Summertime and swimming holes are a natural combination in the Palmetto State. Aside from the biggest swimming hole of them all–the Atlantic Ocean–the state is swimming (all pun intended!) with them, including an artesian well swimming hole in South Carolina that’s a bit of a rarity, at least on this scale.

Most people don't realize that Lee State Park was built on top of a confined underground reservoir that is the source of continuously flowing artesian wells in the park.
Google/Dale Jr McConnell
Let's first examine how a confined aquifer undernearth Lee State Park creates the artesian spouts found here.
Wikimedia Commons/Andrew Dunn
In this illustration, the light blue line you see on the top layer would be the source of regular ground water. It flows into and back out of that layer in the ground. For example, when it rains too much you may find standing water in your lawn. That's from the ground water layer seen here.

On the other hand, the darker blue layer you see is part of a confined layer of water. Rain water flows into the confined layer but it can't easily get back out. Eventually the pressure within the layer forces the water up through the ground through a fissure, creating an Artesian well.
There are at least two artesian wells spewing water from the underground lake at Lee State Park.
Google/Carie Robertson
One of them fills a small lake in the park.
Google/Layla Warren

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And the other is found at the end of a short, half-mile trail around the lake.
Google/Elesha Ellison
One of the swimming holes is small and perfect for cooling off up to your knees in the summertime.
Google/Rebecca Estes
And the other is roped off in the lake for swimmers to use from May to September.
Google/Samantha Tyler
Swimming is at your own risk, though. No lifeguards are on duty.
Did you know Lee State Park was built on top of a confined aquifer, an underground lake if you will?
Google/Carie Robertson

Have you ever dipped your toes or taken a leap into an artesian well swimming hole in South Carolina at Lee State Park?

If you prefer to be on top of the water rather than in the water, head to nearby Goodale State Park to explore a three-mile kayak trail through cypress trees.

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| January 01, 1970

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Lee State Park, 487 Loop Rd, Bishopville, SC 29010, USA