The 5 Best South Carolina Lakes For Swimming

When it’s summer in South Carolina, it’s also time to head out to local lakes and cool off. Unless you’re on the coast, you experience warmer weather, and when the humidity is peaking, the only way to combat it is to just get soaked! Enjoy a lazy river, splash around with friends, and enjoy the coolness offered by lake waters. Discover the five best South Carolina lakes for swimming and learn what other types of recreational activities you can enjoy at each one!

The 5 Best South Carolina Lakes For Swimming

1. Lake Murray

Location: Lexington, Richland, Newberry, and Saluda Counties

Lake Murray is known as “The Jewel of South Carolina,” generously offering visitors a multitude of fun activities for the whole family. Get serious about fishing, purchase a golf package, or just go into the water and have a good swim. Whether you’re going for a simple outing or an all-out vacation, it’s worth exploring what your options are at this lake. You can tube the rivers, pay for a private tour, go boating, or enjoy watersports. The water at this location is pristine. Moreover, once you arrive, you realize how much space you have available to explore. The shoreline is 650 miles long!

2. Lake Keowee

Location: Seneca, SC

Lake Keowee is located in Oconee County and is a popular destination for a variety of recreational activities. There are 18,370 acres of water at this lake, and the expansive shoreline offers 300 miles. It’s a fantastic spot for swimming, but you can also try watersports like waterskiing, head out to catch a couple of fish, or just set up a picnic to enjoy the environment when the weather’s warm and it’s time to cool off. Duke Energy built this lake back in the 1970s so that there would be both public recreation and power generation. Because of the lake’s popularity, planning an early arrival is a good idea. This way, you can secure a good parking spot and enjoy the day out on and in the water!

3. Lake Jocassee

Location: Salem, SC

Lake Jocassee is a man-made lake that spans 9,000 acres and gets as deep as 385 feet. To access this lake with clear waters, you need to enter through Devils Fork State Park. A lot of the land around the lake is still undeveloped, which is why there’s this single-entry point. This lake is fed by a spring. No one knew just how clear this environment would be until they saw it in action. Take a towel and sit on the beach to make sandcastles with your family, or take fun floaties to enjoy the calm waters. Rent a kayak to explore the deeper parts of the lake. You can also explore some lagoons around the area and take in their splendor while you relax and recover, enjoying all the nature that surrounds you.

4. Lake Wylie

Location: South Carolina/North Carolina border

Duke Energy took part in the creation of Lake Wylie. It spans 13,443 acres and has a shoreline that stretches for 325 miles. There’s never a shortage of fun to be had on Lake Wylie, but keep in mind that if you want to fish out on this lake, you need to plan ahead and get all the proper permits (it sits on the border between North and South Carolina). The maximum depth of this lake is 94 feet, and there are four boat ramps you can choose from if you plan to go boating. You can also enjoy the lake by renting a paddleboard or a kayak. If you’re feeling like you’d prefer more of a languid outing, go tubing down the lazy river right off the Lake Wylie Dam, so you can float on over to the Catawba River.

5. Lake Bowen

Location: Inman, SC

Lake Bowen spans 1,534 acres. Spartanburg Water System manages it. While it is safe to swim in the lake, there are some regulations you need to abide by. For instance, you must clear at least 200 feet from the Spartanburg Water System Recreational Areas if you’d like to wade or swim. The good thing is that there isn’t much guesswork for you as a visitor because the areas are clearly marked. Outdoor recreation includes kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. When you need a break from the water, try disc golf, archery, or take part in a nature seminar. This lake isn’t just for outdoor recreation but also serves as the water supply for the Spartanburg region. To access the lake, head over to Anchor Park!

Summary Of The 5 Best South Carolina Lakes For Swimming