10 Beautiful South Carolina Lakes Perfect for a Day Trip
South Carolina offers some of the most stunning lakes in the Southeast, each providing unique opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. From crystal-clear mountain waters to expansive recreational reservoirs, these natural gems serve as perfect escapes from daily routines. Pack your cooler, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to discover incredible lakeside destinations. Whether you’re seeking fishing, swimming, boating, or simply peaceful moments by the water, the Palmetto State delivers unforgettable experiences.
1. Lake Murray
Spanning over 50,000 acres, this massive reservoir stands as South Carolina’s crown jewel for water recreation. Created in the 1930s, the lake features more than 500 miles of pristine shoreline dotted with secluded coves and sandy beaches.
Families flock here for excellent bass fishing, while boaters enjoy navigating the expansive waters without crowding. Multiple public access points make launching watercraft simple and convenient.
Dreher Island State Park offers camping, hiking trails, and picnic areas with stunning lake views, making overnight stays equally appealing as day visits.
2. Lake Wylie
Straddling the North Carolina border, this 13,400-acre lake transforms ordinary weekends into extraordinary adventures. Known locally as the “Land of the Pleasant Living,” its warm waters and gentle currents create ideal conditions for water skiing and wakeboarding.
McDowell Nature Center provides educational programs alongside boat ramps and fishing piers. The lake’s numerous marinas offer equipment rentals for visitors without their own watercraft.
Swimming areas remain popular during summer months, while anglers consistently pull catfish, crappie, and striped bass from its productive waters throughout the year.
3. Lake Keowee
Nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 18,500-acre gem boasts some of the clearest waters in the entire state. Fed by mountain streams, the lake maintains excellent visibility that makes underwater exploration particularly rewarding for snorkelers and divers.
Devils Fork State Park serves as the primary public access point, offering camping, hiking trails, and boat launches. The park’s unique underwater trail provides marked points of interest for scuba enthusiasts.
Fishing remains exceptional year-round, with trophy-sized bass, trout, and bream attracting anglers from across the region seeking their next big catch.
4. Lake Bowen
Tucked away in Spartanburg County, this 1,500-acre reservoir offers intimate lake experiences without overwhelming crowds. Originally constructed as a water supply source, it now doubles as a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts.
Croft State Park borders the southern shore, providing equestrian trails, hiking paths, and primitive camping opportunities. The park’s unique horse-friendly facilities attract riders seeking lakeside trail adventures.
Fishing regulations help maintain healthy fish populations, while the smaller size creates perfect conditions for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding in calm, protected waters.
5. Lake Hartwell
Covering 56,000 acres across South Carolina and Georgia, this massive Corps of Engineers lake ranks among the Southeast’s premier recreational destinations. With over 960 miles of shoreline, finding your perfect spot becomes an exciting adventure rather than a challenge.
Numerous state parks surround the lake, including Sadlers Creek and Oconee Point, each offering unique amenities and perspectives. Beach areas provide safe swimming zones for families with children.
Tournament-quality fishing draws professional anglers, while recreational boaters appreciate the lake’s size and variety of protected coves for anchoring and relaxation.
6. Lake Strom Thurmond
Formerly known as Clarks Hill Lake, this 71,000-acre reservoir creates the border between South Carolina and Georgia. Named after the longtime senator, it offers some of the region’s most diverse recreational opportunities within a single destination.
Hamilton Branch State Park provides full-service camping, while numerous Corps of Engineers recreation areas offer day-use facilities. The lake’s size supports multiple activities simultaneously without interference.
Striped bass fishing reaches legendary status here, with spring runs producing trophy catches that make fishing magazines. Swimming beaches and boat ramps accommodate visitors of all interests and skill levels.
7. Lake Moultrie
Connected to Lake Marion by a diversion canal, this 60,400-acre lake forms part of South Carolina’s massive Santee Cooper system. Known worldwide for excellent fishing, it consistently produces record-breaking catches of multiple species.
Moncks Corner serves as the primary access point, with numerous marinas and guide services available. The lake’s shallow areas and deep channels create diverse habitats supporting abundant wildlife.
Cypress trees draped in Spanish moss create hauntingly beautiful scenery, while protected coves offer peaceful spots for picnicking and wildlife observation away from boat traffic and fishing pressure.
8. Lake Jocassee
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 9,000-acre lake showcases some of South Carolina’s most dramatic scenery. Fed by mountain waterfalls and streams, the water remains remarkably clear and cool even during summer heat waves.
Devils Fork State Park provides the only public access, making advance planning essential for visits. The park’s facilities include luxury villa rentals alongside traditional camping options.
Scuba diving reveals underwater forests and rock formations, while trout fishing produces exceptional results in the deeper, cooler sections. Boat tours offer access to spectacular waterfalls flowing directly into the lake.
9. Trophy Lakes
Located near Inman, this privately-managed fishing destination specializes in trophy bass and other game fish through careful habitat management and selective stocking programs. Unlike public waters, fishing pressure remains controlled through reservation systems.
Professional guides provide equipment, boats, and expertise for anglers seeking guaranteed action and learning opportunities. The lakes’ smaller size allows intensive management that produces consistently impressive results.
Day passes include boat usage and basic tackle, making it accessible for visitors without extensive fishing gear. Catch-and-release policies help maintain the exceptional fish populations that give these waters their reputation.
10. Lake Marion
As South Carolina’s largest lake at 110,600 acres, this Santee Cooper reservoir offers endless exploration opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Created in the 1940s, it now supports thriving ecosystems alongside recreational activities.
Santee State Park provides cabins, camping, and a fishing pier extending into productive waters. The lake’s connection to Lake Moultrie doubles the available fishing and boating territory.
Striped bass, catfish, and bream fishing remains excellent throughout the year, while the lake’s size accommodates large boats and water sports. Wildlife viewing opportunities include alligators, eagles, and numerous waterfowl species in their natural habitat.
