33 Lake/ River/ Ponds to Explore in South Carolina

Checkout places to visit in South Carolina

South Carolina

South Carolina is a state in the Southeastern United States and the easternmost of the Deep South. It is bordered to the north by North Carolina, to the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the southwest by Georgia across the Savannah River.

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Lake/ River/ Ponds to Explore in South Carolina

Aiken State Park

Aiken State Park, nestled in the heart of Aiken County, South Carolina, is a natural oasis that beckons outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to discover its serene beauty and abundant recreational opportunities. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this state park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing a wealth of outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.

Chattooga Lake

Chattooga Lake, located in the scenic Oconee County of South Carolina, is a captivating and tranquil body of water that offers residents and visitors a serene escape into the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This picturesque lake is renowned for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and the sense of tranquility it provides to all who visit.

Clemson Experimental Forest

The Clemson Experimental Forest, located in Pickens County, South Carolina, is a unique and expansive natural area dedicated to research, education, and the conservation of forests and ecosystems. This living laboratory of nature offers a remarkable opportunity for students, researchers, and outdoor enthusiasts to connect with the environment and explore the wonders of the Upstate.

Coker Spring

Coker Spring, located in Aiken, is a natural spring that has long been cherished for its pristine waters and tranquil surroundings. This hidden gem offers visitors a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, providing a serene and rejuvenating experience in the heart of Aiken County.The spring itself is the source of crystal-clear, cold water that flows gently from the earth, creating a small, picturesque stream that meanders through a lush, wooded area.

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

The Columbia Canal is the surviving canal of a series of canals built by the State of South Carolina in 1824 using the labor of indentured Irishmen to provide direct water routes between the upstate settlements and the towns on the Fall Line and the Riverfront Park is a nice place to unwind and get away, being only a short distance from Columbia's business district and the University.

East Branch Cooper River

The East Branch Cooper River, located in Berkeley County, South Carolina, is a picturesque waterway that winds through the heart of the Lowcountry, offering residents and visitors a serene natural escape and a glimpse into the region's rich ecosystem and outdoor recreational opportunities.The East Branch Cooper River is celebrated for its natural beauty, characterized by cypress-lined waterways, dense forests, and pristine marshlands.

Gifford Pinchot State Park

Gifford Pinchot State Park is a 2,338-acre Pennsylvania state park in northern York County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The park is undeveloped and is the site of farm fields and wooded hillsides. It is an important recreation site featuring prime bass fishing. There are several trails that pass through the park, including the Mason-Dixon Trail.

God's Acre Healing Springs

God's Acre Healing Springs, located in Barnwell County, South Carolina, is a unique and spiritually significant natural spring known for its legendary healing properties and historical significance. Nestled in a serene wooded area, this natural spring has drawn visitors for centuries who seek solace, spiritual renewal, and the purported health benefits of its crystal-clear waters.

Jones Gap State Park

Jones Gap State Park is a picturesque natural sanctuary nestled in the heart of Greenville County, South Carolina. Situated just a short drive from the vibrant city of Greenville, this pristine park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. With its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, Jones Gap State Park has become a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Kendall Lake

Kendall Lake, located in South Carolina, is a picturesque and tranquil body of water nestled in a natural setting. It's a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, as well as outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy a variety of recreational activities.

Lake Becky

Lake Becky is a picturesque and tranquil body of water situated in the stunning Oconee County, South Carolina. Nestled within the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Lake Becky is a hidden gem that offers residents and visitors a serene escape into nature's beauty and a wealth of recreational opportunities.

Lake Cherokee

Lake Cherokee is a captivating and serene body of water located in Oconee County, South Carolina. It is a cherished destination for residents and visitors alike, offering a peaceful retreat into the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.Lake Cherokee is celebrated for its natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. Nestled among rolling hills and dense forests, the lake's crystal-clear waters create a peaceful oasis that beckons those seeking relaxation and outdoor recreation.

Lake Conestee

Lake Conestee Nature Park, located in Greenville, South Carolina, is a hidden natural gem that offers a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This 400-acre park, situated along the Reedy River, showcases the remarkable biodiversity and natural beauty of the Upstate region while providing opportunities for recreation, education, and conservation.

Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Lake Conestee Nature Preserve consists of approximately 400 acres of beautiful natural habitat on the Reedy River just 6 miles south of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The preserve contains both hardwood and evergreen forest, extensive wetlands, and rich diversity of reptiles, mammals, and birds.

Lake Hartwell Country South Carolina

Lake Hartwell Country, located in the western part of South Carolina, is a breathtaking and inviting region that revolves around the stunning Lake Hartwell—a sprawling reservoir spanning over 56,000 acres and featuring more than 960 miles of shoreline. This picturesque area is a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts, water lovers, and those in search of scenic beauty and relaxation.

Lake Hartwell State Park

Lake Hartwell State Park, situated in Oconee County, South Carolina, is a beautiful and well-equipped destination that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Nestled along the shores of Lake Hartwell, this state park provides a scenic and serene setting for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and lakeside relaxation.

Lake Jocasse

Lake Jocassee, situated in the picturesque landscapes of Pickens County, South Carolina, is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape into the heart of the Blue Ridge Foothills. This stunning reservoir, surrounded by lush forests and framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, provides a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and nature lovers seeking the ultimate water-based adventure.

Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee, situated in the picturesque landscapes of Pickens County, South Carolina, is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape into the heart of the Blue Ridge Foothills. This stunning reservoir, surrounded by lush forests and framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, provides a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and nature lovers seeking the ultimate water-based adventure.

Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee, located in Oconee County, South Carolina, is a breathtakingly beautiful and pristine mountain lake nestled within the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Known for its crystal-clear waters, rugged shoreline, and surrounding lush forests, Lake Jocassee is a true natural gem and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking serenity in the heart of the Southern Appalachians.

Lake Juniper

Lake Juniper, located within Cheraw State Park in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, is a picturesque and serene freshwater lake that serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation and natural beauty in the area. Lake Juniper is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by lush woodlands and scenic landscapes. The lake's clear waters reflect the changing seasons, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors.

Map of Lake/ River/ Ponds to explore in South Carolina