Although the state’s scenic coastline and historic towns draw attention, most inhabitants prefer to spend their time fishing, resting, swimming, or boating in the lakes. Whether you are on vacation in South Carolina or a resident, the lakes within the state provide a wealth of recreational choices. In addition, they make an excellent excuse to go out of the city. Below, we will explore the 10 biggest lakes in South Carolina.
The 10 Biggest Lakes in South Carolina
10. Lake Jocassee
One of the state’s most beautiful lakes also has a small number of public access points, making it one of the least crowded. The Jocassee Gorges and Lake Jocassee are natural wonderlands. It’s a 7,565-acre (30.61 km²) man-made lake in the South Carolina mountains, mostly untouched and crystal clear, and only accessible through Devils Fork State Park. It is famed for its views of the Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area and surrounding mountains, formed by multiple rivers and waterfalls. The water is very pure all year due to its mountain source ideal for swimmers, scuba divers, and fishers. The beauty of Lake Jocassee has drawn celebrities to the area. It has been represented on the big screen by Hollywood directors on occasion – Lake Jocassee is perhaps most known for its appearance in the 2012 film The Hunger Games. It isn’t surprising, given that it’s one of the most beautiful of South Carolina’s lakes.
9. Lake Greenwood
Lake Greenwood spans three South Carolina counties, with 11,400 acres (46.13 km²) and 212 miles of shoreline. Greenwood County possesses Lake Greenwood, and the residents of that county have been caring for it to develop a vibrant fishing community. Locals flock to Ware Shoals and are always eager to show visitors around. Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, camping, and other activities are available at Lake Greenwood State Park. Crappie Masters from all around South Carolina descend on Lake Greenwood every March to compete in the Crappie Masters South Carolina State Fishing Championship.
8. Lake Wylie
Although most of this man-made lake is in South Carolina, it also spills into North Carolina. Its position makes it a popular tourist attraction for citizens from both states and those from other parts of the country. Lake Wylie is a 12,177-acre (49.28 km²) lake near Tega Cay, South Carolina, on the state’s northern border. Crappie, white bass, perch, sunfish, chain pickerel, and catfish are abundant in these waters. Picnic places, boat launches, fishing piers, yacht clubs, and even golf courses are everywhere along the lake’s 325-mile (523-kilometer) shoreline. Water sports team tournaments, live music festivals, fireworks exhibitions, and beer festivals are just a few of the annual events held in the Lake Wylie area. If you’re lucky, you might be able to schedule your vacation to the lake around one of these entertaining events.
7. Lake Wateree
Lake Wateree is a year-round favorite of campers, fishers, and recreational boaters, with over 13,025 surface acres (52.71 km²) and 242 miles of shoreline. Bass, catfish, bream, and crappie fishing are rich at this lake. A hydroelectric power source was built by Duke Energy in 1919, making it one of the state’s oldest man-made lakes. The resulting ecology has had more time to mature, and numerous animals have taken advantage of the lake’s protection. Deer frolicking across the grass or a fox scuffling at night are prevalent sights, but you might also see an alligator or turtle gently swimming through the lake. With its native hawk, egret, duck, and osprey populations, it’s also the closest thing South Carolina has seen to Birdland.
6. Lake Keowee
Lake Keowee is a must-see in South Carolina, as it is one of the state’s bluest and most beautiful lakes. The Cherokee people, who lived there for generations and built their entire town on the lake’s bounty, have inspired its name. It is often known as one of the finest retirement lakes in America, with a surface size of 18,372 acres (74.35 km²). The unpolluted waters are at an ideal temperature all year, and there’s never a bad day to eat along Lake Keowee’s edge. High Falls County Park, South Cove County Park, and Keowee-Toxaway State Park all include lake access points to enjoy lakefront activities and lake access. River otters are most common in South Carolina’s coastal marshes and blackwater swamps, which thrive in Lake Keowee’s open water.
5. Lake Murray
Lake Murray is a 48,000-acre (195 km²) reservoir and is well-known for its fantastic recreational opportunities. It sits outside of Columbia and is a great place to spend hours (or days) on and around the water, with different marinas, restaurants, and parks. Take a day trip to Lake Murray and float. The tranquil waters are great for sailing, and there are dozens of marinas to make getting in and out easier. The lake was formerly the world’s largest dam, and it has naturally established a bustling recreation scene alongside the hydroelectric power-generating waters. The lake now has 500 miles of shoreline ideal for exploration, with enough beauty to make it South Carolina’s crown treasure. Lake Murray is home to hardshell turtles, striped bass, large/smallmouth bass, bream, crappie, and catfish, among other aquatic species. After a day of boating, anchor at the Dreher Island State Recreation Area for a beautiful picnic lunch. White-tailed deer, grey squirrels, egrets, osprey, purple martins, Canadian geese, and mallard ducks are among the animals that thrive here.
4. Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell is the state’s fourth-largest lake, covering approximately 56,000 acres (226.6 km2)! The lake, which straddles the Georgia-South Carolina border and includes parts of the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers, has a 962-mile shoreline. Hartwell is a fantastic fishing and boating destination. It is home to a diverse range of fish, including largemouth and spotted bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, black crappie, bream, trout, and stocked walleye. Because of its vastness, you’ll never feel crowded here, although you might get lost. Around the lake, there are various marinas and lakefront restaurants, fishing tournaments, boat rallies, and other activities. Lake Hartwell is a little further out of Atlanta, but it provides excellent lake living options at a lower cost than other lakes.
3. Lake Moultrie
Lake Moultrie is among the most attractive lakes in the low area, and it draws a large crowd. Its proximity to Charleston is also advantageous. This lake provides excitement for anyone looking for a day of activities away from the city. The lake’s 60,400 acres (244.4 km²) have produced world records for black crappie and catfish catches. The diverse ecosystems that surround the lake will delight visitors. The coastlines are lined with blackwater ponds, marshes, and cypress trees, and the waters are abundant with fish. The lake’s accessibility and the numerous water activities available have made the area a popular day trip destination.
2. Clarks Hill Lake
The Strom Thurmond Reservoir, also known as Clarks Hill Lake, is a man-made reservoir on the Georgia-South Carolina border in the Savannah River Basin. It is the second-largest lake east of the Mississippi River, covering 70,000 acres (283 km²). In addition, its 1,000-plus miles of shoreline provide ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and Corps activities. There are also hundreds of campgrounds, thriving villages, and charming small towns for you to visit. Clarks Hill is known for its largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, bass, and crappie fishing, and its exceptional shellcracker fishing during the late spring spawn and some gigantic catfish.
1. Lake Marion
Lake Marion has so many good qualities! The state’s largest lake has roughly 110,600 acres (447.6 km²) to explore, from soggy cypress stands to a little-known ghost town jutting above the water. It is so large that it spreads across five counties! Santee Cooper Country is known for its giant fish and rich wildlife, and the lake is home to foxes, deer, alligators, hawks, egrets, wild turkeys, and ducks. Smaller ships can enter the marshes created when the lake overtakes its streams, and boaters can cruise from island to island. The Santee State Park includes cute small circular huts perched above the lake for a memorable stay-cation. The lake’s tranquil shores attract not just humans but also other animals. Several bird species opt to nest in the wetlands and dig for worms.
