State Parks The natural beauty of Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, and upper South Carolina is highlighted by the many state parks in the region. Park facilities include:

Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area
Located at the intersection of SC Highway 133 and SC Highway 11. This 1,000 acre park features mountain views, a museum that tells the story of the Cherokee Indians native to the area, picnic areas, a campground, lake fishing and trails.

Devils Fork State Park
Located five miles north of Salem, SC off SC 11 on Jocassee Lake Road. The park is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Jocassee. Activities include Lakefront camping, hiking, picnicking, trout fishing, and waterfall viewing. 864-944-2639

Oconee Station State Historic Site
Located two miles off SC 11 on Oconee Station Road, 10 miles NE of the town of Walhalla. This 210 acre site contains the oldest buildings in Oconee County.

Oconee State Park
This 1,165-acre park is located 12 miles northwest of Wallhalla, SC off SC 28 and onto SC 107. The park offers cabins, camping, fishing and boating, hiking on eight nature/hiking trails, picnic areas. The park is bordered by Sumter National Forest and is the trailhead for the 85-mile Foothills Trail. It's near the Chattooga and Chauga rivers and other regional attractions. More than 100 species of wildlife live at the park, which also features a mix of mountain and foothill flora and scenic vistas. 864-638-5353

Oconee State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation. The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South Carolina’s state parks. A number of buildings built by the CCC in the 1930's are still in use at this park.

Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area
Located just off Interstate 85 on Highway 11at Exit 1 near the South Carolina and Georgia border. The area is 680 acres. Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area also serves as a gateway to the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway and South Carolina’s mountain country. An impressive collection of fishing equipment is on display in the park’s information center. Modern-day fishermen, meanwhile, can attest to Lake Hartwell’s reputation for top-flight angling for sought-after species such as striped bass, hybrid bass, largemouth, crappie, bream and catfish. Phone 864-972-3352