Now is the time to start planning an epic, unforgettable camping trip this year and you won’t find another campground quite like the Double Springs Campground found lakeside on the beautiful and pristine Lake Jocassee in Salem. This boat-in campground in South Carolina on the shore of the lake was recently renovated and is quite cozy for a truly rustic camping experience. Lake Jocassee camping is an adventure you’ll never forget.

Jocassee Gorges has been dubbed by Nat Geo as one of the last great places on earth. It's easy to see why!
Double Springs Campground:
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You may already be familiar with this big slice of paradise. But did you know there are only two public campgrounds with access to this huge lake? They're both found at Devils Fork State Park!
Firstly, there's the standard state park campground which is located adjacent to the park facilities. And then ... there's this Devils Fork boat-in-only camping site, known as Double Springs, which is primitive, yet comfortable, right on the shore of Lake Jocassee.
digidreamgrafix / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Make a reservation for one of the 25 sites and then bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one from the campground.
Google/Bartholomew Roland
It'll take about an hour or so to paddle over to Double Springs. And once you're there you may never want to leave! In my opinion, this is Lake Jocassee camping at its best!

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In 2020, the state renovated the boat-in campground and what you'll find here now is 25 flat sites with tent platforms set up. Each site has a fire ring (also used as a grill pit).
Google/Eric White
Also added in 2020? Portable toilets.
Google/Bartholomew Roland
Make no mistake. Double Springs is primitive. There's no electricity, no power, no real bathrooms or showers, and no running water. In other words: it's secluded and perfect.
And the best part?
Google/Brittany Snyder
If you've ever tried to get into Devils Fork State Park and found it was already sold out... your overnight stay at Double Springs gets you into the park automatically! Enjoy a day in the water on the park's beach or paddle around and check out some nearby waterfalls.
One other thing to note: you'll need to pack out everything you bring in. Even your garbage. There are no garbage collection procedures in place at this particular campground. So leave no trace.
Double Springs Campground:
Google/Heather Pitts

Learn more about this boat-in campground in South Carolina (Double Springs) with a visit to the official website for South Carolina State Parks.

And while you’re camping on Lake Jocassee, don’t forget to explore Devils Fork State Park. In the spring especially, you won’t want to miss the gorgeous, rare blooms on the Oconee Bells Nature Trail. 

Also, since you’re already on the lake, paddle directly across the lake from Double Springs Campground to pay a visit to this little-known white sandstone beach!

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Lake Jocassee Camping & Related Info

Melanie J. | May 17, 2023

What are the best campgrounds in South Carolina?

If you love sleeping under the stars, here are the best campgrounds in South Carolina that are worthy of a visit:

  • Lakewood Camping Resort, Myrtle Beach
  • Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach
  • Willow Tree RV Resort and Campground, Longs
  • Buck Hall Recreation Area & Boat Landing, McClellanville
  • Apache Family Campground & Pier, Myrtle Beach
  • Palmetto Shores RV Resort, Summerton
  • Carolina Pines RV Resort, Conway
  • Twin Lakes Campground - Pendleton
  • Hilton Head Harbor RV Resort & Marina, Hilton Head Island
  • Mount Pleasant / Charleston KOA Holiday, Mt Pleasant


Here’s an article that we recommend about 8 beachside campsites that are arguably some of the best campgrounds in South Carolina.

Aside from Devils Fork State Park, what are some other incredible state parks in South Carolina?

There are 47 state parks in South Carolina and here are 10 that we recommend: 

  • Mount Mitchell State Park, Burnsville
  • Hunting Island State Park, Hunting Island
  • Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury
  • Myrtle Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach
  • Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock
  • Table Rock State Park, Pickens
  • South Mountains State Park, Connelly Springs
  • William B. William B. Umstead State Park, Raleigh
  • Lake Waccamaw State Park, Lake Waccamaw
  • Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island


To read more about these incredible parks in our state, here’s a previous article about some of the best state parks in South Carolina.

What are some of the best hiking trails in South Carolina?

If you’re searching for outdoor adventure, here are 10 of our favorite hiking trails in South Carolina that you will love: 

  • Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve, Kershaw
  • Foothills Trail, Oconee County
  • Rainbow Falls Trail, Cleveland
  • Paris Mountain Sulphur Springs Trail, Greenville
  • Yellow Branch Falls Trail, Walhalla
  • Peachtree Rock Nature Preserve, Swansea
  • Falls Creek Falls Trail, Marietta
  • Sassafras Mountain Trail, Sassafras Mountain
  • Raven Cliff Falls Trailhead, Cleveland
  • Lee Falls Trailhead, Tamassee


Be sure to check out this previous article with more information about some of the best hiking trails in South Carolina.

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Featured Addresses
Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA