Barbero Family Vacation

On your way to Devils Fork, plan a stop in Salem, a small Upstate town known as the gateway to Lake Jocassee. It’s a convenient place to slow down before arriving at the park and pick up any last-minute items.

Il Mercato & Crave Kitchen is a convenient first stop, offering freshly baked pastries, ready-to-cook meals and grab-and-go items that work well for cabin dinners or campsite cooking. You’ll also find nearby grocery stores where you can stock up on simple camping staples such as marshmallows, granola and sandwich bread.

You’ll also find Sister’s Restaurant, a longtime local favorite known for classic breakfast dishes such as omelets, pancakes and French toast, and a great option for an easy breakfast outside the park.

Once you arrive at Devils Fork State Park and get settled, head down to the shoreline for your first look at Lake Jocassee. Spend the afternoon along the water, skipping stones, exploring the shallows near the boat ramp or simply taking in the clear blue views and cool mountain air.

As evening arrives, cooking dinner adds to the overall experience. Whether you’re grilling burgers, cooking foil packets in glowing embers or roasting hot dogs over the fire, campsite cooking has a unique charm. After eating, enjoy roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, sharing stories or playing card games while the fire crackles. As night falls, the gentle light around the lake creates perfect stargazing conditions, offering a peaceful and memorable ending to your first day.

Make today all about the water. With more than a half-dozen waterfalls tucked along nearly 75 miles of shoreline, Lake Jocassee is best experienced by boat. Start the day with a guided tour from a local outfitter, such as Jocassee Lake Tours. These naturalist-led excursions offer an easy, family-friendly way to explore the lake’s most scenic areas.

While cruising along the forested shoreline, you'll have the chance to visit breathtaking waterfalls that flow directly into the lake, including Wright Creek Falls and the impressive Laurel Fork Falls. When water levels allow, boats can glide into the grotto behind Laurel Fork Falls, offering a unique view of the 80-foot cascade.

Once back on shore, you can relax with a picnic lunch by the water and prepare for your afternoon activities. Rentals are available directly at the park through Eclectic Sun, making it easy to spend your afternoon on the lake. Families can choose from canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for calm, close-to-shore exploration. For a slower pace, lake floats make it easy to cool off and relax, while canopies, tables, umbrellas and beach chairs help turn the shoreline into a comfortable home base for the afternoon.

Scuba Diving Lake Jocassee

For families with certified divers or adults seeking a unique experience during their lake stay, scuba diving offers an exciting way to explore the lake. The lake is renowned for its clean, clear water, with visibility often exceeding 15 feet and reaching 50 feet or more at certain depths.

Several local outfitters offer scuba diving charters, classes and certifications, with trips departing from designated locations around the lake. It's important to make advance arrangements before visiting Devils Fork State Park, as the park does not rent equipment or provide air refills. Nearby shops, such as The Scuba Shop, can assist with rentals, refills and trip planning, making it easy to include a guided dive or certification course in your Lake Jocassee getaway.

After a day on the water, shift gears for a quieter morning on land. Start the morning on the Oconee Bell Nature Trail. This short, family-friendly loop winds through a shaded forest and alongside a gentle creek. In early spring, wildflowers line the trail, while the warmer months offer cool shade and the soothing sound of flowing water, making the hike enjoyable for younger hikers.

By midday, let curiosity lead the way. Geocaching adds a playful twist to exploring the park, turning trails and wooded corners into a low-key scavenger hunt that naturally pulls in kids. With several geocaches hidden throughout the park, it’s easy to fit in a quick search between walks without committing to a long outing.

In the afternoon, take your time to relax. Head back to the cabin or campsite to rest, play a board game or return to the shoreline to watch boats glide across the lake. Keep dinner simple and unhurried, then settle in for another peaceful evening surrounded by forest, water and fresh mountain air.