We’re blessed in the Palmetto State; after all, we have the ocean, a variety of lakes in South Carolina, and the mountains – all within hours of one another. We really do have it all! There are more than 20 South Carolina lakes in the state and all are positively wonderful. We narrowed down a must-visit list of seven of the best lakes in South Carolina, which just so happen to be some of the cleanest lakes in South Carolina too. Keep reading to learn more about each one – and then start planning your next adventure!

1. Lake Bowen
Lake Bowen, South Carolina 29349, USA
Wikimedia/NqcRz
Spartanburg County's Lake Bowen is a man-made reservoir near the North Carolina border. With 33 miles of shoreline and more than 1,500 acres of surface, the lake provides ample opportunity to enjoy a day on or in the water. Various picnic pavilions and boat ramps are available. Prefer to admire the lake's beauty from afar? Then you're sure to love Bowen's Landing. Overlooking Lake Bowen, it's revered as one of the best waterfront restaurants in South Carolina.
2. Lake Greenwood
Lake Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
Google/ana g
Easily one of the best lakes in South Carolina, Lake Greenwood's 11,400 acres and 212 miles of shoreline extend into three South Carolina counties. Lake Greenwood State Park provides an ideal access point for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, camping, and more. If there's an avid fisherman in your household, this lake is routinely stocked with bass.
3. Lake Marion
Lake Marion, South Carolina, USA
Wikimedia/lempleh
There are so many things to love about Lake Marion! From the waterlogged cypress stands to a little-known ghost town protruding above the water, it's easily one of the most interesting of all South Carolina lakes. It's also the state's largest lake, with nearly 110,000 acres to explore. South Carolina's Santee State Park even has perky little round cabins located OVER the lake for a stay-cation you won't forget. Additional public access to Lake Marion can be found within the Santee National Wildlife Refuge in Summerton.

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4. Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee, United States
Google/Robin Mower
One of the most picturesque lakes in the state is also one that has very few public access points, making it one of the least crowded. One of the clearest, cleanest lakes in South Carolina, Lake Jocassee and the Jocassee Gorges are an outdoor dream. Arrive early in the day at Devils Fork State Park to ensure you make it through the gate before the park capacity is reached. Or, better still ... rent a cabin or camp overnight so you can wake up to this view!
5. Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell, United States
Flickr/ Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Not only one of the biggest lakes in South Carolina, but Lake Hartwell is also one of the largest reservoirs in the entire southeast. This South Carolina lake includes the Savannah River and extends 49 miles up the Tugaloo River and 45 miles up the Seneca River to create a massive lake with nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline. Public access is found at various points along this epic lake; two of which are Lake Hartwell State Park and Sadlers Creek State Park. Extend your stay in one of the cabins at Lake Hartwell State Park or camp right on the shore in one of the waterfront campsites at Sadlers Creek State Park.
6. Lake Murray
Lake Murray, South Carolina, USA
Google/Craig Yoho
Located just outside of Columbia and easily accessible via a variety of marinas, restaurants, and parks, Lake Murray is poised for endless hours (and days) of fun on and near the water. Dreher Island State Park not only provides boat ramp access, but also has campsites literally steps from the lake! It's no wonder Lake Murray is consistently revered as one of the best lakes in South Carolina.
7. Lake Keowee
Lake Keowee, South Carolina, USA
Google/Wilfredo Palacios
One of the bluest and most picturesque lakes in South Carolina, Lake Keowee is a must-see. Enjoy lakeside activities and lake access from access points at High Falls County Park, South Cove County Park, and Keowee-Toxaway State Park. All offer overnight camping, too!

So, do you agree? Are these the best lakes in South Carolina? Which of these South Carolina lakes is your favorite, and why? Tell us.

When it comes to beating the summer heat, the best lakes in South Carolina aren’t the only option. Like we said before, we’ve got it all in the Palmetto State, including these incredible little-known beaches in South Carolina.

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Best Lakes In South Carolina

Daniella DiRienzo | May 23, 2022

What's the most beautiful beach in South Carolina?

The best lakes in South Carolina are just the beginning of the beautiful swimming spots in the Palmetto State. There are quite a few places to enjoy a refreshing dip, including Kiawah Island. Touted as an “oasis of untouched beauty,” the island boasts perfectly preserved maritime forests, sand dunes, and marshes, which are home to turtles, whitetail deer, and sea birds. And unbeknownst to many, the island also offers a public beach. Easily the most beautiful beach in South Carolina, Kiawah Island features some of the whitest sand on the entire South Carolina coast. It’s got some of the bluest waters as well.

What are the most highly rated waterfront restaurants in South Carolina?

Overlooking everything from South Carolina lakes to the ocean, great vistas are always on the menu at waterfront restaurants in the Palmetto State. One of the most popular waterfront restaurants in South Carolina is Fleet Landing. Touted as Charleston’s best waterfront restaurant, it boasts amazing views in a setting to match – it’s housed in a former naval building from the 1940s. The “maritime chic interior” hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. It landed Fleet Landing a spot in Food and Wine Magazine’s “Where to Go Next” column. Of course, there’s more to the eatery than a great location and nautical vibes. There’s also its classic and contemporary Southern seafood fare.

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