Devils Fork State Park — Attraction in Pickens

What makes this state park so great is Lake Jocassee! It is the most gorgeous lake around with clear waters and beautiful scenery. Most of the staff are friendly and helpful. Some seem kinda snotty as if you're bothering them. There are some flaws to their boat loading area and parking system only because it gets so busy (esp on weekends) and swamped with boats. An extra boat dock for those who need to leave their boats in water while they park could be very helpful. Trucks waiting to load and unload make it harder for single vehicles without trailers to travel thru this area or an RV trying to check into the campground. The campground is very nice except for the roads being a bit tight for larger RV units and the bathrooms are decently clean. They have a newer set of steps going down to a private alcove on the lake (in front of the bathrooms by site #4) which is very useful and easy to use to get to the lake. The RV sites are large and paved with plenty of room to move around and enjoy the area. The tent sites are large and many have a great view of the lake. The day use area is very nice as well, with a store, bathrooms, picnics areas, and access to the lake via the beach. It gets very busy throughout the parking lot and there is really no cell service if you need to contact others about meeting up on a boat so make your plans ahead of time. I read a previous review complaining about how the reservations are done thru reserveAmerica. I love this process as it is very easy to see what is available at all 47 parks and extremely convenient to reserve a spot, as well as super fast. I have used it many times without any issues. I've also used a similar site for county parks. I wish all campgrounds used this for taking reservations! So I'm not sure what that reviewer was complaining about. All in all, a nice state park to spend the day or a few days. Esp because of the spectacular lake that this state...

It has been 8 years since my last review. And while jocassee and devils fork in particular are still gorgeous heaven touched places. Facebook and entitled people have ruined it a bit.

Parking has been worked on they have an extended lot for non-motorized watercraft which is awesome. But the crowds have grown ridiculously. This use to be a more locals spot, but after tiktok and Facebook "put it on the map" and the unrestricted destruction of woodlands in upstate SC for housing the lake has become extremely packed. Where you use to be able to leave your items on shore for a quick swim or dip in the lake. You'll now run the risk of them being stolen. Or someones kid trying to mess with your items. The park fills up fast on both boat and shore. If you dont arrive in the right time frame it'll be a chilly swim or you just won't get in the park. The amount of trash being left behind by incoming transplants and tourism is heartbreaking. Each time we visit I usually leave with a grocery bag or 2 of trash from others. What use to be pristine waters and gorgeous lake shores will now have bits od trash.

The rangers are doing there BEST. They are wonderful hard working people. But tourist/transplants are disrespectful, destructive and litter bugs.

This last bit of wild natural space in south carolina should be respected. It is a truly gorgeous lake with green clear water and a touch of peace in a chaotic world.

((Old review))This place is gorgeous the water is clean and clear the beach is perfect for our 1yr old. The view spectacular and far enough from a bunch of people to still not have...

Villas - we stayed in Villa no. 1. Pet friendly, and we had our dog. First thing we had to do was clean it. Had to sweep the floors and removed 2 dust pans full of dog hair from the previous guest(s). We have to pay extra for a pet fee, but still have to clean up after others? Had to clean the kitchen counters. The "couch" is awful. Very uncomfortable. Makes it impossible to relax in the evenings after a full day on the lake. Ended up most of the week on fold up patio lounge chairs from home. Not a good week for watching TV in the evenings. Not to mention that the satellite TV does not work. Only Roku TV and other streaming services. The fan in the bedroom is noisy, so we couldn't leave that on at night. Small bedroom, so without the fan you have to put the thermostat down to 68 to keep it comfortable in the bedroom at night. This has always been one of our favorite places to vacation. Have been staying in the villas since they were constructed. Sadly, the last 4 years each trip we find the condition of the villas has deteriorated by not being maintained. Safety hazards not being addressed, even though they are reported. The cleaning is never great. The pricing of these villas is not representative of the value of the stay with what is and is not being offered and kept up. Oh yeah, they have a "dog walk area" up past the villas. Be sure you have on long pants and don't mind walking through vines, thorns, and weeds, poison ivy/oak. Rough walk area to say the least. Between villa condition, pricing, and certain rude staff, it looks like it is time to find a new place...