Native South Carolinians know if you want to drive out onto - and then park your car upon - the beach, you're out of luck. In the era of the iconic 1930s Old Folly Beach Pavilion, beach driving and parking were allowed. But those laws changed long, long ago.
But there is one place, a tiny hidden beach, where you're still allowed to bring your car right out onto the sand and park it there.
It's a nice convenience to have your vehicle so nearby, especially if you have a lot of gear, or a large group of people. No one likes lugging a day's worth of stuff all the way over the dunes and down to the beach... much less the frustration of finding a legal parking spot beforehand.
See more of The Sands Beach in this short YouTube video from user Clayton Turner!
You'll find The Sands Beach by following 7th Street through Old Port Royal. Seventh Street turns into Sands Beach Road. Follow it to the end to reach The Sands.
Discover seven MORE hidden beaches along South Carolina's coast in our signature Hidden Beaches Road Trip!
The Palmetto State is undoubtedly a water lover's paradise. Whether it's shredding waves on the coast, rafting rapids on the Saluda in Columbia, or spending the day topside on the boat of your dreams on one of the best lakes in SC, you're in the right spot! You can enjoy any of those activities on just about any lake in the state. But what about finding a water destination that's so out of the way that it's actually quiet, devoid of that overwhelming tourist vibe? Welcome to Lake Tugalo, a remote lake in South Carolina that most people have never even heard of. It might be a bit out of the way for some, but I can promise that it's absolutely stunning and worth a visit.
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You'll find Lake Tugalo (a.k.a. Tugaloo Lake) along the South Carolina / Georgia border. The South Carolina portion is located in Oconee County.
But, of course, looking at it on a map is nothing at all like seeing this pristine wilderness in person!
Lake Tugalo is located on both the Chattooga River (in South Carolina) and the Tallulah River (in Georgia). Both rivers are flanked on either side by mountains, making the overall scene here simply breathtaking.
This narrow 597-acre lake in SC was created nearly 100 years ago when the two rivers were dammed by Georgia Power for the purpose of creating hydroelectricity.
Almost 18 miles of shoreline are all protected and therefore mostly undeveloped on the South Carolina side of the reservoir. The only exceptions are a couple of access points for small watercraft.
If you're an avid fan of Lake Jocassee and the amazing mountain views found on that lake, then just wait until you experience the mountains from a kayak on Lake Tugalo. Here, they are so close you almost feel as if you could reach out and touch them! It's without question one of the best lakes in South Carolina for these coveted scenic mountain views.
This pristine and remote lake in South Carolina just might be one of the most beautiful spots in the entire state.
The load-in ramp mentioned here on the South Carolina side is located approximately 1.5 miles upstream from the Georgia Power dam that created this lovely reservoir. This is where the Tallulah and Chattooga rivers converge.
If you're paddling in the area, it's definitely worth the trip down the Chattooga River to take a look.
Access to the lake via the load-in ramp mentioned above is located 22 miles northwest of Westminster, 53 miles northwest of Anderson, and 77 miles southwest of Greenville. See? It really is in the middle of nowhere!
It's worth mentioning here that Section IV of the Chattooga River is widely known as one of the most dangerous Class IV rapids in America. It's claimed many lives. The "Take Out Ramp" for Section IV of the Chattooga mentioned in this article is located approximately five miles BELOW the dangerous rapids. So kayaking this section of the river below the ramp mentioned above should be a smooth experience.
Lake Tugalo in South Carolina is the perfect spot for rafting and paddling enthusiasts. It's certainly one of the best lakes in Oconee County, SC. And, it's also known for its great fishing! Had you heard of it before today? If you've visited, we'd love to hear any tips or tricks you have for making a visit great. Let us know in the comments!
A visit to Lake Tugalo is always a great idea, but while you're in Oconee County you might also want to find some time to visit a waterfall. There are more waterfalls in Oconee County than in any other county in the state! Oconee State Park is worth checking out as well which is close to two popular waterfalls and has seven incredible hiking trails to explore.
A summer day splashing the hours away and beating the heat at a waterpark is time well spent. When you can add some gorgeous scenery into the mix such as at a natural water park in South Carolina, it's like icing on the cake. We've got one to share with you that you'll be dreaming about long after leaving!
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The Falls in Salem is at Lake Keowee, a popular lake in the northwestern upstate area of South Carolina.
Also referred to as Party Cove Falls, the spot tends to get very busy on the weekends. If the water level isn't too high, you'll have a nice beach area to play on.
You'll want to plan your visit to this natural water park for days that may be less busy if you want plenty of space for swimming, floating, or other water fun that requires a little space.
People enjoy climbing to the top of the falls for a different view. There's a path on each side of the falls. Just be careful as it can be really slippery and watch out for snakes on the rocks!
Perhaps one of the nicest things about The Falls natural water park is that it's dog-friendly. I wish I could get my dog to relax calmly on a float like this one is!
If you want more than just a day at the lake, consider booking the Heart of Palmetto Pointe lake house, and don't miss The Lighthouse Restaurant for dinner with gorgeous Lake Keowee views. You can even boat up to the restaurant while out on the lake!
