Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area South Carolina (SC) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area is a popular destination for RV camping enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. With its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural history, this park offers a unique camping experience.

The park’s history dates back thousands of years to the Cherokee Indians who once inhabited the area. The name “Keowee” comes from the Cherokee word for “place of the mulberries,” while “Toxaway” means “water of many turns.” The park is home to several historical sites, including the remains of the old Keowee Town, which was once a thriving Cherokee village.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area.

Transportation

When it comes to transportation visitors to Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area have several options. The park is easily accessible by car and there are several entrances to choose from. RV renters should be aware that there are restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 30 feet for trailers and 40 feet for motorhomes. Additionally some roads within the park are narrow and winding so RV renters should exercise caution when driving.

RV parking is limited at the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area with only designated campsites available for overnight stays. There are no RV parking areas throughout the park and it’s not recommended to park outside of designated campsites. Camping with an RV and using alternative transportation methods such as hiking or biking is a great way to explore the park.

Public transportation options at the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area are limited but there are walking paths available for getting around the park. There are no shuttle buses so visitors will need to plan accordingly. Hiking and biking are popular ways to see the park’s natural beauty up close.

Top Campsites in Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area

The most popular reserved campsites in the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area are

Devils Fork State Park Campground

With 252 sites this campground is the largest and most popular option near the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area. It’s located on the shores of Lake Jocassee and offers a variety of activities such as hiking fishing and boating. Each site has water and electrical hookups and there are also restrooms showers and laundry facilities available. The campground is open year-round and welcomes pets on a leash. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

Oconee State Park Campground

This campground has 159 sites and is situated in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers a variety of activities including hiking fishing and swimming. Each site has water and electrical hookups and there are also restrooms showers and laundry facilities available. The campground is open year-round and welcomes pets on a leash. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

Keowee Kampground

Located just a few miles from the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area this campground has 51 sites and offers a more intimate setting. It’s situated on the shores of Lake Keowee and offers a variety of activities including fishing swimming and boating. Each site has water and electrical hookups and there are also restrooms showers and laundry facilities available. The campground is open from April through October and welcomes pets on a leash. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.

High Falls County Park

This campground has 92 sites and is located on the shores of Lake Keowee. It offers a variety of activities including hiking fishing and boating. Each site has water and electrical hookups and there are also restrooms showers and laundry facilities available. The campground is open year-round and welcomes pets on a leash. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

First-come-first-served campgrounds in the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area include

Pinnacle Mountain Campground

This campground has 16 sites and is located near the Pinnacle Mountain Trailhead. It’s open year-round and offers basic amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. RVs and trailers up to 20 feet are permitted.

Laurel Fork Campground

This campground has 8 sites and is located near the Laurel Fork Trailhead. It’s open year-round and offers basic amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. RVs and trailers are not permitted.

Raven Rock Campground

This campground has 26 sites and is located near the Raven Rock Trailhead. It’s open year-round and offers basic amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. RVs and trailers up to 20 feet are permitted.

Turkey Creek Campground

This campground has 12 sites and is located near the Turkey Creek Trailhead. It’s open year-round and offers basic amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. RVs and trailers up to 20 feet are permitted.

Alternative camping options near the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area include

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds in the area including Jocassee Valley Campground which offers full hookups laundry facilities and a swimming pool.

Backcountry Camping

For those looking for a more rustic camping experience backcountry camping is available in the nearby Sumter National Forest. Permits are required and can be obtained at the forest service office.

Glamping

For a more luxurious camping experience glamping is available at several locations in the area including Asheville Glamping and Lake Keowee Glamping.

The Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts especially RV campers who love to engage in recreational activities. Here are five popular activities that are in order of popularity

Hiking

The Natural Area boasts numerous hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The most famous trail is the Raven Rock Trail which leads to the summit of Raven Rock offering panoramic views of Lake Keowee.

Fishing

Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee are popular fishing spots that are teeming with a variety of fish species such as bass trout and catfish. Fishing licenses are required and there are several boat ramps and fishing piers in the area.

Biking

The Natural Area has several biking trails that cater to all skill levels. The most popular trail is the Oconee Passage which is part of the Palmetto Trail and offers stunning views of the mountains and lakes.

Boating

RV campers can rent boats or bring their own to explore the pristine waters of Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee. There are several marinas that offer boat rentals and the lakes are perfect for swimming water skiing and wakeboarding.

Geocaching

Geocaching is a popular activity in the Natural Area with several hidden caches that can be found using GPS coordinates. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore the Natural Area and discover its hidden gems.

For RV campers who prefer less strenuous activities the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area offers alternative recreational activities that are just as enjoyable. Here are five popular alternative activities

Sightseeing

The Natural Area is home to several picturesque landmarks such as the Jocassee Gorges which is often referred to as the “Land of Waterfalls.” Visitors can take a scenic drive or a guided tour to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Nature Watching

The Natural Area is home to a diverse range of wildlife including black bears deer and bald eagles. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat by taking a guided nature tour or hiking one of the many trails.

Picnicking

The Natural Area has several picnic areas that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely lunch or snack while taking in the scenery.

Photography

The Natural Area is a photographer’s paradise with breathtaking views of the mountains lakes and waterfalls. Visitors can capture the area’s natural beauty by taking photos at popular spots such as the Jocassee Gorges or the Keowee-Toxaway Overlook.

Stargazing

The Natural Area is far away from city lights making it the perfect spot for stargazing. Visitors can enjoy a clear view of the night sky and even see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Season-specific experiences in Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area

Springtime in Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area offers a plethora of recreational activities for RV campers. One popular landmark is the Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center which features exhibits on the area’s natural and cultural history. Hikers can explore the nearby trails including the 1.5-mile Raven Rock Trail that leads to a breathtaking overlook of Lake Keowee. Another must-visit spot is the Oconee Bells Nature Trail where visitors can see the rare and beautiful Oconee Bell wildflower. For those who enjoy water activities fishing and boating are popular pastimes on Lake Keowee with several marinas and boat ramps available. Finally history buffs will enjoy visiting the historic Stumphouse Tunnel an unfinished railroad tunnel that dates back to the 1800s.

Summer brings even more opportunities for fun and adventure in Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area. One popular activity is swimming at the nearby Devils Fork State Park which features a sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can also rent kayaks paddleboards and other watercraft to explore the lake. For a unique experience check out the Lake Jocassee Dive Shop which offers scuba diving and snorkeling excursions to explore the underwater world of the lake. Hikers can tackle the challenging 7.5-mile round-trip hike to the top of Pinnacle Mountain which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Finally don’t miss the annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Lake Keowee which is a beloved local tradition.

During the fall season RV campers flock to the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area for its stunning foliage and outdoor activities. One popular destination is the Jocassee Gorges a 50 000-acre wilderness area located just a short drive from the park. Here visitors can hike through the dense forest to reach breathtaking waterfalls such as the Laurel Fork Falls. Another must-see spot is the historic Keowee-Toxaway Mound which dates back to the Mississippian culture and offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history.

For those looking for a more leisurely activity the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area also offers excellent fishing opportunities. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Keowee are teeming with bass crappie and bream making it the perfect spot to cast a line and relax. And of course no visit to the area would be complete without taking a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The winding roads offer breathtaking views of the fall foliage making it a popular activity for RV campers.

As the winter months approach the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area transforms into a winter wonderland. One of the most popular activities during this time is hiking through the snow-covered forest trails. The park’s hiking trails offer a range of difficulty levels making it easy for visitors of all skill levels to enjoy the beauty of the area. Another popular winter activity is fishing on Lake Keowee. While the water may be colder the lake is still teeming with fish making it a popular spot for ice fishing.

For those looking for a unique winter activity the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area also offers the opportunity to go snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the park’s trails and take in the stunning winter scenery. And of course no visit to the area would be complete without taking a drive through the snow-covered Blue Ridge Mountains. The winding roads offer breathtaking views of the winter landscape making it a popular activity for RV campers.

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