Devil’s Fork State Park

Having camped and fished here many times I thought it was time I wrote a review and let everyone know about this gem. Devils Fork State Park is located on the shore of beautiful Lake Jocassee. For boating access this Park offers double boat ramps near the Park headquarters or you can use another remote boat ramp located a little ways from the headquarters/​camping facilities but still within the Park grounds. There is a fee to use the ramps but it is nominal.
Jocassee is a huge clear lake in which the depth ranges down to 300 ft plus and is a scuba divers destination. There is a ramp/​dock just for divers and a large designated diving area that includes an old Chinese junk boat and underwater forest to explore. Divers have told me that they can crack freshwater mussels on the old boat as the fish eagerly wait close by for a nibble.
Lake Jocassee is a man made mountain lake created by Duke Power Co that has some great fishing opportunities which include lake trout. The SC Department of Natural Resources stocks the lake with trout yearly. The lake trout is so well known that Bob Dylan once flew in just for a day of trout fishing here. You can bring you own boat or hire a guide to put you on the fish. Many kayakers enjoy the lake just for its scenery, coves, creeks, and open water. Near the Park entrance there is a general store that rents kayaks along with tackle and bait. Most of the shoreline is undeveloped and affords beautiful scenic views of the surrounding mountains. If you have a power boat there are waterfalls to view at the top of the lake.
There is a public beach area for day visitors near the entrance to the campgrounds. The campgrounds are all wooded and can accommodate RV’s as well as pop ups and tents. All sites have electricity and water and there are two bath houses with restrooms and a laundromat. The primitive tent campsites are located on the lakes edge a short distance from the bath house. These sites have no electricity/​water but water is located at the head of the walkway to these sites. All sites in the campground have tent pads, lantern posts and a fire ring. The common roads are all paved and RV sites are paved as well. The one drawback is that most of the camp sites are very close to one another with not very much privacy. There are hiking trails leading out from the campground.
If you desire complete privacy then you can camp at the remote campsites located across the lake which are only accessible by boat. The only facilities there are tent pads, fire rings and a pit toilet. Pack it in and pack it out.
If you aren’t into RV’s, pop ups, or tents then Devils Fork has luxury condo’s you can rent with all the amenities of home plus a beautiful view of the lake/​mountains. Home away from home in a soft bed.
The Park fills up on weekends but during the week you can usually get accommodations. The Park staff have always been courteous and friendly. There is free Wi-​Fi at Park headquarters but not in the campground. For reservations or more info google SC State Parks and check out Devils Fork you won’t be disappointed.