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Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee

Salem vacation home with kitchen

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Photo gallery for Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee

A wooden deck with a table and chairs overlooking a lake, signs indicating White Water Falls and Wrights Creek, and a dock with a boat.
A bedroom with a large bed, wooden floors, and multiple windows with curtains.
A window with a view of trees and a body of water, a potted plant on a desk, and curtains on the window.
A wooden staircase leading to a wooden deck with a hammock and a wooden railing.
A rustic interior with a wooden ceiling, a sofa with blue cushions, a coffee table, and a fireplace with bear sculptures.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 92000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Salem, SC
  • Place, Lake Jocassee
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Fisher Knob
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Clemson University
    ‪58 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Salem

In Salem .Stay at this Salem vacation home and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Lake Jocassee and 2 miles (3 km) of Fisher Knob. Nantahala National Forest and Whitewater Falls are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Vacation Homes in SalemOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Jocassee - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Fisher Knob - 3 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Western Carolina University - 58 min drive - 45.1 miles
  • Clemson University - 58 min drive - 44.7 miles
  • Memorial Stadium - 60 min drive - 45.5 miles

Getting around

  • Greenville-Spartanburg Intl. Airport (GSP) - 97 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Krispy Krunchy Chicken - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪The Cliff's Lakehouse Restaraunt - ‬51 min drive
  • ‪The Kitchen - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪The Post - ‬27 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee

This charming home is the perfect place to bring your family and friends to unplug and create memories together on beautiful Lake Jocassee! This lake in the upcountry of South Carolina is known for its undeveloped shoreline and clean water. The lake is bordered by glorious green forest nature preserves and offers refreshing outdoor pursuits that you can enjoy all year long.


Nature is in abundance at this property. Please be mindful of the natural habitat and be sure take ample pictures as wildlife sightings are common here.

This charming 4 bedroom home with amazing views of the lake has plenty of space for your group to spread out, relax and unplug! 

The large kitchen has lots of workspace for cooking a yummy meal for your friends and family. The large dining area and living room create an open space for everyone to be together, eat meals, relax and take in the view together. You can also enjoy a fire in the fireplace on chilly evenings.



Sitting high in the trees, Black Bear Lodge has an incredible views of the lake. The walk down the stairs to the lake is a hike but is more than worth it. Along the way there are is a bench, a hammock and places to rest and enjoy the natural surroundings. The home boasts a private dock with multiple areas to relax on the water. 

Please note: due to the remote setting, there is no Wifi internet available at the home. 

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Property amenities

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 2,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

No smoking. No fireworks. No parties or events. Please respect our quiet hours of 9 pm to 8am.
The number of total guests cannot exceed the maximum number of guests allowed on the property. Check-in: After 4:00pm. Check-out: 11:00am.
LAKE: NO DIVING, NO RUNNING, NEVER SWIM ALONE, MINORS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT 18 YEARS OR OLDER. PLEASE REFER TO THE USCG GUIDANCE FOR PFDS.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

32d3c466-1d40-4ea1-84ed-df69a5632bfb
Vrbo Property

Frequently asked questions

How close is Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee to the airport?

This vacation home is 65.2 mi (97-min drive) away from the Greenville-Spartanburg Intl. Airport (GSP) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee to downtown Salem?

This vacation home is 6.8 mi away from Salem.

Black Bear Lodge at gorgeous Lake Jocassee Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 28 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Lake Jocasee is beautiful. The house was very nice but the description of the hike to get to the dock wasn't exactly what I expected. I think we counted over 150 steps and like 5-6 landings. Two of us only went down to the dock once. One couldn't make it. There was conflicting directions from the agreement you must sign, and the signage inside the house. The rules are so prolific that I don't think I would rent from Clemson vacation rentals again. The drive to get there after the gate was super steep. Our vehicles had a hard time getting out of the driveway and brakes were smoking.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

Worked out great!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Location
Disliked: Communication

Great location, but...

It's in a great location for a lake vacation, but the house and property are in need of maintenance. We had to spend 2 days troubleshooting why the heat did not work. The host said that they could not send someone to look at it until after our stay was over, and she stopped responding to our concerns. Agree with other reviews about the significant amount of wood rot on the stairs leading down to the lake.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Listing accuracy

Not as advertised - NEEDS RENOVATIONS

This property is not as advertised - the back porch has a number of extremely loose boards - not safe or up to code. Property owner was made aware and states that the property boards are checked with each visit yet the boards were in terrible shape upon our arrival. The power went out in the kitchen / eating area that included the inability to use the washing machine, dishwasher, etc. This power outage lasted 1-day of our stay yet the property owner offered no concession for this. The amount we paid to stay does not match what the property offers.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We WILL be coming back!

