Best ramp at Lake Keowee?

[brian2001ss]

I think the family has decided on Labor day to make the trip down to Lake Keowee. Like I mentioned before, our boat has never been to another lake but Lake Lure. So since our lake is useless now, we will/must travel. Never been there, so do you guys have a good way(directioons) of getting to a good ramp. Not worried about cost to launch, just looking for one that has fewer idiots. (you guys know what I mean)

 

[Sweet Dreams]

We have only been to the Keowee ramp that is just east of the road that takes you up to Devil's Fork state park. It is very near the dam that seperates Jocassee and Keowee. It would be on the upper end of Keowee and thus I think the closest ramp from Lure area. It is public, free and I have never seen it busy or with "idiots". Both lakes are rather calm and well mannered. Some of the other more local guys I am sure can give you specific directions. We were contemplating a trip up that weekend also but want to spend at least one of the days/nights on Jocassee. Saw talk last week of a possible CSR gathering so hopefully that may work out.

 

[islandhopper00]

I've always used my employee park, sorry. Don't know of a public ramp. You could google one, or Gerald might come in there with a suggestion.

 

[GJarrett]

I think you may be thinking of Toxaway Park http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/972.aspx

This would probably be the best choice especially if you want the ability to splash in both Keowee and Jocassee.... Toxaway is probably less than five miles from Devils Fork Park where you would splash in Jocassee. I know Toxaway has a dock but am not sure if it has a ramp. Even if it doesn't, it really isn't that much farther south to simply put in at Mile Creek Park, an excellent facility. You can google Keowee with the words boat ramp or whatever else to get an idea, and to find Mile Creek and Toxaway.

 

[brian2001ss]

Guys, what does it cost to put your boat on Keowee or Jocassee for the day? Where do you pay? Thanks for the info guys.

 

[OneMoreHour]

Brian,

There is no charge to use the lake other than paying a parking or launch fee at whatever facility you launch at.

If I were coming from your direction on Hwy. 11, I would launch at Mile Creek park which is a county park on the north-east side of the lake. I believe they charge $4. They have restrooms, picnic shelters, a campground, a very small store, and a nice big floating dock to use when loading.

There are a couple of small landings north of Mile Creek, but they just have a parking lot, ramp, and small dock.

Another option at the south end of Keowee in Seneca is Lake Keowee Marina. This is a private full service marina with lots of docks, fuel, marine store, and a restaurant. They charge $7 for launching.

Both places have plenty of parking, but the parking lots will be crowded and can fill up later in the day on a holiday weekend.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park does NOT have a boat ramp. They only have a small private dock for use by cabin renters.

You find some info on the lake here: http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/facts-and-maps/lake-keowee.asp with a link to download a simple map on the right of the page.

Here's the marina's website: http://www.lakekeoweemarina.com/

 

[brian2001ss]

Thanks a bunch Bill. I will check out Mile Creek this weekend. The floating dock is very nice and would be helpful. Looks like we are getting closer to heading south.