Park Finder

FISHING

• Fishing Information: Jocassee is the only lake in South Carolina offering both trophy trout and a smallmouth bass, and has become a favorite fishing spot for anglers throughout the Southeast. The deep, crystal-clear water provides an excellent habitat for many species of fish, including brown trout, rainbow trout, white bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie.
  A valid South Carolina fishing license is required.
  
  

BOATING

• Boating and Boat Access: Four boat ramps provides private boat access to Lake Jocassee.
  
  It is not recommended that you leave your boat docked in the water overnight, since Lake Jocassee is a working hydroelectric facility and its waters fluctuate without notice or guarantee of returning to previous levels.
  
  In addition, the waters of Lake Jocassee get very rough due to wind that is funneled through the Jocassee Gorges. We recommended that all boats are trailered at the end of the day so that your boat is not damaged, or beached.
  
  

THINGS TO DO

• Picnic Area and Shelters: Two picnic shelters are available for family or other group gatherings. Each shelter may be reserved for $30-38/day.
  
  To make a picnic shelter reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK or make it online by clicking on Park Reservation button located at the upper right hand corner of this page.
  
  Note: Admission fee is not included in shelter price. Rates listed do not include applicable tax and nonrefundable transaction fee.
  
  
• Playground Equipment: Yes
• Picnic Shelters: Yes
• Park Store/Gift Shop: The park store is open year-round and includes limited grocery items, snacks, souvenirs and firewood.
  
  
• Boating: Yes
• Fishing: Yes
• Birding: Yes
• Swimming Area: Swimming is permitted in Lake Jocassee. There is no roped off swimming area and lifeguards are not provided. You may swim at your own risk.
  
  

TRAILS

• Hiking Trails: The Bear Cove Trail, a loop trail that begins and ends between the two picnic shelters, is located in the day-use area. This moderate hiking trail is 2 miles in length and winds through a predominately hardwood forest.
  " Bear Cove Trail information and map".
  
  
• Nature Trails: The Oconee Bell Nature Trail is an easy 1-mile loop trail that received its name for the rare wildflower that can be found along the footpath.
  "Oconee Bell Trail information and map".
  
  
• Hiking: Yes