When the summer heat hits South Carolina, most of us have one thing on our minds: enjoying the water. And even if you’re not into beach swimming, our state is full of large lakes and small, secret swimming holes that will cool you off on a hot day.

Whether you choose to dive in or simply prefer to treat yourself to some lakeside lounging, check our Lake Hartwell for crystal clear water and laid back fun.

Lake Hartwell is located in Anderson County, at the confluence of the Seneca, Savannah and Tugaloo Rivers.
Ahhhleah / TripAdvisor
We actually share this lake with Georgia (it's that big).
Lake Hartwell State Park is a popular destination in the summertime, with many choosing to camp in the area.
Scott Ritchie / Flickr
The 56,000-acre lake is at the center of it all.
The lake is inhabited by striped and hybrid bass, largemouth, catfish, and bream, making it one of our more popular fishing lakes.
Chip W / TripAdvisor
It seems as if the fishing is always fantastic here.

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Of course, you may choose to forego the fishing poles and spend the day boating around the lake and sunbathing under the sky.
Tucker / TripAdvisor
If you do, you'll definitely be in good company. You might even see some wake boarders coasting by.
Swimming is a popular pastime here in the summer, and there are plenty of quiet spots to go for a soak.
cintuch / TripAdvisor
Jumping in will feel especially wonderful after you've hiked one of the many nearby trails.
Lake Hartwell is continuously ranked one of the best lakes in South Carolina, and for good reason.
Bruce G / TripAdvisor
It's beautiful, crystal clear, and has something for everyone.
If you can't bring yourself to leave, you can spend the night in one of the unique single room camper cabins.
4business2 / TripAdvisor
There are also a whopping 524 campsites around the lake, spread out over several different campgrounds.

Have you ever spent time at Lake Hartwell State Park?

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