- Lake Jocassee, a 7,500-acre reservoir in South Carolina, is known for its clear waters and undeveloped shoreline.
- Fed by waterfalls and mountain streams, the lake offers activities like boat tours and diving.
- Free boat inspections will be offered by SCDNR over Labor Day weekend at various locations.
There’s a lake in South Carolina that Travel + Leisure is raving about, and it’s bringing island vibes close to home.
Lake Jocassee, located in Salem, was first created in 1973 in partnership with the state and Duke Power. Today, the 7,500 acre reservoir is known for its undeveloped shoreline and crystal clear waters.
Come summertime, there aren’t many places that can beat the beach, and there are plenty of them along the Lowcountry coast. But S.C. residents shouldn’t sleep on the views Lake Jocassee has to offer, from the mountains enveloping it to the wondrous waterfalls that stream into its waters.
Still haven’t decided whether or not Lake Jocassee is worth traveling to for Labor Day weekend? Here are a few more reasons why it is.
What makes Lake Jocassee clear?
To access Lake Jocassee, the public will have to trek through Devils Fork State Park, which rests within the Jocassee Gorges ― “an area filled with steep rock walls, valleys, and breathtaking waterfalls,” according to Travel + Leisure. The waterfalls and four mountain streams flow continuously into the lake, causing the water to be clear and cool. The conditions of the lake also make it a popular destination for divers, and there are a few locations the park recommends for venturing: Big Wall/Small Wall, Jenny’s, Drift, and a sunken boat 60 feet underneath called Junk.
Things to do at Lake Jocassee
Travel + Leisure recommends first time visitors take a boat tour of Lake Jocassee to fully explore the area and get a feel of what it is like. At the monthly “All the Falls” tour, passengers will get a glimpse at waterfalls that can only be viewed by boat. Visitors can also choose to join the “Sunset Tour” for a late day excursion.
“Watching the color change over the mountains and across the water is nothing short of magical!” said the Lake Jocassee Tours website, where booking for both boat tours can be found.
Can I bring a boat to Lake Jocassee?
Yes, Devils Fork State Park provides public access to Lake Jocassee with multiple boat ramps for personal watercraft, including those with motors. All boats are permitted, but they must be registered. Canoes, kayaks, and jon boats without motors do not require registration. There is a daily park admission fee to use boat ramps and you should arrive early (particularly on weekends) because the park is the only public access and can get crowded quickly.
Where can I get my boat inspected for free on Labor Day weekend?
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will be conducting courtesy boat inspections during Labor Day weekend. Inspections carried out by the SCDNR’s boating safety and enforcement officers will be quick and thorough for required safety equipment and proper boat motor registrations.
“Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections.” said the SCDNR. “Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat.”
Boating inspections will be conducted Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Here’s where inspections will be held from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. by county:
Saturday, Aug. 30:
- Berkeley County: Dennis Landing
- Charleston County: Limehouse Landing
- Darlington County: Society Hill Landing
- Greenwood County: River Fork, Lake Greenwood
- Horry County: Little River
- Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam
- Oconee County: Fall Creek, Lake Keowee
- York County: Ebenezer Park, Lake Wylie
Sunday, Aug. 31:
- Anderson County: Seneca Creek, Lake Hartwell
- Beaufort County: Battery Creek Boat Landing, Paris Island
- Charleston County: Buck Hall Boat Landing
- Clarendon County: Santee State Park, Lake Marion
- Georgetown County: Carroll Campbell
- Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove Marina, Lake Wateree
- Spartanburg County: Lake Bowen
Monday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day):
- Beaufort County: Lemon Island Landing
- Charleston County: Wappos Cut Landing
- Chesterfield County: Lake Robinson
- Dorchester County: Herbert Jessen Landing
- Lexington County: Dreher Island
- McCormick County: Scotts Ferry, Clarks Hill/Thurmond
- Oconee County: Twin Lakes, Lake Hartwell
- York County: Ebenezer Park, Lake Wylie
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.
