Lake Jocassee

Type:

Scuba DivingFreediving

Entry:🏖️Shore Entry

Difficulty:Advanced

Tags:

Lake

About This Dive Spot

Lake Jocassee is a man-made deep-water reservoir in western South Carolina. It reaches over 360 ft deep and offers underwater visibility commonly around 20 ft, improving to more than 50 ft at depth. There are multiple boat ramps, including one designated for divers, and the lake is described as having enough underwater interest to support repeat dives.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

Up to 109.7m

Depth note

Maximum depth stated as over 360 ft (approx. 109.7 m). Visibility reported as 20 ft to over 50 ft at depth.

Typical conditions

Visibility is reported around 20 ft and can exceed 50 ft at depth.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Low visibility

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Access, coral, life, crowds, and facilities.

Access

Several ramps provide access, and one ramp is set aside for divers.

Crowd / Popularity

The lake is described as having enough to keep divers returning for multiple visits.

Facilities

Multiple ramps are available, including one designated for divers.

Dive Spot Log Averages

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits

No community dive data has been logged here yet. Be the first to record a dive and seed the averages.

Dive Conditions Planner

Current snapshot, today hourly conditions, and seven-day planning data.

Current snapshot

Right now

--🌥️Variable

Weekly trends

Marine rhythm

Surface outlook

Unlock the full potential of DiveJourney.

Recent Logged Visits

No Dive Logs Yet

Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!

Spots Near Lake Jocassee

📍 1.4 km

Lake Jocasse

⚓

Lake Jocassee is a mountain lake in South Carolina with freshwater diving. A highlight is an underwater graveyard with some headstones still present. Reaching the graveyard area is typically done by boat, and the lake can be dived from either boat or shore.

📍 2.7 km

junkyard - South Carolina

Not Set

A freshwater lake dive site featuring multiple submerged attractions, with the highlight being a Chinese junk boat that ultimately came to rest here after being moved and sunk more than once. The area also includes novelty underwater objects such as vending machines, a tic-tac-toe table, and a Halloween-themed cemetery. It is described as suitable for divers of all experience levels and offers a mix of wreck-style and artificial features to explore.

📍 3.4 km

Devil’s Fork State Park

Not Set

A freshwater dive area in a mountain lake in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Divers can expect variable conditions, including changing temperatures, varied terrain, and a wide range of depths. Visibility is commonly in the 5–30 ft range. Fish life includes several freshwater species, with bream sometimes approaching divers in areas that see frequent diving activity.

📍 14.0 km

Lake Keowee

Not Set

Lake Keowee is a man-made freshwater reservoir in South Carolina, created for power utility use and public recreation. The lake is about 26 miles long and 3 miles wide, with an average depth of 54 feet, and sits around 800 feet above sea level. Underwater, it features a generally sloping rocky bottom with man-made objects scattered across a wide area, alongside freshwater fish life.

📍 20.7 km

Underwater Statue Alley

🏖️

This freshwater dive in Lake Jocassee features an underwater canyon route set up to view several submerged statues, with rock formations along the way. Depth varies from shallow areas around 9 m down to about 30 m, and water flow associated with a nearby power station can create noticeable current and highly variable visibility.

📍 21.4 km

Hot Hole - Lake Keowee

Not Set

A freshwater dive spot known for having comparatively warmer water during winter, making it useful for extending dives in colder months. It’s also used for Open Water training when winter conditions elsewhere are less comfortable. Fish life is limited, but divers may see small bass and perch, with occasional rainbow trout.

Loading nearby spots...

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at Lake Jocassee?

Entry at Lake Jocassee is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving Lake Jocassee?

Optimal conditions at Lake Jocassee depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at Lake Jocassee?

Depth and visibility information for Lake Jocassee can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at Lake Jocassee?

When diving Lake Jocassee, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.