Summary
Positioned in the American South, South Carolina is a state enriched with history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. The state features breathtaking landscapes, including majestic mountains, beautiful coastlines, and scenic forests.
Moreover, South Carolina is abundant in lakes. The state’s primary lakes span a total area of 1,770 square kilometers, an impressive figure considering it is one of the smallest states in the United States.
Whether you are visiting South Carolina or are a resident, the lakes offer numerous opportunities for recreational pursuits, presenting an excellent reason to explore beyond the urban areas.
Here are the 15 premier lakes in South Carolina:
1. Lake Marion; Clarendon, Orangeburg, Berkeley, Calhoun & Sumter counties
As the largest lake in the state, Lake Marion spans an impressive 45,000 hectares, extending across five counties.
This man-made reservoir was constructed during the Great Depression through the Santee Dam project. It serves essential functions for water conservation and recreational activities.
Lake Marion is renowned for its abundant fish population and diverse wildlife, which includes foxes, deer, alligators, hawks, egrets, wild turkeys, and ducks.
2. Lake Jocassee; Oconee & Pickens counties
Lake Jocassee, situated within the Devils Fork State Park, receives its waters from the pristine Appalachian Mountains, resulting in consistently cool lake temperatures, making it a favored location for fishing.
This lake holds state records for five fish species, three of which belong to the bass family, and is popular among scuba divers and swimmers.
Lake Jocassee gained fame as a backdrop in the 2012 film The Hunger Games, as well as in the 1972 movie The Deliverance featuring Burt Reynolds.
3. Lake Murray; Lexington, Newberry, Saluda and Richland counties
This 20,000 hectare reservoir features an 800-kilometer shoreline and is acclaimed for its exceptional recreational opportunities. The Dreher Island State Recreation Area, located on the west side of the lake, offers activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.
For those interested in overnight stays, numerous camping sites, cabins, cottages, and villas are available around the lake.
Initially built in the 1920s to provide hydroelectric power to South Carolina, Lake Murray was recognized as the world’s largest earthen dam at its completion.
4. Lake Strom Thurmond; McCormick County
Lake Strom Thurmond, the second largest lake in South Carolina, is located in the Savannah River Basin and extends into Georgia. This area has become immensely popular for recreational pursuits.
Encompassing parks, campgrounds, and marinas, the 29,000 hectare lake attracts millions of visitors annually, presenting an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and horseback riding are readily available. Both Hamilton Branch State Park and Clarks Hill are located on the South Carolina side of the lake.
5. Richard B. Russell Lake; Abbeville & Anderson counties
Richard B. Russell Lake, also known as Little Russell, is positioned along the Savannah River. It lies upstream from Lake Strom Thurmond and has a smaller area of 11,000 hectares.
This lake is renowned for its excellent recreational activities, with 12 public access points on the South Carolina side alone, in addition to several more in Georgia.
Visitors can engage in swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking in the picturesque surroundings, which remain largely undisturbed.
6. Lake Moultrie; Berkeley County
Lake Moultrie, South Carolina’s third largest lake, is situated at the edge of the Francis Marion National Forest, just north of Charlottetown. It is connected to Lake Marion via a canal.
This man-made lake offers diverse fishing environments, including open water, blackwater ponds, swamps, cypress trees, and numerous submerged trees providing habitats for various fish species.
The 24,000 hectare lake features camping facilities, vacation rentals, and boat launches, as well as several dining and tackle shops.
7. Lake Keowee; Oconee & Pickens counties
This man-made reservoir is located in the northwestern corner of South Carolina and derives its name from the Cherokee settlement of Keowee, formerly located on the lake’s edge.
Lake Keowee is a popular recreational site due to its excellent swimming, sailing, kayaking, and boating conditions. Additionally, activities such as water skiing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and various water sports are enjoyed on this 7,500 hectare lake.
Keowee-Toxaway State Park spans three areas surrounding the lake, offering campgrounds for visitors alongside numerous vacation homes and resorts.
8. Lake Greenwood; Greenwood, Laurens & Newberry counties
Lake Greenwood is a well-known hotspot for boaters, featuring multiple boat launches, marinas, and boating clubs. Visitors frequently engage in wakeboarding, windsurfing, and water skiing.
