Lake Jocassee

**swampfox** · 06-08-2010, 22:02

I'll be hanging at Devil's Fork State Park on Lake Jocassee with the family this weekend. I have two sites reserved. We'll put up two Blackbirds and two tents. Plan is to boat around and check out the waterfalls, play in the water, nap, eat, drink coffee and watch the sunrise over the mountains. The lake is as full as it has been in years and I am really excited about this. They have 20 sites in the tent section. I just checked the website and 14 of them will be vacant by 10:00 on Sunday morn. I'll be there until Monday evening.
Pictures to follow.

**swampfox** · 06-10-2010, 19:19

Is anyone hanging on the Foothills Trail around Lake Jocassee this weekend?

**Muskrat** · 06-11-2010, 07:27

I wished ! Taking the family on a week vacation to Captiva Island FL. But I'll hang with you in spirit SwampFox. Looks like we are discussing a July weekend, no particular weekend yet, to do our next leg of the Foothills. Starting at Burrells Ford and going north to ???. Will let you know once we get an idea, maybe you can join us then ???

**swampfox** · 06-11-2010, 17:18

Thanks Muskrat, I appreciate the offer but July is already pretty booked.
I have a weekend at Sadler's Creek SP on Lake Hartwell and two weekends at Myrtle Beach.
Right now my next "planned" backpacking is in October. That doesn't mean I can't fit something in somewhere so keep me in mind.
I'm hoping to hike the Foothills Trail from Tablerock to Oconee SP over three long weekends in October.
1st weekend-Tablerock to Laurel Valley Access- ~12 miles
2nd weekend-Laurel Valley Access to Upper Whitewater Falls- ~34 miles
3rd weekend-Upper Whitewater Falls to Oconee SP- ~34 miles
It's just in the talking stages right now but I'd welcome the company for all or any part.

During the summer, I try to spend as much time as I can at the water, preferrably Lake Jocassee because the water is just so clear and cold.

**Muskrat** · 06-11-2010, 20:18

Quite the summer schedule but it sounds like a good one. We'll keep you posted on our future trips on the Foothills.

**MedicineMan** · 06-12-2010, 00:15

What a place for a group hang--Devils Fork State Park--such a stunning area with Jocassee....but I wonder how the park would react to 10-20 hammocks strewn? I've paddled many tims out of this state park because there is a waterfall on the lake you can paddle behind.

**ricegravy** · 06-12-2010, 06:01

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

there is a waterfall on the lake you can paddle behind.

The water was a little low for me, but I managed.

Here is a link to the rest of the pictures from my last Jocassee hang/paddle

-Ricegravy!

**swampfox** · 06-12-2010, 06:11

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

What a place for a group hang--Devils Fork State Park--such a stunning area with Jocassee....but I wonder how the park would react to 10-20 hammocks strewn?

You're absolutely right MM.
I'll ask on my way out.

**swampfox** · 06-12-2010, 06:23

Great pics RiceGravy,
I love the sunrises on that lake.
The water is up only about a foot below full right now so the level shouldn't be a problem.

**swampfox** · 06-20-2010, 21:38

We had a great camping trip at Devil's Fork State Park on Lake Jocassee.

Here are some pics from this trip with the lake at full pond and a couple of comparisons when the lake was low in 2007-2008. We have really been blessed to have adequate rainfall this season.

Boat dock in 2008

Boat dock now.

My campsite 2007

My campsite now

Mill Creek Falls 2008-

Mill Creek Falls now

My boys chillin' on the lake.

I was up for the sunrise two mornings in a row.

Required hammock picture-
My Blackbird

Those that have hiked the Foothills Trail will recognize the bridge over the Toxaway river.

and Canebrake Access

This little guy climbed onto my hand.

The lake is fed by mountain streams so the water temp is always cold. It took the breath away when you first jumped in, especially after setting in the 95 degree sunshine.

All in all a great weekend.
The only negative was the night time temp. It was very hot and humid with little breeze. Still better than a tent.

Took two Dutch Ovens, made Mexican Casserole and Blueberry Cobbler - forgot to take a picture but you'll just have to believe me that the cobbler was beautiful

Medicine Man had mentioned a group hang at Devil's Fork.
I asked the ranger on the way out and he said it would be no problem to hang in the tent camping section. The only stipulation was that you have to hang on the site that you reserve. I asked if that meant over the tent pad and he said no, just on the site. You can't just go hanging anywhere in the woods. The rule is no more that two tents per site. I would imagine the same would apply for hammocks. At ~$15 per night per site, that's a bargain IMO.