The Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area

The Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area is, admittedly, located in Pickens County but since it sits on the shores of Lake Keowee, we thought it would be of interest to our Oconee Country visitors.

The 1,000 acre park is part of the Project Green program of the SC State Park Service. Trash cans aren’t about—for aesthetic reasons—and there is a “Pack it in; Pack it out” rule that requires visitors and campers to take their trash with them.

The entire park has the most natural, untouched feel of any of state or local parks in this area, but that also means there are fewer amenities. There is no boat launch (closest one is 5 miles away), no RV camping sites by the water, and no swim area. However, there are great hiking trails and all the beauty that entails. For a detailed description of the trails, click here:



There is one, 3-bedroom cabin available for rent and it is beautifully located on a peninsula, with views of Lake Keowee, away from other camping and picnic sites. The cabin has it’s own private dock and small swim beach, although all swimming is at your own risk—no lifeguards.

There are 10 paved RV sites complete with
water and electric hookups nestled nicely in
the woods and 14 tent sites with central
water and individual tent pads and fire rings.

There is a central restroom and shower
facility and a dump out station when you
are ready to leave. Plus numerous picnic
areas for day visitors. And there is a
museum that tells the story of the Cherokee people who first lived here.
This beautiful get-away park gives visitors a
taste of the Jocassee Gorges without having to trek miles and miles into the wilderness.

View Park Site Map

Admissions: Free admission

Office Hours: 11am-noon & 4pm-5pm
Days and Hours of Operation: Sa-Th 9am-6pm; Fri 9am-8pm (extended to 9pm M-Su during Daylight Savings Time)

Camping Reservations Accepted: To make a camping reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK or make it online by clicking Park Reservation. or visit SC Parks website