Devils Fork State Park is located on the shores of Lake Jocassee, and the Jocassee Gorges Wilderness provides a picturesque backdrop for the park. Located at 161 Holcombe Circle in Salem, South Carolina, the park is in Oconee County. The park sits on about 622 acres of land and provides the only public access to Lake Jocassee. Largely undeveloped and tucked within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Jocassee is a reservoir that consists of 7,500 acres.
The Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway leads to Devils Fork. The park is part of the SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT). PRT began leasing the area from Duke Power Company in 1991. Devils Fork State Park's regular hours of operation vary, based on the season. From Late Spring to Mid-Fall, the park is open daily from 7:00am-9:00pm. From Late Fall to Mid-Spring, the park is open Saturday through Thursday from 7:00am to 6:00pm and 7:00am to 8:00pm on Friday. Office hours are kept year round from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Office hours on weekends are 11:00am-noon and 4:00pm-5:00pm. Admission to the park is $2 for adults and $1.25 for South Carolina seniors. Admission is free for anyone 15 years of age or younger.
In part, the park is frequented by boaters, fishermen, families, and scuba divers because Lake Jocassee is not crowded and offers visitors spectacular views of wooded slopes with waterfalls that cascade down into the lake. In addition, Lake Jocassee is South Carolina's only lake to offer both smallmouth bass and trophy trout. The lake is also home to bluegill, black crappie, white bass, brown trout, and rainbow trout. All persons fishing on the lake are required to have a valid South Carolina fishing license. Boat access to the lake is offered via four different boat ramps. Visitors are allowed to swim in Lake Jocassee, but there are no lifeguard or roped off swimming areas.
Although Lake Jocassee is one of the main features of Devils Fork State Park, the park also offers a variety of other activities. The park features modern villas and full campgrounds. The park offers both RV camping and tent camping. Reservations for camping can be made by calling 866-345-PARK. Reservations do require a minimum stay of two nights. Campsite rental rates vary based on site selection. The lowest rates offered are for backcountry campsites on the northern shore of the lake. These sites are available for $4-$5 per person per night. All other campsite rentals range from $14 to $20 per site per night.
Visitors can rent villas. All villas include heat, air conditioning, linens, coffee makers, screened porches, picnic tables, outdoor grills, microwaves, TVs, and basic cooking and eating utensils. Pets are not allowed in villas or villa areas. Villas are available with either 2 or 3 bedrooms, and there are a total of 20 villas on-site. Villa rental rates range from $84 to $172 per night. Rates depend on the location of the villa, the size of the villa, and the season in which the villa is rented.
Visitors can use the hiking trails and nature trails to view of some of the wildlife and plants in the area. Rare Oconee bell spring flowers grown in the park, and peregrine falcons and bald eagles can be seen. The Bear Cove Trail is a hiking trail that is 2 miles long, and the trail mainly runs through a hardwood forest. The Bear Cove Trail is a moderate trail that both begins and ends between the picnic shelters. The Oconee Bell Trail is a loop trail. Only one mile long, this nature trail got its name from the rare wildflowers that are sometimes found along the footpath.
The Park Store at Devils Fork State Park offers visitors the ability to purchase firewood, souvenirs, snacks, and limited groceries. The park also features playground equipment and picnic shelters. There are two picnic shelters available for group activities. Shelter rental rates range from $30 to $38 per day, and shelters can be reserved by calling 866-345-PARK.
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