Psst… the secret’s officially out.

USA Today just named our very own Lake Jocassee the #1 “Best Lake for Swimming” in America, and we’re not even pretending to be surprised.

Locals have known for generations that this little corner of the Upstate is pure magic—an enchanted place where time slows, hearts soften, and the water is so clear it might just wash your worries clean away.

Welcome to McCarterville, a storybook setting tucked between the old Horse Pasture and the wild, whispering woods of South Carolina’s most pristine wilderness.

Here, nature sings in surround sound. Think morning mists curling off the lake, loon calls echoing at dusk, and nights so still you can hear the stars thinking.

And each morning, adventure awaits you in every direction—on the water, in the woods, and always in the wonder of it all.

We built our first luxury rental—The Little Billie—as a love letter to the land… and our mom.

Perched just a stone’s skip from Lake Jocassee, this dreamy retreat features all the modern comforts you want (yes, there’s a dishwasher) and all the front-porch charm you didn’t know you needed.

With its own private swimming pool, large backporch for sipping something cold while the sun rises (or sets), and enough space for couples or the whole crew,

The Little Billie is your front-row seat to peace, play, and lake life at its finest.

Rusty, Todd, and Kent McCarter
Imagination Design and Development
McCarter Contracting
info@mccarterville.com

Lake Jocassee is a Natural Wonderland

Our little slice of heaven sits just a stone’s throw—if you’ve got a good arm and a mischievous spirit—from one of the last true wilderness gems left on the East Coast: the legendary Lake Jocassee. This isn’t your average body of water; this is the sort of lake that looks like God poured it straight out of a mason jar. Clear, cold, clean—so transparent you can see the bottom in places, which is equal parts enchanting and unsettling, depending on how you feel about fish staring back at you.

And wildlife? Well, friend, if you spend enough time along these banks, you’ll start to think you’re in some sort of Appalachian safari. Deer wander like they own the place, black bears mosey through as if late for an appointment, and every now and again someone swears they’ve spotted an Eastern elk strolling down from Cherokee, NC, with the confidence of a tourist who already paid for the guided tour. Truth is, there’s no telling what might appear—this land has a sense of humor.

For anglers, Lake Jocassee is where fishing stories finally come true. The mountain trout are as feisty as a Southern grandma with a church opinion, and the bass—both large-mouth and small-mouth—are plentiful enough to make even a casual fisherman think he’s suddenly gifted. Catfish round out the menu, because what’s a Southern lake without a few bottom-dwelling philosophers?

As for the lake itself, she’s a grand 7,500-acre, 300-foot-deep expanse created back in 1973 when the state teamed up with Duke Power. Fed by the cold, pure veins of Appalachian rivers, Jocassee stays crisp and clear all year long—like nature’s own infinity pool, minus the pretension.

World-Class Trout Fishing awaits your discovery!

Waterfalls abound.

So whether you’re here to chase fish, chase adventure, or just chase the feeling of being deliciously lost in the mountains of South Carolina, there’s never a dull moment on Lake Jocassee. Out here, the wild still has a vote—and thank goodness for that.

Awaken Your Sense of Wonder-Book The Little Billie

Couples craving reconnection, families chasing memory-making moments, or solo travelers with a good book and better intentions—McCarterville was made for you.

Book your stay at The Little Billie now and be among the first to write your own chapter in our unfolding story. But fair warning: once you arrive, you may not want to leave.

And don’t blink—more rentals and an event center are on the horizon. Because when you’re next to America’s #1 lake, you dream big.

Below is an excellent resource to find out more about this beautiful region.