Discover Oconee
14 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Lake Hartwell state park
Shoreline vistas, long piers, cypress/oak-fringed coves and mirror-like lake reflections make Lake Hartwell State Park ideal for waterscape and landscape photography. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and glassy reflections; autumn brings color. Accessible day-use area with parking near boat ramps and picnic areas; check state park hours and small entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings reduce boat traffic; expect waterfowl and occasional anglers.
Cliffs At Keowee Falls
Dramatic rocky shoreline and tree-lined cliffs dropping to Lake Keowee create strong foregrounds, reflections and layered compositions at sunrise and sunset. Expect glassy water in early mornings and colorful skies at dusk. Site is in a private lakeside community—confirm public access, use designated parking or boat launch. Weekday golden hours offer best light and fewer people; watch for slippery rocks and changing weather.
Lake Hartwell State Park
Lake Hartwell State Park offers broad reservoir vistas, quiet coves, tree-lined shorelines and reflective water ideal for sunrise/sunset and long-exposure shots. Best visited at golden hour for warm light and mirror reflections; weekdays and early mornings reduce boat traffic. Access via SC‑11 with parking and boat ramps near day-use areas—check the park website for current hours/fees. Seasonal foliage and calm wind conditions make composition of islands, paddlers and shoreline trees especially
Keowee Rock
Keowee Rock is a rocky shoreline outcrop overlooking Lake Keowee and wooded hills — excellent for wide landscape frames, lakeside reflections, and layered autumn colors. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side light and calm water; evenings offer dramatic skies and silhouettes. Access is via a short walk from roadside pullouts; parking is limited and there’s no formal entry fee. Expect uneven footing; wear sturdy shoes and pack insect repellent in summer.
Pecan Beach
Small lakeside shoreline with shallow coves, docks and tree-lined banks—good for reflection shots, intimate landscape frames and close-up nature/wildlife around water. Best at sunrise and golden hour for warm light and glassy reflections; calm mornings can produce mist. Accessible from a roadside/park area with informal parking; likely no entry fee but watch for private property signs. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Fall brings richer foliage; summer offers kayak/activity details
Chico Island
Small wooded island in Lake Keowee offering mirrored water reflections, layered tree silhouettes and nearby rocky shorelines — ideal for serene lakescape and wildlife shots. Access requires boat or kayak from nearby public ramps; no formal trails. Best at golden hour for warm light and glassy water; calm mornings reduce boat wakes. Respect private land signs and local boating etiquette; check marina parking at Oconee/Keowee ramps and local launch rules. Seasonal foliage and migrating waterfowl (
Wyatt’s Rock
Wyatt’s Rock is a wooded ridge outcrop offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest and distant ridgelines — ideal for moody landscape and intimate foreground rock textures. Visit at golden hour for warm side-lighting and long shadows; fall brings color contrast. Access via Long Cove Trail (short moderate hike); small roadside parking/pull-offs nearby. No entry fee; expect uneven footing and ticks — wear sturdy shoes and check local conditions.
Waterfall at Lake Keowee
Small cascading waterfall on Lake Keowee framed by wooded shoreline and nearby private homes. Shoot low-angle long exposures to smooth the falls, include shoreline reflections and late-afternoon warm light. Best at golden hour or after rain for stronger flow. Accessibility is limited—this is residential; confirm public access or shoot from public lakeside spots or boat. Parking limited; weekdays and mornings are quieter.
Anagama Kiln
Photograph the raw, sculptural form and textured brickwork of the traditional wood-fired Anagama kiln, plus intimate shots of pots, ash deposits and the surrounding rural landscape. Best visited during scheduled firings or cool golden hours when interior glow or chimney smoke adds drama. Site is rural—confirm open hours and permission with the owners, bring a tripod for low light, and expect simple on-site parking. Cultural context: a living craftsite where timing a visit with a firing reveals l
Lulu's Island
Small island on Lake Keowee offering shoreline, tree silhouettes and calm-water reflections — ideal for golden/silver hour shots, long exposures and intimate landscape framing. Likely reached by boat or from nearby shore/ramps; check local access rules and private-property signs. Best light at sunrise and sunset; weekdays and early mornings have fewer boats. Seasonal foliage and misty autumn/ spring mornings add atmosphere.
Welcome to South Carolina Sign
A roadside state-border sign offering an iconic travel-photo opportunity: portraits with the sign, vehicles crossing state lines, and compositions that include the sweeping Appalachian foothills nearby. Easily accessible via a pullout on the highway; best visited at golden hour for warm side-light or after dark for illuminated-sign shots. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded; parking is typically a small lay-by — use caution near traffic.
Paloma Playa
Small waterfront neighborhood on the Seneca/Keowee shoreline offering calm water reflections, dock and boathouse details, and surrounding wooded hills. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and glassy water; late afternoons produce good backlit trees. Likely private access—respect signage and residential privacy. Street parking limited; use nearby public boat ramps or parks for wider viewpoints.
Ellie's Island
Small wooded island in Lake Keowee offering intimate waterscape scenes, shoreline reflections, and dramatic skies at sunrise and sunset. Accessible only by boat or kayak; no facilities. Best visited at golden hour for warm side-light and calm water; weekdays and early mornings reduce boat traffic. Park at nearby public ramps (Lake Keowee State Fish Hatchery/Keowee-Toxaway access) and respect private property and signage.