Devils Fork State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Devils Fork State Park
Lake Jocassee in Devils Fork State Park
Nearest city	Salem, South Carolina
Area	622 acres (2.5 km2)
Created	1990
Camp sites	Regular campgrounds, primitive boat-in, and RV sites are available
Hiking trails	2
Other information	Boating, fishing, many species of fish, including rainbow trout.

Devils Fork State Park is a wonderful natural area in South Carolina. It's located in the northwestern part of the state. The park sits right on the edge of the large Sumter National Forest. It also borders the huge 7,500-acre (3,035 ha) Lake Jocassee. You can find this park about three miles (5 km) off SC 11. This road is also called the Cherokee Scenic Highway. The park is close to the town of Salem, South Carolina.

Adventures at Devils Fork State Park

This park is a fantastic place for outdoor fun! There are many exciting activities you can try.

Camping and Exploring

• You can go hiking on the park's trails.
• Camping is very popular here. There are regular campsites for tents and RVs.
• You can even find special "paddle-in" campsites. These are primitive sites you can only reach by canoe or kayak.
• Boating on Lake Jocassee is a favorite activity.

Fishing Fun

Lake Jocassee is known for its great fishing. Many different kinds of fish live here.

• You might catch rainbow or brown trout.
• Other common fish include largemouth, smallmouth, and white bass.
• You can also find crappie, bream, and catfish.

Underwater Discoveries

• The park is also a special spot for scuba divers.
• There's a walk-in ramp that makes it easy to get into the water.
• The lake often has clear water, with visibility up to thirty feet.
• Lake Jocassee was created not too long ago. Because of this, divers can sometimes see old roads, houses, and signs on the lake bottom. It's like exploring an underwater ghost town!

Nature and History of the Park

Devils Fork State Park covers 622 acres (252 ha) of land. It was officially created in 1990.

Waterfalls and Wildflowers

• Many small waterfalls flow into Lake Jocassee from within the park.
• The park is also home to a very special wildflower called the Oconee Bell.
• This delicate flower is native to North and South Carolina.
• More than 90 percent of all the Oconee Bell flowers in the world grow right here in Devils Fork State Park! They are usually white and pink.