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June 08, 2023

Top 5 Best South Carolina Lakes for Pontoon Boating

South Carolina’s beaches are perhaps better known than South Carolina’s lakes, particularly to spring breakers going to Myrtle Beach to escape from the pressures of academia. However, the state has numerous large lakes that afford opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. South Carolina might be one of the smaller states, yet it offers ample fun when it comes to lake recreation. Without further ado, here are the top 5 South Carolina lakes for pontoon boating:

Lake Marion

 

South Carolina’s biggest lake, Lake Marion, is 60 miles from Charleston. The lake is over 100,000 acres and is dotted with islands, the result of trees that were left standing as the lake was formed. The islands offer a natural habitat for a variety of birds that make their homes inside the cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Lake Marion is home to striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. You may decide to fish from the big Santee State Park pier, or hike on a nature trail through Taw Caw Creek Park’s marshy wetlands. Lake Marion is located at Santee St. Park Santee, South Carolina.

Lake Murray

 

This lake provides 520 miles of shoreline that surround its 50,000 acres. Lake Murray, 30 miles west of Columbia, is used to produce hydroelectric power at its 208-foot-high dam. The Dreher Island State Park includes three different islands attached by bridges and a causeway. Campers appreciate the 100 sites, whereas visitors searching for more convenience may stay at island villas. Dreher Island State Park contains an unsupervised swimming area and boat ramp. Fishing on the lake means striped bass, bream, and largemouth bass. Birders may take a boat to Purple Martin Audubon Sanctuary, touting itself as the original officially designated Purple Martin sanctuary in North America. The state park is located at 19 Park Marina Dr., Prosperity, South Carolina.

Parson’s Mountain Lake

 

You will discover camping space for tents, as well as trailers close to the shore at Parson’s Mountain Lake. There are also trails for riding and hiking and designated picnic areas. Fishing enthusiasts may go after bass, catfish, and crappie. A single hiking trail leads to an 80-foot fire tower. Along the path, you will see a series of pits which gold prospectors dug during the 1800s. The lake is located at 810 Buncombe Street, Edgefield, South Carolina.

Lake Wateree

 

Lake Wateree, which is 13,250 acres, is the primary attraction in Lake Wateree State Park. According to “SC 1-Day Trip Book,” the lake is among the leading fishing lakes within the state. It is 40 miles northeast of Columbia and is home to catfish, striped bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Do not be concerned if you get there without supplies and tackle, as the park features a supply store on-site. Its camping space contains 72 sites, mile-long nature trail, and a playground. The state park is located on 881 St. Park Rd, Winnsboro, South Carolina.

Lake Moultrie

 

This popular lake is situated in the Low Country of South Carolina close to Charleston. Lake Moultrie, situated on 60,400 acres, is a popular recreation space for locals in which swimming, fishing, and boating. The lake is a popular destination for fishing and is well-known for world-record-setting for catfish and black crappie catches. Its shores boast an abundance of campgrounds, marinas, boat ramps, restaurants, and opportunities for lodging. The lake is situated close to Old Santee Canal State Park and convenient to Bonneau, Pinopolic, Cross, and Moncks Corner, South Carolina.