8 Remote Lakes in South Carolina to Fish and Swim

South Carolina is well-known for its ocean beaches but has other aquatic spaces, including lakes, that many don’t consider when planning a visit. You can find many remote lakes in South Carolina to fish and swim, offering many options for water lovers and nature enthusiasts. While visiting South Carolina lakes, you can enjoy the sights of mountains, forests, and shorelines for an unforgettable experience. 

There are many lakes in the area, but if you’re looking for remote options, this list will help you find a few new spots. These quiet locations have fewer tourists than other areas, so you likely won’t encounter overwhelming crowds.  

1. Lake Juniper 

Located in Chesterfield County at Cheraw State Park, Lake Juniper offers 360 acres of fresh water to swim and fish. You will need a fishing license and can’t take a boat with more than 10HP. Swimming is great here, with sandy beaches to enjoy before and after you enter the water. 

Lake Juniper has a secluded feel, with the only development being the state park and campgrounds. You can also walk along a long wooden bridge from one side of the lake to the other.

2. Lake Tugalo  

Sometimes referred to as Tugalo Lake, this location is one of the best remote lakes in South Carolina to catch fish and swim. It’s on the Chattooga River near the South Carolina and Georgia border in Oconee County. Lake Tugalo is also on the Tallulah River on the Georgia side.   

You’ll see mountains on both sides, offering a beautiful scene whether you’re in the water or on the shore. Lake Tugalo has nearly 18 miles of protected and undeveloped shoreline, with a few access points for watercraft, providing the remote experience you seek. If you want to take a watercraft out, it must be small, like a kayak or raft.   

3. Pinnacle Lake 

Swimming at Pinnacle Lake in Pickens County offers the chance to enjoy swimming or fishing in the freshwater while taking in the mountain scenery. You can fish for the state fish, the striped bass, and other fish at Pinnacle Lake. 

The lake is near the Blue Ridge Mountains at Table Rock State Park, providing an extraordinary experience. While there, you can also kayak or paddle around to see the beauty from various perspectives.

4. Lake Robinson 

You can find Lake Robinson in Greenville County, and it offers a pristine location for swimming, fishing, and other aquatic activities. It has a fishing pier, or you can take out a boat with no more than 10HP. Crowds aren’t typically large here, offering a remote experience.

5. Lake Murray  

Lake Murray spans four counties: Lexington, Richland, Newberry, and Saluda. It’s a 50,000-acre reservoir offering a tranquil environment and 650 miles of shoreline for water enthusiasts to explore.

There are many access points, some being busy and others providing a more remote experience. Accessing the lake in Saluda County is one of the best places for a quiet, relaxing experience. 

You can take a small watercraft or a boat, or you can choose to walk the boardwalk piers for a breathtaking view. There are also seating options along the shoreline to sit on land and enjoy the scene.   

6. Lake Hartwell 

In Oconee County, Lake Hartwell spans 56,000 acres and has 962 miles of shoreline for visitors to explore. There are options for camping, including eight campgrounds operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or you can plan a peaceful day trip. The lake is perfect for fishing, swimming, and engaging in other aquatic activities while embracing tranquility and beauty.

7. Lake Monticello

Lake Monticello, a reservoir in Fairfield County, isn’t popular with tourists, making it a remote option when you want a peaceful experience. Locals know it is a great place for swimming and fishing so that you may encounter some people, but the area is large enough to find personal space and limit interaction with others.

You can only fish at the Monticello Reservoir on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so you’ll want to plan around that. However, you can swim and enjoy the water any day of the week.

Motorized water sports aren’t allowed, but you can fish from piers or take out a non-motorized watercraft. After swimming and fishing, you can explore a nature trail on the south end of the lake to take in the surrounding environment.

8. Lake Jocassee  

Lake Jocassee provides cool water year-round in Devils Fork State Park in Pickens and Oconee Counties, making it perfect for fishing. It’s also a favorite spot for swimmers and scuba divers during the summer because it has clean water that makes them feel rejuvenated.

The lake gets water from the clean waters of the Appalachian Mountains, making it the clearest lake in South Carolina. You can only access the lake through the state park because the area is mostly undeveloped. With this being the case, it is more remote than other options.

The Best Season for Swimming and Fishing 

You can fish year-round in South Carolina, but spring through fall are the best times for freshwater fishing. It varies based on the lake and location, and it’s helpful to know that fish go deeper as water temperatures drop.  

You may not find many fish near the shore during cold weather, so you’ll want to venture toward the middle during cooler times of the year. However, fish also move to deeper water when the UV index is high or surface water is hot, so aiming for early mornings, late evenings, or shaded areas can help during hotter times of the year.  

Swimming in South Carolina lakes is typically best in the summer, starting in June after the water warms up. The temperatures won’t be too cold during this time, allowing you to enjoy the water and bask in the sunshine.

Some lakes warm up in May because 80-degree weather begins in March or April in parts of South Carolina. Swimmers often head to Lake Murray in May because the temperature is already warm enough.

Water temperatures typically don’t drop until October, so you’ll have plenty of time to swim or enjoy aquatic activities. Most of South Carolina experiences 70-degree weather during this time, so the water temperature doesn’t drop too much.

It’s important to remember to practice safety when swimming in South Carolina lakes. Some tips to keep in mind to keep you and your family safe include:

• Monitor lakes for harmful bacteria and algal blooms
• Don’t let children play near water unsupervised
• Avoid swimming alone
• Assess the lake before getting in the water to identify any potential issues
• Look for advisory signs
• wear a lifejacket

Summary of 8 Remote Lakes in South Carolina to Fish and Swim 

Rank	Lake	Location
1	Lake Juniper	Chesterfield County
2	Lake Tugalo	Oconee County
3	Pinnacle Lake	Pickens County
4	Lake Robinson	Greenville County
5	Lake Murray	Lexington, Richland, Newberry, and Saluda Counties
6	Lake Hartwell	Oconee County
7	Lake Monticello	Fairfield County
8	Lake Jocassee	Pickens and Oconee Counties