Double Springs Boat-in Campsite

For South Carolina locals who truly embrace the spirit of outdoor adventure, there's a special allure to destinations that are a little harder to reach, offering a unique sense of solitude and immersion in nature. Double Springs Boat-in Campsite on the pristine waters of Lake Jocassee is precisely one such gem. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, this destination provides a more rugged, yet incredibly rewarding, primitive camping experience accessible only by boat. This article is crafted with you, our fellow South Carolinians, in mind, to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Double Springs a compelling choice for your next truly remote and picturesque outdoor escape.

Double Springs Boat-in Campsite is an integral part of the broader Devils Fork State Park experience, offering a distinct alternative for those seeking a deeper connection with Lake Jocassee's legendary clear waters and surrounding wilderness. It's a place where the journey itself is part of the adventure, leading you to well-appointed, secluded campsites amidst stunning natural beauty. We'll explore the specifics of its location, what amenities to expect (and what not to), its unique features, and ultimately, why it remains a top choice for locals seeking a serene, boat-accessed camping experience in the heart of the Palmetto State.

Double Springs Boat-in Campsite is a primitive camping area located on the northern shore of Lake Jocassee, accessible exclusively by boat. It falls under the management of Devils Fork State Park, ensuring it adheres to state park standards while offering a more rugged and secluded experience than the park's main campgrounds. This campground is specifically designed for adventurers who are prepared to carry in all their supplies and relish the challenge and reward of reaching their campsite by watercraft.

The campground consists of 25 individual campsites, each equipped with essential primitive camping amenities such as a large flat tent pad, a fire pit with a cooking grate, and a steel post for hanging trash or lanterns. Visitors consistently praise the "gorgeous views" and the "clearest cleanest lake water" they've ever seen, making the effort of a boat-in accessible site well worth it. Double Springs offers a true "backcountry" feel, allowing campers to disconnect and immerse themselves in the pristine environment of Lake Jocassee.

Double Springs Boat-in Campsite is officially located within Devils Fork State Park, with its primary access point being from Salem, SC 29676, USA. However, it's crucial to understand that the campsites themselves are situated on the northern shore of Lake Jocassee at the base of Musterground Mountain, approximately two miles from the main boat launch area at Devils Fork State Park. This means that access is entirely by water – campers must paddle or motor across the lake to reach their designated site.

For South Carolina locals, reaching Devils Fork State Park in Salem is generally straightforward, though it involves driving into the scenic, rural Upstate region. Once at the park, visitors will launch their boats (canoes, kayaks, or motorboats) from the public boat ramps. The paddle or motorboat trip to Double Springs is described as taking "less than an hour" by canoe from the rental area, making it an accessible journey for many skill levels. While the journey adds to the adventure, it means campers need to factor in transportation of their gear via boat. The secluded nature of its location, accessible only by water, contributes significantly to its peaceful and undeveloped atmosphere, appealing to those seeking true wilderness camping within reach of local areas.

As a primitive boat-in campsite, Double Springs focuses on providing basic, yet well-maintained, facilities that support a self-sufficient camping experience. The services are designed for minimal impact and maximum immersion in nature:

• Designated Tent Pads: Each of the 25 campsites features a "large flat pad surrounded by wooden border," providing a stable and clear area for pitching tents. Each site has one tent pad with a maximum of 6 people per site, and a maximum of one tent per 12'x12' tent pad.
• Fire Pits with Grates: Every campsite includes a fire pit with a cooking grate, allowing for safe campfires and basic cooking.
• Trash/Lantern Hooks: A "large steel post with two hooks" is provided at each site for hanging trash bags, lanterns, or other gear, helping to keep the campsite tidy and organized.
• Composting Toilets/Outhouses: While there are no flush restrooms, "composting toilets" or "rustic outhouses" are available at the campground, providing basic sanitation.
• No Water/Electricity/Docks: It is important to note that there is "no water, electrical or restroom facilities available" directly at the campsites. Campers must pack in all their drinking water and other supplies. Boats must be anchored or beached; there are no docks.
• No Generators/Radios: To maintain the peaceful environment, "gas/electric generators, radios or other noise-producing equipment is also prohibited."
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: Campers are required to "carry out, and all trash must be removed upon departure," adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
• Reservations Required: Campsites must be reserved in advance for a minimum of two nights, typically via a toll-free number or the South Carolina State Parks website.

Double Springs Boat-in Campsite offers several distinct features that make it a compelling choice for a unique outdoor adventure:

• Exclusive Boat Access: The requirement of boat access creates a natural barrier, ensuring a more secluded and private camping experience away from road noise and crowds.
• Stunning Lake Jocassee Views: The "gorgeous views" of Lake Jocassee from the campsites are a major draw, offering picturesque scenery right from your tent.
• Crystal Clear Waters: Lake Jocassee is renowned for having "some of the clearest cleanest lake water," perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying water activities directly from the campsite's shoreline.
• Well-Designed Campsites: Despite being primitive, the campsites are described as "really nice" with "large flat pads" and essential amenities like fire rings and hanging posts, demonstrating thoughtful design for camper comfort.
• True Primitive Experience: For those seeking to disconnect, the lack of electricity, running water, and noisy generators fosters a genuine primitive camping environment.
• Seclusion and Tranquility (Relative): While some external boat engine noise can be heard, the overall experience is described as more "quiet and isolated" compared to drive-in campgrounds.
• Proximity to Devils Fork State Park: Being part of Devils Fork State Park means campers benefit from the park's managed access to the lake and its established boating facilities for launch and return.

Potential considerations include the close proximity of some campsites and the occasional boat engine noise, which might slightly diminish the sense of complete wilderness for some.

As Double Springs Boat-in Campsite is managed by Devils Fork State Park, all inquiries and reservations should be directed through the state park system. There is no direct phone number for the Double Springs campsite itself, but for information and reservations, you can use the main contact for Devils Fork State Park:

Address: Salem, SC 29676, USA (Devils Fork State Park, 498 Turkey Ridge Rd #400, Salem, SC 29676, USA is the main park address for accessing boat ramps)

Park Phone: (864) 944-2639

South Carolina State Parks Reservations (Toll-Free): 1-866-345-PARK (1-866-345-7275)

It is essential to make reservations in advance, as these popular sites often book up, especially during peak seasons. When calling, specify that you are interested in the "boat-in campsites" or "Double Springs Campground" at Devils Fork State Park.

Double Springs Boat-in Campsite on Lake Jocassee is an outstanding and unique destination particularly suited for South Carolina locals who are true outdoor enthusiasts. For residents across the state, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience primitive camping in one of South Carolina's most breathtaking natural settings. The fact that it's boat-accessible provides an adventurous entry, filtering out casual visitors and ensuring a more dedicated and appreciative community of campers.

The "gorgeous views" and access to "the clearest cleanest lake water" are truly exceptional, making every moment at the campsite a picturesque escape. The thoughtful design of each site, with its flat tent pad, fire pit, and hanging hooks, demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the primitive experience. For locals, this means a chance to genuinely disconnect from urban life, embrace self-sufficiency, and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge foothills. While it requires packing in all your essentials and embracing a more rustic approach (no running water or electricity), the reward is a serene, secluded, and deeply memorable connection with South Carolina's pristine wilderness. Double Springs Boat-in Campsite is more than just a place to camp; it's an adventure into the heart of Lake Jocassee, making it a highly recommended and coveted experience for any South Carolinian seeking true outdoor tranquility.

Double Springs Boat-in Campsite

Salem, SC 29676, USA