Some states have hundreds of lakes, both man-made and naturally formed, but in South Carolina, there are only a handful of major lakes that you’ll find on the map. Nevertheless, we asked our readers on our Only In South Carolina Facebook page which were their favorites, and boy, did we get a response! With some award-winning lakes for fishing, camping, hiking, and water sports, look at the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina, according to our readers.
- Lake Pinnacle in Table Rock State Park
Kevin White via Only In North Carolina Lake Pinnacle at Table Rock State Park is the smallest of the two lakes within the park, but it still boasts incredible views. Open year-round, you can canoe or kayak no matter what the weather allows. While this lake is only 36 acres in size, it does have quite a few incredible ways to enjoy the water. Table Rock State Park, 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
- Lake Keowee
Stephen Danger Slingerland via Only In North Carolina Lake Keowee is a man-made reservoir that makes our list, developed to serve the needs of Duke Energy. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to enjoy this lake recreationally. With a 300-mile shoreline, plus 18,500 acres of water, guests to this lake can fish, camp, hike, and water ski. Lake Keowee, South Carolina, USA
- Lake Warren
Jeremy Ginn via Only In North Carolina Lake Warren is 440 acres, situated in Lowcountry, South Carolina. Here, people come to enjoy freshwater fishing, picnicking, or day-park use. The lake is relatively shallow compared to most, but fishing is still enjoyable here. Lake Warren Road, Lake Warren Rd, South Carolina, USA
- Lake Secession
Nancy Ellis Saylors via Only In North Carolina Lake Secession is a 1,450-acre reservoir in Abbeville County that was constructed by a damming project. With 52 miles of shoreline, visitors can sport fish for black crappie and largemouth bass, as well as sightsee, hike, bike, boat, and camp. Lake Secession, SC, USA
- Lake Murray
Rebecca Morrison White via Only In North Carolina Lake Murray, often nicknamed the Jewel of South Carolina, is around 50,000 acres in size - perhaps one of the biggest lakes to make our list. With approximately 650 miles of shoreline, this lake was impounded in the 1920s in order to provide hydroelectric power to the state. Today, visitors come to Lake Murray for endless outdoor recreational activities, from boating and fishing to waterskiing and more. Lake Murray, South Carolina, USA
- Lake Marion
Palmetto Shores RV Resort via Only In North Carolina Talking about big lakes to make our list - Lake Marion is actually the largest lake in South Carolina, coming in at 110,600 acres. This lake is centrally located and within five different counties. The lake is nicknamed the state’s “inland sea” with a 315-mile shoreline. Come enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and more. Lake Marion, South Carolina, USA
- Swan Lake
Joel Singletary via Only In North Carolina Nope, we aren’t talking about the ballet. We’re talking about the lake in Sumter, South Carolina that is fun for visitors of all ages. This hidden treasure can be found while traveling the backroads from Charlotte to Charleston and is absolutely worth it to stop and have a picnic. Swan Lake, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
- Lake Jocassee at Devil’s Fork State Park
Southeast to Start via Only In North Carolina What’s neat about Lake Jocassee is that it’s one of the clearest lakes in the state. Why? Because much of the area surrounding this lake remains undeveloped! Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this lake is mountain spring-fed by four different streams. Here you can find waterfalls, camping, picnicking, and much more. Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA
- Lake Greenwood
Misty McAffe Grey via Only In North Carolina Enjoy bass fishing, boating, swimming, and more when you visit Lake Greenwood in South Carolina. This beautiful lake was formed by a hydroelectric dam built across the Saluda River. Today, Lake Greenwood is one of the most popular lakes in the state, not just because of the recreational opportunities, but because it also provides drinking water! Lake Greenwood State Park, 302 State Park Rd, Ninety Six, SC 29666, USA
- Lake Oolenoy in Table Rock State Park
Danny Burrell via Only In North Carolina We’re rounding this list out with the counterpart to the first on our list, Lake Pinnacle. Lake Oolenoy is 67 acres in size and is the second lake found at Table Rock State Park. This lake offers a wide variety of activities up in the mountains, from hiking and swimming to camping and beyond. Lake Oolenoy, South Carolina 29671, USA
How many of these lakes did you have on your bucket list? Do you agree with your fellow state residents on the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! You can also join our South Carolina Nature Lovers Facebook group to find more picture-perfect lakes to add to your travel itinerary.
