Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area
RV Guide
Introduction
Come and visit Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area in Pickens County, South Carolina in your RV. This gorgeous, cozy campsite provides the perfect escape for a weekend getaway. The 10 partial-hookup RV spots are well spaced under a canopy of trees with views of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Jocassee Gorges, and Lake Keowee. Plan to bring your non-motorized boat, kayak or canoe as the park offers a boat ramp for visitors. A popular fishing spot, RV visitors enjoy catching bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Hike the state park’s two trails, Natural Bridge Trail and Raven Rock, to explore the park’s creeks and walk over a natural bridge. There is even a section of the Palmetto Trail that visitors can walk on during their stay. For those who enjoy history, visit the park’s museum featuring the area’s culture. A great place to bring all four-legged friend, Fido will find the campground very dog-friendly. Plan on packing a trash bag as the park is a pack-in, pack-out park which means that there are not any trash cans on-site. Travel through the land once home to the Cherokee Indians as you take in the Blue Ridge mountains. Make plans to visit one the prettiest places in Upstate, South Carolina.
RV Rentals in Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area
Transportation
Driving
Open year-round, pack up your RV and head out to one of South Carolina's breathtaking state parks in the Upstate. Accessible by South Carolina Highway 11, Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area is not too far from the North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina border. Only minutes from Clemson, SC, less than an hour from Greenville, SC and two hours from Atlanta, GA, this state park is a popular getaway location. Plan for your next RV trip to Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area - you’ll be glad that you did.
Parking
When you arrive at the Keowee-Toxaway Natural Area, check-in at The Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center to meet the friendly park rangers, shop at the gift shop, visit the museum and pick-up a state park map. Be aware that the main road you will need to take to the Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area campground is narrow and not easy to navigate for larger RVs. A popular destination, the parking lot is not very large, so you may want to head to the campground early in the morning to get the best spot. For the individual campsites, there is roughly only room for one vehicle on the gravel lot so plan accordingly.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area
Campsites in Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area
Reservations camping
Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area Campground
As you explore the 1,000 acres of Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area, come and relax at this unique, cozy campground positioned at the top of a hill. Nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 10 RV sites are well-maintained, with level gravel lots that are evenly spaced. Limited to RVs or trailer of 40 feet in length, the campground sites, a picnic table, grill, and fire ring, along with breathtaking views of the Jocassee Gorges, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Lake Keowee. 10 of the sites provide electric and water hookups, while the four remaining sites are primitive.
Visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower facilities. Make preparations to take your trash home since Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area is a pack-in, pack-out park, meaning there is not a trash can at the park. However, they do offer a dump station for campers. At night, you will need your flashlights to navigate the area as there are very few lights on the campground. Open year-round, reservations are a must and can be made from one day to 13 months in advance before traveling to this park. Make plans to travel to this South Carolina park soon - this RV camping trip is one that you will remember for a lifetime!
Seasonal activities in Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area
In-Season
Enjoy the Water
Get out on the water and find sunshine and happiness while out on Lake Keowee. An excellent place to drop your kayak or use the boating dock for your next fishing trip. Swimming is a favorite activity at Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area as there is a small area at the end of the lake that is a popular place to take a dip. Swim at your own risk as this park does not offer lifeguards. Have a great time making memories at Lake Keowee during your next RV camping trip!
Fishing on Lake Keowee
Don't forget your fishing gear in your campervan. Whether you are fishing from a boat or from Lake Keowee’s gorgeous coastline, spending time catching your next meal is a popular pastime at this state park. You only need to travel down a short trail to access the lake and there is non-motorized boat access located near the campground. Plan to bring your own equipment and make sure to have a valid South Carolina fishing license as it is required before you cast your line.
Geocaching
Unplug and as you take part in a unique and fun treasure hunt while camping in your camper or trailer at Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area. Permitted within this state park, have a little adventure while getting some exercise as you capture several of the geocaches sites. Enjoy the thrill of victory as you find the hidden locations out in South Carolina’s nature. Pack a camera to bring along for your adventure - we can’t wait to see what you find!
Off-Season
Explore The Trails
Get out in nature and explore Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area’s two trails - Natural Bridge Trail and Raven Rock - during your next RV camping adventure. A 1.3 and 3.4-mile excursion, hike along the state park’s creeks and among the forest. One large loop, these trails allow you to view the beautiful state park from a different vantage point. Natural Bridge Trail is one that hikers of all ages would enjoy as there is a natural bridge for you to cross during your adventure. If you want something that is a little more challenging, try Raven Rock, that is the longest trail at the park.
Visit the Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center
From shopping to history, this visitor center is unique to Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area. The center has exhibits showcasing the natural diversity of Pickens County and its importance as a scientific research area. Additionally, there is an area depicting the history of the different cultures that lived near the state park. The visitor center has a gift shop that is open daily and offers ice, firewood, souvenirs among other treats to enjoy during your RV camping trip.
Stargazing
Take in the beautiful, starry South Carolina night sky during your next RV camping adventure. Grab your flashlight and blanket before you head outside your camper on a clear, crisp night. Nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park provides a great place to see the best light show that Mother Nature has to offer Lake Keowee. Relax as you take in the night sky during this peaceful experience and don’t forget your telescope!
