{"id":46,"date":"2023-11-15T12:03:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T12:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/?p=46"},"modified":"2024-10-07T20:53:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T20:53:59","slug":"boating-in-south-carolina","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/boating-in-south-carolina\/","title":{"rendered":"The Five Best Places for Boating in South Carolina"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Going boating in South Carolina? Home to 12 major lakes, ranging from 7,500 to 110,000 acres in size, South Carolina\u2019s waterways open the door for boaters to explore all of the state\u2019s awesome scenery.<\/p>\n

You can see everything from the breathtaking mountains upstate to the coastal beaches and the areas of low-lying, swampy wilderness. So, whether you live in the historic city of Charleston or the charming town of Beaufort, you\u2019re guaranteed to enjoy your time<\/a> on the water in South Carolina!<\/p>\n

History, culture, exceptional cuisine, and natural beauty are just a few of the things people love about living in South Carolina. In between the majestic mountains and beautiful coastline, the state also has some of the best recreational lakes in the Southeast, covering over 630 square miles.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re looking for a place for a weekend boating trip, here are five of the state\u2019s best lakes.<\/p>\n

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The Five Best Boating Lakes in South Carolina<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Covering 110,000 acres,\u00a0Lake Marion is South Carolina\u2019s largest lake. With scenic views, endless waters to explore, and an abundance of fish, it\u2019s no wonder Lake Marion is one of South Carolina\u2019s top boating spots.<\/p>\n

Lake Murray, the state\u2019s third largest lake,\u00a0is another go-to destination for boaters. Featuring picturesque views, this lake also offers deep-lake diving opportunities. Don\u2019t miss the chance to check out historical bomb island. This tiny land mass in Lake Murray was the site of a WWII training location for fighter pilots. Who knows, if you\u2019re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a sunken B-52 bomber looming during your day on the water.<\/p>\n

If that weren\u2019t enough, Oconee County, known locally as the \u201cLand Beside the Water,\u201d is bordered by the intricate Lake Keowee. Offering boat rentals, lake tours, lodging, camping, hiking, and rafting, you\u2019re sure to find something that \u201cfloats your boat\u201d when visiting Lake Keowee.<\/p>\n

Let’s look at these lakes (and while they’re the best places for boating in South Carolina) a little closer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1. Lake Marion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Lake Marion<\/a> is the largest lake in the scenic South Carolina Lowcountry, and it covers 110,000 acres. It spans five counties near the towns of Santee, Charleston, and Moncks Corner.<\/p>\n

Marion features vast expanses of water with cypress trees lending it a swamp-like look. Public access is provided through several public boat ramps, Santee State Park, and the Santee National Wildlife Refuge. I-95 crosses this beautiful man-made lake near the Town of Santee.<\/p>\n

Lake Marion is famous for its abundance of big fish. Some of the wildlife you will spot includes alligators, egrets, wild turkeys, and deer.\u00a0Santee State Park<\/a> is nearby, with campgrounds, cabins, and piers stretching out over the lake. You will also find restaurants and other accommodations near this beautiful lake.<\/p>\n

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2. Lake Murray<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Lake Murray<\/a> is a reservoir fed by the Saluda River that flows from the Upstate to the North Carolina border.\u00a0 It is a 50,000-acre man-made lake with over 500 miles of shoreline in the counties near Columbia in the Midlands of South Carolina. Public access is through public parks near the dam, public boat ramps and marinas<\/a>, and Dreher Island State Recreation Area.<\/p>\n

Its location makes Lake Murray a popular recreation area for Columbia residents interested in fishing, boating, and hiking. There is also a designated swimming area and picnic facilities.<\/p>\n

Go for a day to Lake Murray and park for a nominal fee. Spend a night or longer in accommodations near the lake. You can choose from camping, cottages, cabins, and villas.<\/p>\n

Each summer, an estimated flock of over one million Purple Martins fill the predawn and evening skies, establishing their seasonal roost at Bomb Island, located in the middle of the lake. The island is the site of the first official sanctuary in North America, which was designated solely for roosting Purple Martins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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3. Lake Moultrie<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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South Carolina\u2019s third largest lake is also in the Lowcountry. Lake Moultrie is fed by Lake Marion via a canal near Old Santee Canal State Park.<\/a><\/p>\n

With over 60,000 acres, there is plenty of room for outdoor adventures like fishing, swimming, and boating. It is also adjacent to Francis Marion National Forest<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lake Moultrie is popular with the avid fisherman; it\u2019s known for world record-setting catches of catfish and black crappie. For boaters, it has plenty of marinas and boat ramps. Restaurants, campgrounds, and other lodging opportunities are nearby.<\/p>\n

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4. Lake Jocassee<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Lake Jocassee is one of the state\u2019s most scenic lakes. With a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and waterfalls pouring into it, it provides a beautiful setting for visitors. It features 7,500 acres of water with 75 miles of shoreline.<\/p>\n

Water from the Appalachian Mountains feeds Lake Joccosse, which means refreshing, clear water all year long. Fed by four different rivers, Lake Jocassee sits in a valley, nestled in Devil\u2019s Fork State Park, made up of 50,000 acres protected by the state.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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5. Lake Hartwell<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Lake Hartwell is a 56,000-acre lake fed by the Savannah, Seneca, and Tugaloo Rivers. It provides a great opportunity for wakeboarding<\/a>, swimming, water skiing, and boating, but fishing and camping are the most popular activities.<\/p>\n

Lake Harwell is brimming with several kinds of bass, crappie, and catfish. Nine campgrounds offer over 500 campsites, including unique single-room cabins.<\/p>\n

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Fishing in South Carolina<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Looking for a spot to cast a line?\u00a0South Carolina\u2019s Department of Natural Resources\u00a0has got you covered.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With their\u00a0interactive maps, you can easily pick out a fishing spot, boat launch ramp, coastal fishing opportunity, or one of the many state lakes.<\/span>\u00a0They even provide a\u00a0fishing attractor map to make things extra easy for you.<\/p>\n

Be sure to check out South Carolina\u2019s\u00a0fishing license laws and requirements\u00a0<\/a>before you\u00a0head out for a day on the water.<\/p>\n

Enjoy These Lakes and Safe Boating in South Carolina<\/h2>\n

These lakes are waiting for you to hit the water! Whether you boat, fish, wakeboard, or enjoy a little bit of multiple activities on the water, make sure you know how to stay safe!\u00a0<\/p>\n

BOATsmart! offers an online boater education course for South Carolina<\/a> boat operators. Our course is fun and engaging while meeting the state’s requirements for boater safety education \u2014 so you can learn how to protect yourself and others on the water and get your boating license.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As you plan your trip, make sure you’ve taken the course, passed the exam, and received your license! Then, you’re ready to enjoy the lakes when boating in South Carolina.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Originally published in November 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy October 7, 2024.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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