Lake Jocassee

For dining near Lake Jocassee, Sister's Restaurant is a popular choice, offering American cuisine with a cozy atmosphere. It is known for its fast service and great coffee, making it a favorite for breakfast and lunch. Another option is The Lighthouse Restaurant, located in nearby Seneca, which provides classic American dining with lake views and a casual setting. For a quick bite, Eclectic Sun Paddlesports offers snacks and drinks alongside their outdoor activities. Steph's Steaks in Walhalla is also a great spot for American fare, especially steaks. Lastly, California's Mexican Grill provides a flavorful Mexican dining experience.

Accommodations near Lake Jocassee include the Jocassee Treehouse, a unique bed and breakfast experience. For a more traditional stay, Lakeside Lodge Clemson offers a relaxed lakeside resort atmosphere with amenities like a pool and restaurant. The Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, provides an elegant lakeside retreat with tennis courts and a spa. Table Rock Inn in Pickens offers cozy rooms with beautiful views. Lastly, Butterfly Ridge Mountain Retreat B&B offers a serene bed and breakfast experience with stunning views.

Devils Fork State Park, the only public access to Lake Jocassee, offers a range of amenities. These include picnic tables, barbecue grills, and public restrooms. The park also features a store where visitors can purchase snacks and supplies. For those interested in water activities, rental equipment for kayaks and paddleboards is available through services like Eclectic Sun Paddlesports. The park's campsites and villas provide comfortable lodging options for overnight stays.

Lake Jocassee is renowned for its diverse outdoor activities. Swimming and kayaking are popular due to the lake's clear and cool waters. Fishing is another favorite pastime, with both smallmouth bass and trophy trout available. Scuba diving is also a unique experience, thanks to the lake's excellent visibility. Hiking trails like the Oconee Bells Nature Trail and Bear Cove Trail offer scenic views and opportunities to explore the surrounding forests. For those interested in exploring the lake itself, Jocassee Lake Tours provide guided boat excursions.

Devils Fork State Park, which provides access to Lake Jocassee, offers wheelchair-accessible amenities. These include wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking lots, and restrooms. Some of the nearby restaurants and accommodations also provide accessible facilities, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the area's natural beauty and activities.

Parking at Devils Fork State Park, the only access point to Lake Jocassee, is limited. The park has capacity for 172 trailers and 115 single cars. It is advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, as the park often reaches capacity quickly. Visitors can reserve parking spots online at least two days in advance to ensure availability. The park operates on a first-come, first-served basis for parking, and admission fees apply.

Lake Jocassee is steeped in history and natural significance. The lake's name comes from a Cherokee legend about an Indian maiden named Jocassee who drowned herself in grief. The area is home to rare species like the Oconee Bell wildflower, which was discovered in 1788. The flooding of the lake destroyed much of the Oconee Bell's habitat, but conservation efforts continue to protect the species. Additionally, the lake's clear waters make it a popular spot for scuba diving, with several underwater sites to explore.

One of the main attractions near Lake Jocassee is the surrounding natural beauty, including waterfalls like Laurel Fork Falls and Mill Creek Falls. The lake itself is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby, the Eastatoee Gorge Heritage Preserve offers additional hiking trails and opportunities to explore diverse flora. The Jocassee Hydro Station, located between Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee, is another point of interest, showcasing hydroelectric power generation.