There’s more to the area surrounding Lake Hartwell than just Lakeside Lodge and Clemson University. The resort is centrally located a short distance from sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, state parks, and numerous rivers and lakes for fishing, kayaking, boating, and even scuba diving. Below, we’ve compiled a list of just some of the many outdoor activities in abundance around Lakeside Lodge Clemson.

Lakes

Numerous lakes are within a short driving distance of Lakeside Lodge, so boating and water sports are logical choices for family fun. Since our property sits on Lake Hartwell, it’s the most popular place to spend some time away from land. Nearby Clemson Marina offers boat rentals, as well as boat sales, service, a boat launch, and storage. Big Water Marina is another that is close by, and in addition to pontoons, they offer kayak and sailboat rentals.

Lake Keowee is another nearby lake that is popular with boaters and people who enjoy fishing and water sports. The Hartwell-Keowee Paddleboard and Kayak Co. serves both Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee with paddleboard and kayak rentals. Riders must be 12 years old or older, and they have tandem kayaks to accommodate an adult and one child. The Lake Keowee Marina offers boats, canoes, kayaks, and even boat slips for visitors, as well as boat sales. Lake Keowee Boat Rentals is another boat rental business that also offers wave runners.

For mountain views with your water fun, visit Lake Jocassee. This clear, chilly lake is accessible only from Devils Fork State Park, but the views, waterfalls, and fishing is well worth the trip. Since it’s a little more difficult to get to, several companies offer tours by kayak, boat, and via hiking. Jocassee Lake Tours gives private and public tours by pontoon boat, as well as offering a 6-hour “Day on the Lake” excursion. Jocassee Adventures and Tours offers kayak tours to the waterfalls, as well as scuba diving charters, and lake tours.

Parks

Sadlers Creek State Park is located on Lake Hartwell, has two boat ramps, and allows camping, fishing, water skiing, and more. There is also a 5-mile biking trail, hiking and nature trails, and playgrounds, as well as picnic shelters. A large fishing pier gives anglers access to bass, catfish, sunfish, and other native species.

Lake Hartwell State Park is another outdoor escape for hiking, swimming, picnics, fishing, and boating. Two boat ramps and docks are on the grounds, as well as numerous types of fish in the lake.

Oconee State Park in Mountain Rest offers hiking trails, boat, canoe, and pedal boat rentals, a mini-golf course, fishing, swimming, and numerous waterfalls for cooling off in.

Devils Fork State Park surrounds Lake Jocassee. It is not only on the lake, it’s also in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. It’s the only public access point to the lake and features several waterfalls, water clear enough for scuba diving and swimming, and even trout fishing.

Just Ask!

Still not sure what to do while you're visiting us? Ask our 24-hour concierge for some ideas, or give us a call.