Discover Oconee County: A Fishing and Camping Paradise

nlschuman
Jul 22
2 min read

Updated: Aug 15

Top Tent Campsites for Fishing Trips

Oconee State Park

15 rustic walk-in tent sites with fire rings & picnic tables, plus 139 full-hookup spots (South Carolina Parks).
On-site lake stocked with bass and bream, plus boat, canoe, and kayak rentals (Southern Living).
Access to the Foothills Trail (76 mi), including the section ending here (Wikipedia).
Book 13 months ahead; summer and holidays fill fast (Hipcamp).

Burrell’s Ford Campground (Sumter Nat’l Forest)

Free semi-developed sites right beside the Chattooga River.
Access to trails and King Creek Falls. No hookups — bring gear (Visit Oconee South Carolina).

Chau Ram County Park

26 sites with water and electricity.
Runoff’s wild rapids, hiking, a suspension bridge, waterfall, and river-edge fishing (Experience Oconee).

Lake Hartwell State Park

14 miles of lakefront, boat ramps, fishing, playgrounds, hiking trails (Wikipedia).
Tent and RV camping available, ideal for bass and catfish enthusiasts.

Cassidy Bridge / Cherry Hill Rec Area

Smaller, affordable spots near Chattooga & Oconee parks.
Access to trout and bass streams, with vault or flush toilets (Southern Living, Hipcamp).

Sample Itinerary: 3-Day Guys Trip

Day 1: Set Up at Oconee State Park

Arrive late morning and claim a walk-in tent site or full-hookup site if you’ve got gear. Spend the afternoon launching kayaks, casting for bass and bream, or tackling a stretch of the Foothills Trail. In the evening, grill burgers by the fire and enjoy the mountain breeze.

Day 2: Hit the Rivers

Hit the Chattooga River or Lake Hartwell. Try deep-water catfish or target secret trout holes. After lunch, explore Burrell’s Ford or Chau Ram, reeling in trout and taking in canyon views. Cap off the night back at the campfire—swap tall tales and trade fly-fishing tips.

Day 3: Northern Trek & Departure

Start the day with early fishing at Hartwell State Park or wiggle through a river riffle. Break camp, then head over to Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls for a quick side adventure (Visit Oconee South Carolina, Wikipedia). Enjoy lunch in Walhalla before heading home, recharged and relaxed.

Trip Tips & Gear Essentials

Reserve Oconee State Park 3+ months ahead during peak times, but remember, year-round fishing is available.
Pack essentials: bear-safe cooler, bug spray, and layering gear—mountain evenings can get chilly.
Don’t forget your camera! Capture the miles of forest, waterfalls, and tunnel walls.
Practice Leave No Trace principles: wildlife (bears, turkeys) roam freely. Store food safely and pack it out.
If you plan on lake trips, bring a small boat or kayak—campsites with water access fill quickly.

Bonus Stops Nearby

Sumter National Forest: Enjoy dispersed camping along Chattooga & Ellicott Rock Wilderness (Wikipedia).
Stumphouse Tunnel & Issaqueena Falls for a short side-hike or a refreshing splash (Wikipedia).
Lake Jocassee via Devils Fork State Park – its crystal blue waters are perfect for hardcore bass fans (Southern Living).

Fishing and camping in Oconee County is an adventure waiting to happen. Whether you're casting a line or setting up camp, the beauty of nature surrounds you. Enjoy every moment in this outdoor paradise!