As you know looking for a house on lake Jocassee the rentals are limited. We chose this house and I’m so happy we did. If you can get over the amount of steps there are getting down to the dock nothing else about this place will disappoint you. We knew coming here we were not going to be leaving the property besides getting on our boat and going on the lake. The house was SUPER clean and comfortable. The house is dated, but it’s a cabin the mountains and it gives you that true mountain cabin feel. If you’re bringing a boat with you, go ahead and launch it at Devils Fork State Park before heading to the house and drop your trailer at the trailer parking spot they have available in the neighborhood, trying to get a trailer in the cabins driveway is difficult. If you’re bringing a boat, bring some gas cans with you, there is no where to fill up with gas on the lake. We will be booking again for next summer. Jill was very helpful and answered our questions quickly!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Dr

Lake Jocassee is incredible. The linens and towels were clean and new. Access to the dock was treacherous. The number of stairs is not the problem. The stairs are breaking down with multiple sites of yellow jacket nests. Needs regular pest control. 3 of our guests separate times got stung when using the stairs. The dock boards are rotting with holes, needs complete demo. There are no cleats to secure your boat. Serious liability with stair and dock rot. This property is a diamond in the rough but needs attention and investment. The property management team were timely in response and kind. They remedied running water issues quickly even with remote location. The neighbor to this property, the HOA president. helped us out with trailer issues and is a class act.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
The house is okay. It had what we needed for cooking. The beds were comfy. The house is very dated. The outside deck, tables and chairs were dirty so we did not spend any time out there. The stairs leading down to the dock are in dire need of repair. We all went very slow down and back up from the dock. The dock is in desperate need of repairs as well. The ladder to get out of the lake is a tetanus shot waiting to happen. There are trees leaning over the house constantly dropping debris on the roof which woke us up at night. There is no yard, I mean, there is one but you are not playing in it or walking around with your kids. There was no cell service. Supposedly there is Dish network but it was not working and instructions to call but since we had no cell service we could not do that but who wants to do that kind of adulting on a vacation anyway? Not us. It could be a great place. The homes around it are quite lovely. I hate I paid so much to stay here but hopefully the profit will be used to improve the home and yard and dock AND the stairs leading down to the dock, they really are scary. I would not rent this place again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cabin…but be sure you understand it’s rustic and the dock is in bad need of repair

I wanted to write a review and say that This lake is one of the best in the United States. The waterfalls, jumping rocks, islands and cove beaches are hard to beat. And Jocassee only has 60 homes on it, most of which aren’t rentals. The rest of it is state parks. So you have to go into your stay at this lodge understanding that the HIKE to the bottom is tough for someone older (possibly impossible) or not in shape/disabled. I would NOT recommend this with small kids- I would have cried if I had kids I had to carry. And there’s no way to get down to the lake any other way. We rented a boat for 4 days and the dock is minimal, VERY old but gets the job done (we prayed the post didn’t snap and our boat float off). I feel like the property advertises what it is well and that is all you can ask for. And the communication with the property manager was wonderful. If you go into this wanting a wiFi free week, no restaurants or groceries nearby, and are ok with a hike (that has motivational signs-which we loved) then you’ll love it. But this is rustic, very very rustic. Also the lake views are minimal behind trees. None of which is anything more than just the way that Jocassee is. The house itself is a cabin/lodge, which is how it’s advertised. So no complaints there from us.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
The check is process is cut and dry. They provide a gate code and a key box code for home access. Overall me and my wife had a great stay and enjoyed spending time on lake jocassee. The lake is truly a gem. 4 stars because we had an amazing and the location is incredible. But……. We feel the property is a little misrepresented. The cleaner must have forgotten to clean under the upstairs bed. As there was old clothes, bugs, and balls of dust in the master. The property is NOT in the condition that the photos show. The back porch, deck, stairs, and dock need some attention. Multiple boards were rotting and soft. Some of the staircase handrails were loose and the balusters on the back porch were completely rotten in sections and falling apart. The roof and gutters were completely covered with debris and overflowed into a mess when it rained on Friday. The outdoor cooking grill in the listing was not present.The listing photos clearly show a green roof pergola and table for hanging out in the shade by the waterside which was not present. We had planned lunch by the lake but decided not due to no cover. The dock is missing multiple tie cleats and the vertical rub rails are in poor condition. If you plan on docking a boat you have to get creative with your dock lines. I am not writing this as a “bad” review. But we feel there should be an immediate correction to the listing AND updated photos need to be provided. Being mislead is untrustworthy.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Family Get Away

We enjoyed the beautiful fall get away. We enjoyed hiking, boating, and relaxing in the comfortable setting.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Weekend!

