10 Most Gorgeous Lakes In South Carolina, USA

1. Lake Marion

If you are planning to spend a holiday in South Carolina and you are trying to curate the most unforgettable travel itinerary, be sure to add Lake Marion to your list of places to visit. Five counties share territories of this huge lake. A long stretch of shorelines and vast rolling farmlands await visitors who wish to come to this paradise. It boasts refreshing fresh waters that are not only a superb place to swim but a fantastic site for fishing and boating. Wildlife watching is also an exciting activity to do in Lake Marion. Santee National Wildlife Refuge and Santee State Park are two parks in the lake that provides access to the public.

Lake Marion

Address: Clarendon / Orangeburg / Berkeley / Calhoun / Sumter counties, South Carolina, US

Website: Lake Marion

2. Lake Moultrie

Known as the third largest lake in the enormous state of South Carolina, Lake Moultrie covers 60 000 acres (24 281 hectares) of surface water. Nestled in Berkeley County, this man-made lake offers a multitude of outdoor opportunities for its visitors. For those who plan to swim in the lake, know that there are no lifeguards to supervise. Visitors who plan to fish in Lake Moultrie will be thrilled to know that this lake houses different species of fish, including blue catfish, striped bass, black crappie, and longnose gar. On the other hand, if you wish to stay on land, you can hike and bike through Palmetto Trail.

Lake Moultrie

Address: Berkeley County, South Carolina, United States

Website: Lake Moultrie

3. Lake Greenwood

Lake Greenwood is a stunning natural wonder that looks like a piece of heaven on earth. This lake offers fantastic swimming and fishing spots. Visitors should note that these pristine shores are unguarded and that you swim at your own risk. There are a fishing pier and ramps in the park, which are convenient for tourists who are bringing their boats to the lake. Black crappie, striped bass, channel catfish, and bluegill are common catches in Lake Greenwood. Plus, nature trails and campsites are also found in the park. If you visit in June, you might catch the exciting South Carolina Festival of Flowers Triathlon that happens in the park annually.

Lake Greenwood

Address: Greenwood / Laurens / Newberry counties, South Carolina, United States

Website: Lake Greenwood

4. Brown Lake

Make the most of your South Carolina escapade and invite your friends to a fun day at Brown Lake. Formally known as Edgar Brown Lake, this 100-acre (40-hectare) lake is a favorite fishing destination for locals and tourists alike. Shellcracker, catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass are species of fish to expect in the lake. After you’re done with fishing, you might like to go for a quick swim. Also, waterskiers love this lake as there are portions of the lake that are ideal for this type of sport. Plus, it has ramps for boats that are also accessible for people in wheelchairs.

Brown Lake

Address: Bryan Street, Barnwell, SC

Website: Brown Lake

5. Lake Robinson

Just like Brown Lake, Lake Robinson is another excellent lake in South Carolina that is popular with tourists who like fishing. Nesting in the charming city of Greer, this 800-acre (323-hectare) lake is home to largemouth bass, black crappie, and catfish. Besides fishing, Lake Robinson is also perfect for swimming and kayaking. For boating purposes, the park has ramps and two fishing sites. Visitors who wish to conduct their events in Lake Robinson can book an events’ place on-site. Additionally, this lovely park has picnic shelters, benches, and a beautiful boathouse.

Lake Robinson

Address: Greer, South Carolina

Website: Lake Robinson

6. John D. Long Lake

Experience a blissful afternoon in John D. Long Lake. A stunning man-made lake that nests in Union County, this 80-acre (32-hectare) paradise is a picture-perfect go-to destination for nature lovers and beach bums. It treats you to unforgettable views of nature and refreshing waters where you can swim and relax to your heart’s content. Families and couples who are planning to have some picnic bonding in the lake can choose between two picnic shelters where they can set up their things. For those who wish to go on boating or fishing adventures, you can bring your electric trolling motorboats to John D. Long Lake.

John D. Long Lake

Address: Union County, South Carolina

Website: John D. Long Lake

7. Yonah Lake

Curating the road trip itinerary for your upcoming South Carolina visit? Be sure to swing by Yonah Lake with your best buds for a fun time in the waters. Reconnect with nature and fall in love with the scenic views of the Tugaloo River. This beautiful lake is part of the Yonah Dam. It is surrounded by residential homes as well as holiday rentals that tourists can take advantage of. 284 acres (114 hectares) of surface area makes up Yonah Lake. Tourists who are into fishing will have a field day at the lake as it has an abundance of different species of fish, including Walleye.

Yonah Lake

Address: Georgia / South Carolina

Website: Yonah Lake

8. Saluda Lake

Imagine basking in the warmth of the sun, swimming in cool waters, and giggling with your loved ones over some delicious picnic snacks. These are scenarios that can come to life when you spend an afternoon in Saluda Lake. Nesting on the Saluda River, this 331-acre (134-hectare) reservoir was established in 1905. It is a piece of heaven on earth where you can do all of your favorite outdoor adventures. You can swim, boat, fish, and make lasting memories with your loved ones, in general. Crappie, bass, beam, and catfish swim freely in the lake, waiting to be caught. Also, Saluda Lake has a scenic trail that is only half a mile, perfect for light cardio.

Saluda Lake

Address: Greenville / Pickens counties, South Carolina, United States

Website: Saluda Lake

9. Lake Tugalo

If you wish to indulge in the multitude of offerings of South Carolina, be sure to check out Lake Tugalo. It is an enormous reservoir that is situated on the northeastern side of Georgia. Lake Tugalo has a long stretch of shoreline that attracts beach lovers. It covers an area of 897 acres (363 hectares). This side of South Carolina is a mountainous region, and this landscape creates a picturesque backdrop for the lake. The best part? Not most lakes in Georgia offer trout to fishermen, but Lake Tugalo does. For tourists who plan to visit this pristine lake, be sure to bring food and picnic equipment as there are no nearby stores near the lake.

Lake Tugalo

Address: Georgia, South Carolina

Website: Lake Tugalo

10. Lake Cooley

Thinking of a fun activity to complete your North Carolina vacation? How about a relaxing day at Lake Cooley? If you like the idea, start your engine and drive all the way to the charming city of Inman. The city has a gorgeous body of water that is a favorite summer destination for tourists and locals alike. It has a bunch of functional amenities that guarantee visitors a hassle-free and unforgettable experience. Lake Cooley has an ADA-accessible dock, kayak launch, a boat ramp, picnic shelters, and a playground. Plus, during summer, there are rental shops and an adventure camp that everyone can join.

Lake Cooley

Address: Inman, South Carolina

Website: Lake Cooley

Fall in love with South Carolina's breathtaking lakes

South Carolina is a stunning state in the US that is a wonderful hideaway destination for beach lovers as it boasts gorgeous bodies of water. Aside from beaches, it has enchanting lakes that you must see once or twice in your life. Plan an exciting adventure on the southeastern side of the country and make a shortlist of places to visit with the help of this list of the most gorgeous beaches in South Carolina.