8 Reasons South Carolina Has the Best Lakes in the Country

South Carolina is a beautiful state with plenty to offer people who value time in the great outdoors. From the beaches at Myrtle Beach to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwestern part of the state, South Carolina has a bit of everything for residents and vacationers. Today, though, we’re going to focus solely on the lakes in the Palmetto State. Discover 8 reasons South Carolina has the best lakes in the country and see why they draw people to them so frequently.

1. The Major Lakes Are Feats of Engineering

The first reason that South Carolina has the best lakes in the country is that the majority of the largest lakes are man-made reservoirs. Over time, people constructed massive reservoirs like Lake Marion by damming local rivers.

These dams and their associated reservoirs help cut down on flooding, provide water to people in the state, and also serve as recreational outlets for residents and vacationers. Sometimes, it is just interesting to ponder how these lakes came to be while walking their shorelines.

2. South Carolina Has the Best Lakes in the Country Because They’re Seriously Large!

Sure, South Carolina may not be home to the Great Lakes, but the biggest lakes in the state are simply massive! For example, Lake Marion, the biggest lake in South Carolina, is 110,600 acres in size! Clarks Hill Lake, Lake Moultrie, and Lake Hartwell are each over 50,000 acres in size. There is plenty of space for everyone to have some fun in this region.  

3. Boating, Hiking, Fishing— Activities for Everyone

The lakes in South Carolina vary in many respects, but one thing is certain: people can take part in all kinds of recreation. Since many of the biggest and most popular lakes in the region are man-made, state parks and recreational areas have sprung up around them.

The large bodies of water and the land around them are perfect for all kinds of activities. Hiking, biking, fishing, bird-watching, water sports, and boating are just a few of the most popular activities at the lakes in the Palmetto State.  

4. Nature Walks Around the Lakes Reveal Rare Plants and Animals

South Carolina is home to a variety of plants and animals that are hard to find in other places. The Devils’ Fork State Park, a protected area around Lake Jocassee, has the Oconee Bell. This is a rare and beautiful wildflower that blooms from March to early April.

People around the state are starting to see an increase in the bald eagle population along the lakes and rivers in the state as well. Currently, South Carolina is home to about 440 breeding pairs of bald eagles.  

Many other interesting plants and animals thrive around the lakes in this state too.

5. The Lakes in South Carolina Have Unique Environments

Some lakes can be very similar to each other, only made different by their locations. While having consistent places to swim and play is certainly not a bad thing, different environments can be helpful in some ways. For example, Lake Jocassee’s sandy beaches feel like a nice, inviting place to swim.

Meanwhile, the northern part of Lake Marion has the Sparkleberry Swamp. This unique environment presents both a challenge and an opportunity for anglers.

The different environments at the lakes ensure people can seek out the type that works best for them. That might be a desolate lake with few people or one loaded with other campers!

6. Many Lakes Have Campgrounds to Stay the Night

Most of the larger lakes with state parks near them offer the opportunity to camp in the area. Of course, camping comes with rules and restrictions. Still, nothing beats enjoying the water all day and then staying in a tent under the stars at night.

A few of the lakes and surrounding state parks have places with even better lodging options, too. For example, people traveling to Devils Fork State Park can camp in tents or hook up an RV like at most other lakes. The park is also equipped with villas for rent throughout the summer, so even those who don’t like typical camping can stay in the area in style.

7. Record-Setting Fishing Opportunities

Most anglers will say that fishing is fun even if they do not catch anything. Yet, if someone is going to put in the time and effort, they may as well get something out of the experience. A major reason South Carolina has the best lakes in the country is that the lakes have produced world-record fish!

The largest channel catfish caught in South Carolina weighed 58 pounds, measured 47.25 inches long, and was about 30 inches in circumference. The angler caught the fish in Lake Moultrie in 1964. That is not just a state record; it’s the world record!

The lakes in South Carolina have produced several other very large fish throughout the years. Not only can people fish in these lakes and have a great time, but they may just land a record-setting fish!

8. The Names Can Be Somewhat Odd

Many times, lakes are named after people who discovered them or individuals who led projects to create manmade lakes. For example, Lake Moultrie was named after Governor William Moultrie. Then again, some of the state’s lakes have simpler names, too. Pepsi Cola Lake in Florence County was apparently named for its dark waters. Sparkleberry Swamp, as silly as it sounds, stems from the sparkleberry tree that thrives in the area.

The Village Lake in Richland County used to be named Alcohol and Drug Abuse Lake. While the name was originally named for a nearby treatment center, it sounds like something that would appear in a horror movie from the 1980s.

These are just a few of the reasons South Carolina has the best lakes in the country. The lakes provide areas to take part in many forms of recreation. Moreover, they have different environments for people to enjoy. Best of all, the lakes are found throughout the state, so people from just about anywhere in the state are never too far away from these bodies of water.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock.com