The Top 11 Gorgeous Lakes in South Carolina

A gorgeous state in America, South Carolina is well-known for its stunning natural landmarks, which include the Atlantic Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Among the state’s many breathtaking natural attractions is its profusion of stunning lakes!

These locations, which range from man-made reservoirs to natural lakes, offer breathtaking landscapes and wonderful settings that are ideal for enjoying the outdoors. In addition, a lot of these lakes are fantastic for boating, swimming, fishing, and other water sports, making for fantastic water-filled getaways.

Lake Strom Thurmond

Lake Strom Thurmond, a breathtaking body of water bordering Georgia and South Carolina, is a great place to start the list. The J. Strom Thurmond Dam established this artificial reservoir in 1952, and it has since grown in popularity as a picturesque location. With a surface size of 71,100 acres (288 sq. km.), Lake Strom Thurmond is one of the largest in the state, supported primarily by the Savannah River.

As a result, it boasts a vast shoreline spanning more than a thousand miles, dotted with everything from breathtaking rocky shorelines and forests to the enormous J. Strom Thurmond Dam. Due to the wide variety of nearby attractions, a lot of visitors come to the lake to go camping and fishing. Thus, a trip to this lovely lake includes nighttime fishing for catfish, bass, and crappie from your waterfront campsite!

Lake Wateree

One of the earliest artificial lakes in South Carolina, Lake Wateree gets its name from the ancient Wateree Native Americans. After the Wateree River, after which it was named, was dammed up, the lake was created in 1919. Native Americans in the area have cultural importance for both the river and the lake.

In addition, Lake Wateree offers a charming setting away from the bustle of big towns. With a 181-mile (291-kilometer) shoreline and a surface area of 13,900 acres (56 sq. km), this location offers visitors a variety of breathtaking views. The neighboring bird refuge is a must-visit location for animal lovers.

dozens of beautiful bird species, including osprey, bald eagles, and other prey birds, can be found here, providing peaceful wildlife viewing. Furthermore, there is a state park all around the lake that offers breathtaking views of the outdoors as well as camping, hiking, fishing, and picnics.

Robinson Lake

Situated in Greer, the little lake known as Lake Robinson has a serene and charming atmosphere. It is a fantastic location for people who like to take in the sights of the water without having to venture too far from civilization, with a surface area of 800 acres.

Furthermore, the Greer Commission of Public Works oversees the lake, which has a wonderful array of facilities and activities. Here, for instance, a boat ramp and three fishing piers are situated along the lush shoreline. Locals and visitors alike can always be seen having a good time fishing, boating, or kayaking while engaging in lively conversation at these locations.

In addition, there is a designated picnic spot, which is ideal for a family outing amid the breathtaking nature of South Carolina. This serene lake is likely to provide hours of enjoyment, but since it supplies drinking water to Greer, please keep it clean.

Moultrie Lake

With a surface size of 60,000 acres, Lake Moultrie is one of the biggest lakes in South Carolina (240 sq. km.). It was first established in the 1940s when Pinopolis Dam was built to manage flooding and provide hydroelectric power. Today, Berkeley County’s enormous lake is a popular tourist attraction.

Because of its immensity, it offers a variety of breathtaking vistas, abundant animals, and thrilling activities that draw visitors from all around. Take a little fishing boat out on the lake and try your hand at catching some bass, catfish, and pickerel. Sailors will never grow bored sailing here because of the variety of sites available, such as cypress trees, black water ponds, and shallow marshes. If you’re not like swimming, you may still enjoy the expansive views of the lake from its extensive shoreline.

Simply pitch your tent at the lake’s edge and take in the stunning dusk reflecting off Lake Moultrie’s glistening surface. One of South Carolina’s most stunning bodies of water, Lake Moultrie offers an abundance of activities and sights to explore.

Hartwell Lake

Lake Hartwell, a popular body of water near the border of Georgia and South Carolina, was created in 1962 by the construction of the Hartwell Dam. With a shoreline spanning about a thousand miles, this lake is surrounded by lush vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and tiny plants.

When you combine this with the glistening waterways, you have a tranquil setting that highlights the natural charm of South Carolina. Great recreational opportunities abound at the lake for anyone who like to enjoy beautiful environment.

Use its 56,000 acres (227 sq. km.) of land to your advantage by boating from one of its five marinas. Alternatively, take advantage of the permitted water skiing, wakeboarding, and swimming! If you would rather stay dry while admiring the splendor of the lake, choose a shoreline activity. There are nine campgrounds, fantastic hiking paths, lots of fish, and other attractions for a good day in the sun.

Russell Lake

Lake Russell, another famous reservoir in South Carolina, is the ideal place to spend a weekend away. This lake was created in 1974, and except from a few state parks and leisure sites, it is mostly undeveloped. Because of this, it offers a genuine perspective on South Carolina’s natural beauty that is uncommon in other places.

