Here are a few suggestions on what to do when staying at Oconee State Park. Though Mountain Rest is conveniently located in the middle of nowhere, we are centrally located to many adventures in the surrounding area. We have it all. Come experience nature at it’s finest.
Winter Months
Come enjoy a relaxing quiet time here at Oconee. Relax by a fire, have some hot chocolate and read a good book. Go searching for snow. Highlands, NC is a 45-minute drive from the park, and at over 4,000 feet elevation can have several inches of snow. Go play!
This is the time when our lakes are stocked with trout --both rainbow and brown. Rent a boat for a minimal charge and catch your dinner. Pick up some trout recipes from the park office. Celebrate the Christmas season, and cut your own tree at many surrounding tree farms. Firewood is for sale in the park office so you can cozy by the fire.
Summer Months
Summer months at Oconee offer family vacations folks come back for. Our cabin rentals are Monday-Monday. We offer a guarded swimming area, hiking, boat and canoe rentals, pedal boats, carpet golf, fishing and Square Dances in the Barn on Friday nights at a minimal charge. Our park office is open for snacks, souvenirs and basic camping supplies. Firewood is available at the office.
Do It ALL In a Day
Visit South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina -- all from Oconee State Park. We’ll show you on a nickel tour through the tri-state area. Pick up your day tour guide from the park office and hit the road.
Waterfalls
Enjoy 25 waterfalls in the tri-county area of Greenville, Pickens and Oconee County which includes Whitewater Falls, the highest series of falls in eastern North America. Check out this waterfalls website for more information.
Cross the Borders
A short drive to Asheville, NC offers The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home featuring gardens, an estate winery, dining and shopping. Visit Franklin, NC for gem mining and Dahlonega, GA for gold panning.
Whitewater & Adventure
Enjoy Whitewater Rafting with three organized guides in the area, all located within 15-20 minutes from the park, or zip through the upcountry canopy on a zipline. Either will provide adventure that will take your breath away.
Food Galore
There are also many good restaurants within 30 minutes of the park. These restaurants serve country cooking, Mexican, Chinese, fast food and more. Visit Mt. Top Trading Post for the best boiled peanuts around! Check in the park office for more information on local restaurants.
Girls Weekend
Relax in a cabin with the girls. Bring your favorite book or that scrapbook you've been meaning to finish for months now. Have a spa manicure, pedicure or get a massage -- pamper yourself. Have a nice lunch in downtown Seneca, Walhalla or Clemson. Ask for more information on local eateries at the park office.
Fisherman’s Weekend
Lodge in a cabin or camp in our campground and fish the Oconee State Park lakes for bass, bream, trout and catfish. Beat our record catfish of 28 pounds! Trout fish our many area streams including the Chauga River and Chattooga River. SC fishing license required.
Valentines Day Weekend
Order flowers from an FTD or local florist and have them delivered to the park. They’ll be waiting for your loved one in your cabin when you arrive. Why wait for Valentines Day? Any weekend will do!
Oktoberfest Weekend
During the third weekend in October come celebrate your German heritage in Walhalla at Oktoberfest. Enjoy the festival and lodge at Oconee State Park.
Group Accommodations
Oconee State Park now rents the barracks facility year round. The barracks sleeps up to 16 people. The barracks includes four bedrooms with two sets of bunk beds in each, two restrooms with stand up showers, it is heated and air-conditioned with a large kitchen and living area. A charcoal grill and picnic table are located outside. Two-night minimum to reserve.
Or bring your group and rent several of our cabins which sleep from four to eight people each.
We hope these gave you some ideas on how you and your friends or family can enjoy Oconee State Park and the surrounding area. There's so much to see and do!
First Day Hikes