Only two of our many state parks offer campsites that require you to utilize your boat to access a secluded boat-in campsite. Boat-in campsites are available at both Cheraw State Park along Lake Juniper in Cheraw, SC and also at Devils Fork State Park along Lake Jocassee near Salem, SC.

Suggested items to bring with you when boat-in camping:

Tent(s), sleeping bags, tarp, bug spray, firewood, drinking water, rope (to tie boats up), lantern/flashlight, cooking equipment, and a first aid kit.

Boat-in camping facts:

• Boat-in campsites are accessible by boat only and are intended for primitive tent camping only.
• Campers must register in person during normal business hours at the corresponding park office before proceeding to the boat-in campsites.
• Vehicles must be registered at the time of camping registration for all overnight stays and parked in specified parking areas.  Two vehicles are permitted per campsite. Additional vehicles will be charged an additional rate of $5.00 per vehicle per day to park  ($20 per vechicle per day at Devils Fork State Park) in the overflow parking area. 
• There are no water, electrical or restroom facilities available at the boat-in campsites.
• All camping items must be carried in and carried out, and all trash must be removed upon departure. 
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all state park grounds and facilities.
• Fireworks are also prohibited within all state parks.
• Campfires/cooking fires must be contained within provided fire rings at all times, and no other fires are allowed at boat-in camping areas.

Cheraw State Park

There is a general boat-in the campsite area that can accommodate 20 guests. The area includes a picnic shelter with a concrete platform, a picnic table and a fire ring with chairs. No water, electricity, restroom or dock access is available for these sites. Gas/electric generators, radios or other noise-producing equipment is also prohibited. There is no dock or ramp at the boat-in campsites; boats must be anchored or beached at this area. The distance from the main boat launch on the park to the boat-in campsite is approximately one mile. 

The cost for camping at the Cheraw boat-in site is $25.00/night plus taxes. Guest must provide their own boat to be able to get to the boat-in site.  Private boats with 10hp gas or electric trolling motors are allowed on Lake Juniper. For more information contact Cheraw State Park directly.

Devils Fork State Park

There are a total of 25 boat-in campsites that are separated for a more secluded experience. Each site has one tent pad with a maximum of 6 people per site. There is a fire ring located at each campsite. There is no dock or ramp at the boat-in campsites; boats must be anchored or beached at this area. The approximate distance from the main boat launch area to the boat-in campsites is two miles. Prices are typically $40 per night.

Camping is not permitted along any other areas of shoreline or on any of the islands located on Lake Jocassee.

These sites must be reserved for a minimum of two nights and may be reserved by calling our toll-free number at 1-866-345-7275.

No water, electricity, restroom or dock access is available for these sites. Gas/electric generators, radios or other noise-producing equipment is also prohibited.

Devils Fork State Park does not rent boats. All types of boats are allowed on Lake Jocassee, provided that all boats with any size motor must be registered with the S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources. Canoes/kayaks/jon boats that do not have a motor do not need to be registered. Please contact the S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources for information on boating registration.

Note: Lake Jocassee is a large, 7500-acre reservoir in Oconee County. Persons registering for the boat-in campsites must be aware of the weather at the time of departure to the boat-in sites. Inclement weather can quickly cause dangerous conditions for boat travel on Lake Jocassee, and all boaters should be aware of possible bad weather conditions before attempting to access the sites. Devils Fork State Park does not provide boater assistance in case of breakdowns or emergencies. For more information contact Devils Fork State Park directly.