these vessels. If you don’t own any watercraft devices of your own, don’t worry. There are rentals at the lake or you can take a tour.
- If you truly want to see all that the clearest lake in South Carolina has to offer, sign up for a tour from a local company. The best tours will take you to some incredible waterfalls and show you a part of Lake Jocassee in South Carolina that you might have missed. Do your research to find the best tour company for your needs and wants. Each company typically offers different tour options.