A summer in South Carolina can be brutal – unless you find inventive ways to cool off underneath the summer sun. Some of the clearest, most pristine water in the state is found at the Double Springs Boat-In Campsite on the shores of beautiful Lake Jocassee.

Some years back, Lake Jocassee was lauded by National Geographic is one of the 50 "last great places on Earth."
digidreamgrafix / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
And well, nothing has changed, except we grow fonder of this gorgeous body of water with each passing year. The 7,500-acre lake is ringed all the way around by layers of mountains with quickly plunging elevations.
And the water? As clear as day, thanks to the many springs and waterfalls that flow down those mountains to keep the lake filled with water so clear you'll see the bottom of the lake as you wade in for a dip.
digidreamgrafix / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
The bone-chilling temperature of this mountain lake is a welcome relief during the Dog Days of Summer — and all summer long, for that matter.
And possibly the best and most exclusive place to enjoy it all is at the Double Springs boat-in campsite located a couple of miles paddling distance from the ranger station at Devils Fork State Park, where you check in upon arrival.
digidreamgrafix / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Load up the boat with all of the provisions you'll need for an overnight or longer, and hit the water trail over to the take out point.

Related Stories

You Can Rent An Entire Campground With 32 Sites In South Carolina For Just $448 Per Night

You Can Rent An Entire Campground With 32 Sites In South Carolina For Just $448 Per Night

 Take A Fall Foliage Trail Ride On Horseback At Horseback Waterfall Tours In South Carolina

Take A Fall Foliage Trail Ride On Horseback At Horseback Waterfall Tours In South Carolina

 Watch Trains Roll Over The Trestle On A Casual Stroll Along The River In South Carolina

Watch Trains Roll Over The Trestle On A Casual Stroll Along The River In South Carolina
You can pick up a map or directions from the Devils Fork Ranger Station, and you'll definitely know when you've arrived; there's a sign marking the entrance to the campground.
Google/Bartholomew Roland
During an extensive renovation in 2020, the state park upgraded this boat-in campground to include more amenities.
Google/Bartholomew Roland
All 24 sites have fire rings, cooking grates, leveled and packed tent pads, and food hooks. The campground now also has an outhouse, a serious upgrade from simply roughing it in the wild.
You'll pull up and leave your vessel (canoe or kayak) down by the water. Later, after camp is set up and your gear has been stowed properly, head back down to the water for swim.
Kristina Hernandez / Moment Collection via Getty Images
Paddle just to the west of the campground to explore a few waterfalls spilling into the lake. Hop off the boat, tie up, and go play under the spray of the falls.
Any day on, in, or simply by Lake Jocassee is like a dream come true.
Google/Eric White
But waking up with views of Lake Jocassee is a life changing experience you won't soon forget.

The rate to camp overnight at the Double Springs Boat-In Campsite at Lake Jocassee currently ranges from $40 to $53 per night. Make your reservation here. (Scroll down to the Boat-In Sites to select your desired date.) Learn more about Devils Fork State Park with a visit to the park’s official website.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore South Carolina

Featured Addresses
Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA
Double Springs Boat-in Campsite, Oconee County, SC 29676, USA