Chauga Heights

Chau Ram County Park is one of the outstanding gems of the Upstate considered by many to be the county's best kept secret. Managed by Oconee County Parks Recreation and Tourism, the park runs along the banks of the Chauga River at the confluence of Ramsey Creek and provides an idyllic setting for camping, fishing, hiking and tubing. As the park's popularity has grown in recent years, the county has looked to add more land and amenities to the existing footprint. 

In 2002, Naturaland Trust helped expand the boundaries of the park by 100 acres and we've kept an eye on the area, waiting for another opportunity. In the summer of 2018, a 212-acre property that adjoins Chau Ram went on the market and we began working closely with director of parks, Phil Shirley, strategizing how to protect the large contiguous forest containing headwater streams and the floodplain along a 1-mile stretch of the river. 

We applied for and received a $550,000 grant from the South Carolina Conservation Bank and with a $230,000 investment from Oconee County, we were able to purchase the property. At closing we donated a conservation easement to Upstate Forever. In 2019 we transferred the property to the County, doubling the size of Chau Ram. The county plans to open up new recreational opportunities for the public.  

“It has been an amazing process working with Naturaland Trust and Upstate Forever”, said Phil Shirley. “We are extremely grateful for their partnership and efforts to obtain the conservation grant and walk us through the conservation easement process. There is a huge demand for additional public access at Chau Ram Park, particularly during peak times, and this property will allow us to develop a master plan for future generations to enjoy this great asset along the Chauga River.”