Are you looking for things to do in Oconee County, SC? For outdoor enthusiasts, Oconee County is a treasure trove of places to explore! Waterfalls, hiking trails, lakes, and more are waiting for you in this county just west of Greenville.
Exploring The Outdoors: Things to Do in Oconee
While there are a lot of things to explore in Oconee County, many of them involve the stunning scenary this area of South Carolina offers. With waterfalls and spectacular lakes (with beaches to play on!), outdoor things to do in Oconee are at the top of the list.
Best State Parks
Lake Jocassee Gorges at Devils Fork State Park
Considered one of the most beautiful places in South Carolina, Lake Jocassee is a sprawling lake in Oconee County that offers gorgeous mountain views, watersports, a small (but clean and clear) beach, and waterfalls you can visit (and even jump off of!). Check out Electric Sun to rent kayaks and paddleboards, or book a day with Jocassee Wild Child to let your kids explore nature in a fun way.
Oconee State Park
This state park offers visitors tons to do! This state park has everything from mini-golf to wooden checker tables, great hiking, and boating on the lake. Local mom Andrea Beam visited with her family and is sharing her experience at Oconee State Park.
County Parks with A Lot to Offer
High Falls County Park
While we don’t have a traditional beach to enjoy in the Upstate, we have a lakeside one just about an hour from Greenville. High Falls County Park is popular with locals and it will be your new favorite day trip and camping destination, too.
Mile Creek County Park
Sometimes the most fun day trip or entertainment with your family is a simple little park with a small beach and access to crystal clear water on a super hot day. That’s what Mile Creek County Park is like, and Kristina shares all the info you need to know about Mile Creek Park.
South Cove County Park
South Cove in Oconee County might be just the place you and your family have been looking for! You can swim at the sandy beach, boat, enjoy the playground, basketball and more. Spend a day or plan a camping trip on the shore of Lake Keowee at South Cove County Park. Kidding Around’s Maria shares her review of South Cove Park with readers.
Chau Ram County Park
Chau Ram Park is called South Carolina’s “Best Kept Secret” by the Oconee County Recreation and Tourism Department. There is a 40-foot waterfall at Ramsey Creek plus the county’s longest suspension bridge here. You can also swim, hike, and camp, all for only $2 per car!
Hiking, Camping, and Swimming!
Stumphouse Tunnel Park
A visit to this park will offer visitors views of a beautiful waterfall named for the Indian maiden, Issaqueena, who rode to the nearby fort to warn of a pending Indian attack and then escaped pursuing Indians by pretending to leap over the falls, but actually hiding beneath them. The remains of a tunnel started in 1850, meant to link Charleston with the Midwest, that was halted by the Civil War. The newest addition to the area is a bike park.
Cross State Hiking Trails: Palmetto Trail and Foothills Trail
Two extensive trail systems that make a run through Oconee are the Palmetto Trail and the Foothills Trail. These trails are very long (over 50+ miles), so you can visit portions of it or head out on an adventure to complete the entire trail.
Hike and Swim at Bull Sluice
While you’re in Oconee, you have to check out Sumter National Forest and the perfect swimming spot along the Chattooga River, Bull Sluice. The water here is crisp and cold, with a small sandy beach below the rapids.
Camp at Burrells Ford Campground
One of our KAG contributor’s enjoyed camping at Burrells Ford Campground with her family. Find out more about the campground and what it offers in our Kidding Around® review of Burrells Ford.
Waterfalls
You will find that Oconee County is plentiful with waterfalls, and some require very little hiking to get to enjoy! This is one of the only areas in South Carolina where you will find an abundance of waterfalls, one of which is King Creek Falls along the Chattooga River.
Finding Delicious Things to Eat in Oconee
While you are out and about looking for things to do in Oconee, be sure to check out some of the local farms and restaurants that offer some of the area’s best food!
Chattooga Belle Farm
This farm includes a bistro and a distillery for guests to enjoy! Don’t forget to ask for a South Carolina Agritourism Passport while you are there, to earn free prizes!
Dimas Bros Cafe
This cafe is popular with foodies in Greenville and the restaurant offers homestyle prepared food. Dimas is the perfect place to stop and enjoy lunch after a morning of exploring.
Vangelis Bistro
If you are looking for something a little bit more formal to enjoy during your time in Oconee, this new bistro is the perfect place to go. It’s owned by the same creative minds behind Dimas Bros Cafe.
Beyond the Bull
Located in Seneca, Beyond the Bull boasts clean-caught, wild-caught dishes like Maine Lobster Rolls, stuffed clams, and other seafood-inspired dishes.