This lake, spanning 26,650 acres (108 sq. km), is a veritable haven from the concrete and steel of urban areas. At one of the neighboring campgrounds, guests can pitch a tent or RV and enjoy the scenery. But because the Corps of Engineers oversees the lake, there aren’t many recreational options to protect its natural beauty. For every South Carolina nature enthusiast, Lake Russell is a paradise because of its unspoiled, tranquil surroundings.

Bowen Lake

Lake Bowen, created by South Pacolet River impoundment, is a vital lake in Spartanburg County. The main function of the lake, which is overseen by Spartanburg Water, is to supply drinking water to the neighboring city of Spartanburg.

Additionally, Lake Marion offers a variety of waterfront views, activities, and enjoyment for those who come to take in the beauty. It is the largest lake in Spartanburg County, with 33 miles (53 km) of shoreline, and features playground equipment, picnic pavilions, and boat ramps. Enjoy a picnic by the coast or go boating across the 1,534 acres (6.2 km) of the lake during the day. Choose a pleasant location to enjoy the Lake Bowen scenery and the sunset after a busy day outside.

Jocassee Lake

Lake Jocassee, a source of natural beauty and local history, presents a distinctive perspective on South Carolina’s stunning lakes. This lake is surrounded by rivers, forests, waterfalls, and more as it is tucked away inside Devils Fork State Park.

Lake Jocassee is a veritable paradise for those who enjoy the outdoors, with four inflows: the Horsepasture, Toxaway, Whitewater, and Thompson Rivers. There are a ton of activities and walks along the river in this location, which is breathtaking. In addition, a quick trek via Devils Fork State Park offers camping, hiking, and other activities in addition to stunning views. After admiring the surroundings, don some scuba diving equipment and explore the lake below the surface! In addition to its scenic value, Lake Jocasse holds historical significance.

The lake is named after the Native American term meaning “Place of the Lost One,” and it is on the place where a renowned warrior from the Oconee tribe fell victim to a battle wound. When all is considered, Lake Jocassee is an unendingly beautiful treasure trove!

Greenwood Lake

The construction of a hydroelectric dam along the Saluda River resulted in the formation of Lake Greenwood between 1935 and 1940. Since then, the lake has played a significant role in the region’s tourism and electricity production.

This is due to Lake Greenwood’s remarkable 40 square kilometers (more than 10,000 acres) of verdant surrounds. Lake Greenwood has it all, including dense foliage, lovely bushes, and even golden leaves in the fall. The lake’s popularity as a location for various events and activities is evidence of this.

For instance, every year the South Carolina Festival of Flowers Triathalon is held at the neighboring Lake Greenwood State Park. Therefore, make sure to come to this June event if you’re into fitness and wish to swim, cycle, and run for more than 30 miles (48 km). There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied if you are unable to complete the triathlon, like hiking, boating, camping, and bass fishing in the surrounding countryside.

Marion Lake

Lake Marion is the largest lake in South Carolina, covering an incredible 110,000 acres (450 square kilometers) on its surface. The lake, which spans five counties and offers an infinite variety of activities and vistas, is a testament to its enormous size. Lake Mation has a varied selection of waterfront views if you’re just here to take in the beauty.

From within the lake, for instance, you have views of the Santee State Park, Santee National Wildlife Refuge, Interstate 95, and other stunning locations. Take advantage of the endless water and all-encompassing surroundings by renting a boat and using one of the many public boat launches. A special touch to Lake Marion’s charm is the wide variety of fauna it is home to.

Animal enthusiasts will find a wide variety of species here, including eagles, alligators, and striped bass. Several state fishing records, including the largest largemouth bass (16.2 pounds), are actually held by the lake. Lake Marion is surrounded by a variety of natural locations, making it a true nature retreat with an abundance of vegetation and water.

Keowee Lake

Lake Keowee is consistently one of the most picturesque locations in the state, regardless of the season of the year one visits. This lake, which is in northwest South Carolina, was created in the 1970s by Duke Energy as a means of cooling its three nuclear reactors. Lake Keowee is a breathtaking scene with serene waters, rolling hills, and incredible activities—even with such a significant work.

Most visitors claim that it boasts some of the state’s purest and cleanest water, which is beautiful to look at. Alternatively, the lake provides facilities for swimming, sailing, boating, and even kayaking, so you can feel its waters personally! After making a swift 360-degree round once in the water, you’ll view gorgeous hills and little green islands that create a captivating scene.

When night falls, Lake Keowee becomes a breathtakingly beautiful wonderland illuminated by the moon. Sleep like a baby beside this lovely lake by setting up camp at one of the many parks along its 300 miles of shoreline!

In summary

In South Carolina, there are plenty of alternatives to visit picturesque lakes. Anyone who visits these lakes is sure to have an excellent time because they provide everything from crystal clear waters and lush vegetation to fantastic fishing and boating options. Since the majority of these lakes are artificial, they are also well-maintained and a testament to South Carolina’s genuine natural beauty.