Spend Three Days At Three Waterfall Swimming Holes On This Weekend Road Trip In South Carolina

We know gas prices are at the top of everyone's mind this year, so we've created a very short road trip that's packed with just the sort of excitement needed when it's hot outside. Come along with us to visit three waterfall swimming holes in South Carolina in three days, with two nights spent in wonderful campgrounds where you can spend your evenings roasting marshmallows or toasting hot dogs by the campfire. And the best part? This 3-day road trip in South Carolina covers only 41 miles so you won't empty your wallet buying gasoline!

The road trip begins on day one on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway, where a roadside park has a hidden natural water slide and a smooth rock beach perfect for a day of fun.

Here's a link to a Google Map to guide your journey.

Day one: The first day is spent on the extra-long shoal at the appropriately named Long Shoals Roadside Park.

The park features a natural water slide that is best experienced on top of a raft or tube, but some prefer to hit the slide without either. At the bottom is a shallow pool perfect for cooling down in the cold mountain waters of Little Eastatoe Creek.

The location is popular with the locals so plan to share the fun and possibly make new friends.

Day one (part two): Keowee Toxaway State Park is located right on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway.

Get online before your trip and make a camping reservation so you'll have a spot to hunker down for the night.

Before nightfall, check out the trails in the park. The views of Lake Keowee are breathtaking! Tomorrow morning, fold up camp early and let's hit the road for a hike to a waterfall beach found in the middle of the forest. You’ll want to see the rest of these swimming holes on this 3-day road trip in South Carolina.

Day two: Riley Moore Falls is found at the end of a one-mile hike through the forest. Some say it's easy, while others aren't too keen on the last hundred feet or so where the trail descends down to the beach area.

The waterfall stretches the entire width of the Chauga River here and measures about 12 feet in height. One of the best South Carolina swimming holes!

At its base is a swimming lagoon with wading pools all around the edges.

Next to the lagoon is a sandy beach where you can hunker down for the day. Bring a picnic, plenty to drink, sunscreen — and don't forget an empty garbage bag. Again, there are no trash receptacles here. Next, we'll head over to Westminster for the final leg of this three-day, 41-mile waterfall swimming hole road trip.

We spent the first night at Keowee Toxaway State Park, and the second night of the trip calls for camping at Chau Ram County Park.

Check the park's website for making camping reservations in advance.

Day three: Known for the recreational opportunities on both the Chauga River and Ramsey Creek, Chau Ram County Park may just be the highlight of this road trip. At the center of the park is a 30-foot-tiered waterfall with a plunge pool at the base.

And throughout the park, visitors find beach after beach and nice lazy spots along the river for cooling off and relaxing in the water.

The best end to one of the best road trips in South Carolina!

How about it? Are you up for three days and two fun nights exploring three waterfall South Carolina swimming holes? With only 41 miles to travel among the three swimming holes, this 3-day road trip In South Carolina is ripe for saving tons of money on gas, that's for sure! But before you head out on this or any other road trips in South Carolina, take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List for everything you need!

Looking for more great places to swim? Check out our favorite South Carolina beaches!