Kevin White via Only In North Carolina
Lake Pinnacle at Table Rock State Park is the smallest of the two lakes within the park, but it still boasts incredible views. Open year-round, you can canoe or kayak no matter what the weather allows. While this lake is only 36 acres in size, it does have quite a few incredible ways to enjoy the water.
Table Rock State Park, 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Stephen Danger Slingerland via Only In North Carolina
Lake Keowee is a man-made reservoir that makes our list, developed to serve the needs of Duke Energy. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to enjoy this lake recreationally. With a 300-mile shoreline, plus 18,500 acres of water, guests to this lake can fish, camp, hike, and water ski.
Lake Keowee, South Carolina, USA
Jeremy Ginn via Only In North Carolina
Lake Warren is 440 acres, situated in Lowcountry, South Carolina. Here, people come to enjoy freshwater fishing, picnicking, or day-park use. The lake is relatively shallow compared to most, but fishing is still enjoyable here.
Lake Warren Road, Lake Warren Rd, South Carolina, USA
Nancy Ellis Saylors via Only In North Carolina
Lake Secession is a 1,450-acre reservoir in Abbeville County that was constructed by a damming project. With 52 miles of shoreline, visitors can sport fish for black crappie and largemouth bass, as well as sightsee, hike, bike, boat, and camp.
Lake Secession, SC, USA
Rebecca Morrison White via Only In North Carolina
Lake Murray, often nicknamed the Jewel of South Carolina, is around 50,000 acres in size - perhaps one of the biggest lakes to make our list. With approximately 650 miles of shoreline, this lake was impounded in the 1920s in order to provide hydroelectric power to the state. Today, visitors come to Lake Murray for endless outdoor recreational activities, from boating and fishing to waterskiing and more.
Lake Murray, South Carolina, USA
Palmetto Shores RV Resort via Only In North Carolina
Talking about big lakes to make our list - Lake Marion is actually the largest lake in South Carolina, coming in at 110,600 acres. This lake is centrally located and within five different counties. The lake is nicknamed the state’s “inland sea” with a 315-mile shoreline. Come enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and more.
Lake Marion, South Carolina, USA
Joel Singletary via Only In North Carolina
Nope, we aren’t talking about the ballet. We’re talking about the lake in Sumter, South Carolina that is fun for visitors of all ages. This hidden treasure can be found while traveling the backroads from Charlotte to Charleston and is absolutely worth it to stop and have a picnic.
Swan Lake, Sumter, SC 29150, USA
Southeast to Start via Only In North Carolina
What’s neat about Lake Jocassee is that it’s one of the clearest lakes in the state. Why? Because much of the area surrounding this lake remains undeveloped! Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this lake is mountain spring-fed by four different streams. Here you can find waterfalls, camping, picnicking, and much more.
Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA
Misty McAffe Grey via Only In North Carolina
Enjoy bass fishing, boating, swimming, and more when you visit Lake Greenwood in South Carolina. This beautiful lake was formed by a hydroelectric dam built across the Saluda River. Today, Lake Greenwood is one of the most popular lakes in the state, not just because of the recreational opportunities, but because it also provides drinking water!
Lake Greenwood State Park, 302 State Park Rd, Ninety Six, SC 29666, USA
Danny Burrell via Only In North Carolina
We’re rounding this list out with the counterpart to the first on our list, Lake Pinnacle. Lake Oolenoy is 67 acres in size and is the second lake found at Table Rock State Park. This lake offers a wide variety of activities up in the mountains, from hiking and swimming to camping and beyond.
Lake Oolenoy, South Carolina 29671, USA
If you think this list is great, you haven’t seen anything yet! Pack your bags and head on this natural wonders road trip in South Carolina.
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