Place was perfect for a girls trip. Property manager was wonderful and very quick to respond to our questions. Thank you for a great trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing views. This place was perfect for our group.

Peaceful getaway
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and quiet

Definitely rent a boat to keep at dock but was an amazing week of fun thrilled adventures. House was great, beds were fabulous and we stayed cool. No complaints here. Must stay sometime
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Resting with adult children

Rare find, actually having a private dock on Jocassee. There are a LOT of steps to it from the house but so nicely planned with landings to stop on. My husband had knee replacement 6 months ago and was fine. Comfortable bedding and plenty of room for privacy for a family with all adults. But there would have been space for little ones if we’d had them. I received quick responses to all questions to the owner. Definitely recommend this rental and owner
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

The cabin was 'as advertised'. However...

The cabin was 'as advertised'. However bring all your supplies, it is a trek to get anything you'll need.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring break getaway

We booked the property for an early spring vacation and our annual trip to the Clemson spring game. The home had everything we needed and the layout really complemented our family. The host provided thorough details and directions from check in to departure making the stay simple and relaxing. We really enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend this property for a lake/mountain trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Not at all what was listed

I use Vrbo about twice a year. Used it last month in Pigeon Forge TN. I have never given a bad review but this Property and listing needs to be evaluated. One it is miss leading by pics it looks like the house is actually on the water. It has 169 steps to even getting to the water. By listing it looks like dock is there and boat ramp near by. It’s actually close to and hour away. I booked weekend for my son 24 and daughter 12 for a birthday weekend because both love to fish and it was on water. We pulled a boat almost 4 hours to no boat ramp. There’s no yard for parking and I have never been to a Vrbo spot they had paint cans, ladders and just so unkept. The house is so dimly lite and several of the of the fixtures didn’t even have light bulbs in them. This is probably one of the most expensive nights per stay I have spent to be the most disappointing. Trash cans under the porch and contruction looked to be going on. And there’s a really creepy in safe play ground on the site. I usually never give a bad review but I certainly hope no other family goes to stay here expecting it to look anything like the description or pictures. I took photos of everything mention and would be happy to forward them to you.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Labor weekend away!

We had a nice time, the lake is beautiful and very clean! The house is clean and confortable! I recommend this property for fit or in good shape! If you want to go swimming and do things at the lake ! Is a lot of steps to walk up , was not a problem for us but can be challenging for someone not use to walk! We cooked at the house everyday, the charcoal grill work perfect!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Location

The best part of this rental is the property manager Jill. There were a few hiccups but Jill went above and beyond to make sure it was resolved and we could still enjoy our visit. Our Pros and Cons: Pro - Proximity to beautiful Lake Jocassee Con - 176 steps from house to dock Pro - Beautiful location Con - Very remote, take everything you need, you’re not close to grocery stores, etc. Pro- Plenty of room for big families. Our group had 6 adults and 3 children with room to spare. Con - We were only there for the weekend. I wish we could’ve stayed longer! Again, many thanks to Jill! She’s an awesome property manager.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great week at beautiful lake Jocassee

The cabin was very nice. The property manager was very quick to respond to any needs we had.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Epic

Amazing weekend at Jocassee! Jill was incredible to book with and even better having the boat at the dock was incredible.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Black Bear Lodge

House is nicely located on the Lake. Inside was fine.. Outside is where they need to put some attention. Rocking chairs are falling apart and the deck is nasty. Needs to be pressure washed badly. A lot of rotten wood. Overall our family had a great time here and we got visited by bears !
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience

Great cabin, unbelievably beautiful lake, property manager was helpful; we would stay here again.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great trip, awesome views and wildlife

Fantastic trip with friends. Very clean, beautiful scenery and even had a bear encounter at the back door while eating dinner..... so cute!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spot

We had and amazing time at this beautiful lake and Jill was always ready to help us. The spot is perfect, close to everything, so many natural attractions. The only thing I will change is to update the kitchen cups, glasses and cutlery. There were missing pans too. But all the rest perfect and the water of the lake so clear!! We love it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021