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 think of 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 locations are quiet and have fewer tourists than other areas, so you likely won’t encounter overwhelming crowds.

1. Lake Juniper

Located in Chesterfield County at , Lake Juniper offers 360 acres of fresh water to swim and fish in. You will need a fishing license and can’t take a boat with more than 10HP. Swimming is great here, with 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 fish and swim in. 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’re looking for. 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 , the striped bass, and other fish at Pinnacle Lake.

The lake is near the Blue Ridge Mountains at , providing an extraordinary experience. While you’re 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

spans four counties: Lexington, , 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, with 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, 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 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

, 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 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

provides cool water year-round in 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 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 the 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 weather 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 when swimming in South Carolina lakes. Some to keep in mind to keep you and your family safe include:

• monitor lakes for harmful bacteria and
• 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

Summary of Remote Lakes in South Carolina to Fish and Swim