Your Guide to Visiting Lake Jocassee with Kids Near Greenville, SC

Featured in National Geographic’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destinations of a Lifetime,” The Lake Jocassee Gorges are, well, gorgeous and only an hour from Greenville, SC. Explore this local wonder at Devil’s Fork State Park and Lake Jocassee.

I love the outdoors and grew up hiking, biking, camping, and doing all kinds of great activities outside. Hoping to instill that same love in my young children and searching around for outdoorsy things to do, I’m continually amazed at the Upstate and all that it offers for not only outdoor enthusiasts, but for those same outdoor lovers who have kids.

Lake Jocassee has been on my South Carolina bucket list since I heard of it last year. I then saw that the Lake Jocassee Gorges appeared in National Geographic’s “50 of the World’s Last Great Places – Destinations of a Lifetime.” Um, I live really close to this destination of a lifetime. I needed to go, like now.

About Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee was created in 1973 through a partnership with the state and Duke Power. The dam at the Jocassee Gorges is 385 feet high and 1,750 feet long. The lake itself fills 9,000 acres with water that reaches depths of over 385 feet deep. There are even companies that take scuba divers out on the lake!

Lake Jocassee is known for its crystal-clear waters fed by cool Appalachian waters that fall from dozens of gorgeous waterfalls only accessible by boat. Areas of the lake are also part of the only temperate rain forest east of the Rockies. The shoreline is undeveloped, which makes you feel like you are deep in the wild.

The lake is incredible, breath-taking, and stunning. I had seen photos, but really, they just don’t do it justice. Being there, breathing that mountain air, swimming in the water, listening to the silence of nature, and just being awed by the entire environment is a wonderful feeling.

What to Do at Lake Jocassee with Kids: Kayaking

There’s plenty to do with kids at Lake Jocassee, but the first time I ventured out to the lake, I chose to rent a tandem kayak and take my two kids out on a little boating adventure. A tandem kayak – specifically a sit on-top one like the one we had – normally fits two adults, each of whom are paddling. In my instance, I sat in the back seat, my nearly-three-year-old in the middle, and my six-year-old in the front seat. I did all the paddling (of course).

We rented the tandem for four hours, and the rental included life vests for each of us plus a waterproof case for my phone and keys, an emergency whistle, and a map of the lake.

I really wanted to see at least one magical waterfall so we started out on our adventure. I also brought along a bag of snacks, water, and sunscreen, plus we all wore hats. Being out of the water can be brutally sunny, and the last thing I wanted was for anyone to get sunburned (spoiler: I got some sunburn because apparently I failed to reapply the sunscreen when I should have).

It was really easy paddling in the kayak. I’ve kayaked before – not tandem with kids along though – but it is easy to learn if you have never done it. The water was so clear, and we could see little fish and rocks. My girls loved the new experience.

Since the water level was low enough, we stopped a bunch of times in different coves, secluded beaches, and sandbars to jump into the water, take photos, and have snacks. I’ve since gone back to the lake several times and now have my own kayak, so I can drop it in further up the shoreline from the rental place, which cuts down on the time to get to the waterfalls. I made it last time, but it’s pretty far, especially in a kayak.

There is also a little island near one of the waterfalls to dock the kayak and swim around. That place was really fun.

For an awesome kid kayaking clinic, check out our review of Jocassee Wild Child.

If you have your own kayak or SUP

I’ve since gotten my own tandem kayak, pretty much for the purposes of kayaking at Lake Jocassee, and the best way to see the waterfalls is to drop the boat in the furthest parking lots at Devils Fork State Park. Here’s a handy map of the waterfalls. It’s a FAR paddle, about an hour to Wright’s Creek Falls. It’s worth it, but be prepared, especially for the intense storms that pop up on the lake.

When you get into the park (go early, it gets crowded), make a left and pass the first parking lot on your right. Drive past the campgrounds and to the unmanned gate where you pay your entrance fee. Keep going down the curvy road until you come to a fork where there are two signs: “non-motorized boats/motorized boats” and “non-motorized boats only.” Go left to the non-motorized/motorized boats drive.

You’ll come to a parking lot and boat ramp where you can drop the boat in. Then head directly across the lake.

Devils Fork opened a new boat ramp in 2020 that is right past the campgrounds on the right. If you choose to drop in here, the paddle to the waterfalls will be even further. But you can just paddle around the area and still have a blast if you don’t want to go that far.

The lake is also an awesome place to go stand up paddleboarding. You can use your own off any boat ramp or rent them.

What to do at Lake Jocassee: The Beach

Really, there’s a beach. It’s surrounded by rocks that you need to climb down, but it truly is a beach, albeit a small one. I wasn’t prepared with chairs and an umbrella so we used towels and rocks and it worked fine. I saw later that could have rented chairs, umbrellas, and tubes from Eclectic Sun, since they are set up right next to the beach. The lower the water level, the bigger the sandy beach. If the water level is high, you may only have rocks to sit on.

There are no lifeguards, just a yellow flotation line in the water, which is probably more for the boats than swimmers. The water felt great, and we had our lunch there on the beach.

There is also a small playground near the front of the parking lot near the Pavilion, plus picnic benches and grills.

Be sure to note that the lake is inside of Devil’s Fork State Park, which means you have to pay the entrance fee, which is $8/adults, $4/ages 6–15, $5/seniors 65+, free for children 5 and under. It is also free entry every Tuesday all year round. During the busy summer months and holiday weekends, you need to get to the park early (no later than 8:30 am) in order to park. The park always reaches capacity during summer weekends early in the day.

