Peaceful mountain state park in Blue Ridge
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Parks

State parks, county parks, and recreation areas across the Blue Ridge Upstate

Get Outside

Exceptional parks for every outdoor interest.

From the CCC-era mountain retreats of Oconee State Park to the world-class lakeside access at Devils Fork, the Upstate's parks offer camping, boating, hiking, disc golf, and more — all set against a stunning backdrop of Blue Ridge scenery.

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State Parks

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County Parks

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Rec Complexes

State Parks

State Park
Park entry fee applies
Only Public Access to Lake JocasseeDevils Fork State Park
161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676
Daily · check website for seasonal hours

The sole public gateway to crystal-clear Lake Jocassee, South Carolina's #1 visited state park. Nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills, the park offers outstanding amenities alongside direct access to one of the most pristine lakes in the Southeast.

SwimmingFishingBoatingCampingHikingScuba Diving
20 Lakeside Villas
59 Standard RV/Tent Sites
25 Primitive Sites
Boat-In Campground
2 Picnic Shelters
2 Playgrounds

💡 Arrive by 9:30am — parking fills fast and the park turns away latecomers.

State Park
Cabin and camping fees apply
Historic Mountain RetreatOconee State Park
624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664
Daily · check website for seasonal hours

A historic mountain retreat built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Well-kept cabins and campgrounds deep in the Blue Ridge foothills have welcomed family traditions for decades. Picturesque, non-demanding hiking trails make this a perfect retreat for all ages.

HikingCabin StaysCampingPicnickingSwimmingFishing
Historic CCC Cabins
Campgrounds
Hiking Trails
Small Retail Store
Swimming

💡 Pets on leash allowed in outdoor areas and in cabins 14–20.

State Park
Camping fees apply
Trophy Fishing and Easy AccessLake Hartwell State Park
19138-A Hwy 11 S, Fair Play, SC 29643
Daily · check website for seasonal hours

Gateway to 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell — renowned for trophy Striped Bass, Hybrid Bass, and Catfish. Unique single-room camper cabins, full camping facilities, two boat ramps, swimming, and hiking just off I-85 at the SC/GA border.

FishingCampingSwimmingBoatingHikingBasketball
Unique Camper Cabins
128 Camping Sites
1 Picnic Shelter
2 Boat Ramps
Basketball Court
Swimming Area

💡 Just off I-85 at the SC/GA border — the most accessible lake park in the region.

County Parks

County Park
$5 entry · $3 parking for falls
Ramsey Creek Falls and Disc GolfChau Ram County Park
1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693
Open daily · Gate closed dusk–7am

Over 3 miles of hiking trails and a full mile of the Chauga River running through the park. Tubing, fishing, picnicking, disc golf, and camping. The Chauga Heights 18-hole disc golf course features dramatic elevation changes and amazing mountain views. A favorite wedding venue.

TubingFishingCampingHikingDisc GolfPicnickingWeddings
26 Campsites (Water + Electric)
3+ Miles of Trails
4 Rental Areas
Playground
Disc Golf Course
Wedding Venue

💡 Includes Ramsey Creek Falls — a stunning 40-ft cascade at the confluence of Ramsey Creek and the Chauga River.

County Park
$3 cars · $5 boats and trailers
Lakeside Camping on KeoweeHigh Falls County Park
671 High Falls Rd, Seneca, SC 29672
Open daily · Gate closed 10pm–7am

A 46-acre park on the shores of beautiful Lake Keowee. Two boat ramps, 91 campsites including 10 waterfront sites, a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, sand beach swimming area, miniature golf, tennis, basketball, and volleyball.

FishingBoatingSwimmingCampingMini GolfTennisVolleyball
91 Campsites (10 Waterfront)
2 Boat Ramps
3 Rental Shelters
Playground
Mini Golf
4 Lighted Tennis Courts

💡 10 waterfront campsites available — book early for peak season.

County Park
Entry fee applies
Full-Service Lake Keowee RecreationSouth Cove County Park
1099 S Cove Rd, Seneca, SC 29672
Open daily · Gate closed 10pm–5am

Lakeside camping and day-use activities on Lake Keowee. Two boat ramps for fishing, boating, sailing, and waterskiing. Full amenity complex with courts, beach, pier, and mini golf — the most complete recreational park on Lake Keowee.

BoatingFishingSwimmingCampingSailingWaterskiingTennis
2 Boat Ramps
Lakeside Camping
4 Lighted Tennis Courts
Volleyball
Horseshoe Pits
18-Hole Mini Golf

💡 Great for families — sand beach, mini golf, multiple sports courts, and lake access all in one park.

Recreation Complexes

Recreation Complex
Free
Disc Golf with Creek ViewsSertoma Field
272 Tulip Dr, Walhalla, SC 29691
Dawn to dusk daily

A recreation complex for area sports with two playgrounds, a walking track, and a disc golf course that wraps around a hill with a creek rolling through it. Nice layout for casual players of all ages.

Disc GolfWalking TrackPlayground
Disc Golf Course
2 Playgrounds
Restrooms
Walking Track

💡 A casual, family-friendly disc golf course — perfect for beginners.

Recreation Complex
Free
Disc Golf and Multi-Sport HubShaver Recreation Complex
698 W South 4th St, Seneca, SC 29678
Daily · check website for current hours

The Upstate's premier community recreation hub with 7 sports fields, 2 gyms, a climbing wall, playground, and the 18-hole Seneca Disc Golf Course. The disc golf course features tight fairways, multiple pin placements, and elevation changes. Free, year-round.

Disc GolfSports FieldsClimbing WallWalking TrailsGym
18-Hole Disc Golf
7 Recreation Fields
2 Gyms
Climbing Wall
Playground
Walking Trails

💡 Random draw doubles disc golf Mondays in summer at 6pm. Course is free year-round.

Make a Weekend of It

Many parks offer camping — pair an overnight stay with hiking, fishing, and mountain town dining nearby.

Blue Ridge Upstate Gateways

Your guide to the hidden gateways of the Upstate of South Carolina. Discover lake life, mountain towns, trails, waterfalls, and local culture.

Lake Hartwell | Lake Keowee | Lake Jocassee
host@blueridgeupstategateways.com

Portman Cove Cottage

Portman Cove Cottage

Tucked near the beauty of Lake Hartwell, Portman Cove Cottage is your cozy home base for lake days, Clemson weekends, quiet mornings, and easygoing Southern charm. Settle in, slow down, and enjoy a stay designed for comfort, connection, and a little extra lake-life magic.

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Events last updated: August 1, 2026