South of the lake, the Lake Greenwood State Park offers various facilities, including picnic areas, camping sites, motorhome sites, and hiking trails.
The 4,600 hectare lake was created by a hydroelectric dam and receives water from the Saluda River, Reedy River, and Rabon Creek.
9. Lake Wylie; York County
This man-made lake, while shared with North Carolina, has most of its area located in South Carolina. Its strategic location makes it a favored destination for residents of both states, as well as visitors from further afield.
The lake features a 523-kilometer shoreline equipped with various amenities, including picnic areas, boat launches, fishing piers, yacht clubs, and golf courses. Additionally, there are campsites, resorts, cabins, and luxury villas available for accommodation.
Communities surrounding Lake Wylie host a range of annual events, including water sports team competitions, live music festivals, fireworks displays, and beer festivals. If timed correctly, visitors can experience the lake during one of these exciting occasions.
10. Lake Bowen; Spartanburg County
This 621 hectare lake is located in northern South Carolina, approximately 10 kilometers from the North Carolina border. The scenic Interstate Highway 26 Bridge spans the lake.
As the largest lake in Spartanburg County, Lake Bowen was established to supply drinking water to nearby communities while also serving as a venue for recreational activities like fishing, boating, and swimming.
The lake features a 53-kilometer shoreline, equipped with public boat ramps, picnic pavilions, and a playground. Visitors should ensure they understand the local boating regulations before arrival.
11. Lake Wateree; Kershaw, Fairfield & Lancaster counties
As one of the oldest man-made lakes in South Carolina, this 5,000 hectare reservoir was developed in 1919 and named after the now-extinct Wateree Native Americans.
A section of Lake Wateree’s 389-kilometer shoreline is enclosed by Lake Wateree State Park, which serves as a sanctuary for birdwatchers. This park provides amenities such as picnic shelters, nature trails, playgrounds, and numerous camping sites.
The lake’s ecosystem supports a rich variety of wildlife, offering visitors a chance to see deer, foxes, turtles, or even alligators if they are fortunate.
12. Lake Hartwell; Anderson County
Similarly shared with Georgia, Lake Hartwell is located at the junction of the Seneca, Savannah, and Tugaloo Rivers. This 23,000 hectare lake ranks among the largest in the region, making it extremely popular for a variety of recreational activities.
Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, or swimming on the lake, while land-lovers may opt for hiking or biking.
Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake offers an impressive 524 campsites across nine campgrounds. Numerous hotels and rental cabins line the shore as well.
13. Lake Robinson; Greenville County
This pristine recreational lake, located northeast of Greer, serves as an excellent venue for canoeing, kayaking, and boating. It also features a fishing pier and public boat ramp.
Activities such as swimming, relaxation on the grass, or dining in the picnic area are encouraged. Additionally, sheltered areas are available for reservation for daily use.
A boating license is required to operate on the 323 hectare lake, which can be obtained at the Lake Wardens Office. Furthermore, boats exceeding 10 HP are prohibited.
14. Monticello Reservoir; Fairfield County
This lake may not attract many visitors, yet it is well-known among locals for its exceptional catfishing. Fishing is permitted only on Wednesdays and Saturdays while swimming is allowed every day.
Facilities surrounding the 121 hectare lake include four fishing piers, three boat ramps, and a picnic area. Motorized water sports such as water skiing and jet skiing are not allowed.
Additionally, Monticello Reservoir features a nature trail along its southern end, adjacent to the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station, which is marked and contains plant identifications.
15. Lake Cooley; Spartanburg County
Lake Cooley is situated in northern South Carolina, just northeast of Spartanburg. This 134 hectare lake offers excellent bass, crappie, bream, and catfish fishing opportunities.
Current amenities along the lake’s shoreline consist of a playground, fishing pier, boat ramp, and picnic shelters. Plans are underway for the construction of a larger recreation center, which will feature a kayak launch, a spacious covered area, and a retail strip.
Accessing the lake for boating requires a permit, and boats powered by engines exceeding 15 HP are prohibited.