If the lot fills up, you’ll have to wait to get in. Check the website and SC State Parks Facebook page or Devils Fork on X since they will update it when the parking lot is full. You could choose to reserve a parking spot ($50, which includes admission for two guests and a paved parking spot).

What else to do at Lake Jocassee with Kids

Jocassee Wild Child

Take your kids on an awesome nature expedition around the lake with Jocassee Wild Child. The tour is around four hours and includes waterfalls, nature exploration, and really cool history lessons. Read our review here.

Boat Tours

Since many of the waterfalls are only accessible by boat, enterprising companies offer boating tours. Jocassee Lake Tours was the one that I was leaning towards for this excursion. They have tours that go to the waterfalls and let you jump in the water and swim around before going to the next.

Fishing

I don’t know anything about fishing. I do know that we saw some fish in the lake, and that, according to Google, there are tons of great fish in the lake just asking to be hooked. We saw some people in canoes fishing, so if you want to teach your kid the right way to do things, this could be the lake in which to do it.

There are also fishing tours available. Be sure to purchase your SC fishing license before casting a line.

Camping

Camping at Lake Jocassee is awesome. Primitive tent sites line the lake, and there is a short path to a private beach behind tent site #1. There is a bath house on site and bathrooms. You need to reserve sites far enough in advance, usually a year, especially the ones that are right next to the lake. You may get lucky if you keep an eye on the state park website or by calling the ranger station. You can also camp at an island at the lake that is accessible by boat only. I totally want to do this!

There are only two campgrounds at Lake Jocassee, both run by South Carolina State Parks. Find more information here on camping at Devils Fork State Park.

Hiking

You can hike an easy one-mile loop at Lake Jocassee named after the rare wildflower that blooms there in the spring: Oconee Bells Nature Trail. Get more details here. This is the only hiking trail inside Devils Fork. There are miles and miles of trails within 30-40 minutes of the park though, like at Gorges State Park, Twin Falls, Kings Creek Falls, and other waterfalls on the Foothills Trail.

But don’t forget…

• Sunscreen
• More sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Hats
• Towels
• Water shoes or shoes that you don’t mind getting soaked
• Water
• Food/lunch/snacks. The food options at the park are very limited. If you can bring your own, do it.
• Any personal tube or water toy to relax with in the lake by the beach
• Beach chair and umbrella
• Sunglasses
• Change of clothes and extra diapers

Places to rent boats, kayaks, canoes

*Be sure to call ahead and reserve your boat. Some days, especially the weekends and holidays, are crowded.

Eclectic Sun LLC
This outfitter is located at the Pavilion right when you enter Devil’s Fork State Park. They will drop your kayak/canoe/paddleboard right in the water for you. They also have a small concession stand. This is what they have available to rent:

• Single kayak
• Tandem kayak
• Stand up paddleboards
• Canoes
• Pontoon boats
• Beach umbrella
• Beach chair
• Lake floats

238 Buckeye Drive, Salem, SC
864.944.1191

Jocassee Outdoor Center
They aren’t directly on the lake, but are only a few minutes away, and will drop your rental at various points in the lake. This is what they have available:

Pontoon boat rentals

Jocassee Keowee Rentals
Stephanie, the owner, is considered the Jocassee Lake Lady. She knows her stuff and is a wealth of useful information. She rents out canoes and pontoon boats.

864.704.0004

Jocassee Lake Tours
This company offers guided kayak tours, Full Moon Rising tours, adventure tours, and the popular Jocassee Family Adventure Camp (Fridays, all ages). They also rent kayaks by the day — season opens May 1.

Jocassee Dive Shop
When the kids are big enough to SCUBA dive, this company will help make it happen. They offer charters to the lake and have lots of rentals available like masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, etc.

710 Dive Buddy Lane, Salem
864.944.9255

Jocassee Charters
These people are ones the go to for an awesome fishing experience at Lake Jocassee.

421 Jocassee Lake Rd, Salem
864.280.9056

Has your family ever visited Lake Jocassee?

Frequently Asked Questions: Lake Jocassee with Kids

How far is Lake Jocassee from Greenville, SC?

Devils Fork State Park at Lake Jocassee is located in Salem, SC — about one hour from Greenville (roughly 36–52 miles depending on your route).

What is the entrance fee for Devils Fork State Park?

Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 6–15, $5 for seniors 65 and older, and free for children 5 and under. Entry is free for everyone every Tuesday year-round. You can also reserve a day-use parking spot ($50, includes admission for two guests) to guarantee your space on busy summer days.

Can kids swim at Lake Jocassee?

Yes! There is a small sandy beach in the day-use area at Devils Fork State Park where families can swim. Note: there are no lifeguards, so supervision is essential. The lower the water level, the larger the sandy beach.

Where can I rent a kayak at Lake Jocassee?

Three companies offer rentals: Eclectic Sun is located right at Devils Fork’s day-use pavilion (open March–November, weather permitting); Jocassee Lake Tours offers kayak rentals by the day plus guided tours (season opens May 1); and Jocassee Keowee Rentals offers pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes. Reserve in advance for weekends and holidays.

Is there parking at Devils Fork State Park?

Parking fills up fast on summer weekends! Aim to arrive no later than 8:30 am. During peak season, the lot often reaches capacity before 9 am. Check the Devils Fork State Park website or their social media for real-time capacity updates.

What guided experiences are available for kids at Lake Jocassee?

Jocassee Wild Child offers nature-based outdoor learning experiences on the lake. They’re wonderful, educational adventure for kids. Jocassee Family Adventure Camp (run Fridays through Jocassee Lake Tours) is another fantastic option for the whole family.

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