Lakes Near Greenville, SC
Located in Upstate SC, Greenville is surrounded by many lakes making it a perfect place for those who want to experience lake life and the city in one trip. Some of the best nearby lakes include Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, and Lake Jocassee.
These lakes are found on the West Side of Greenville and are all three relatively close to each other. The furthest lake from Greenville is Lake Jocassee which is around an hour away. Lake Keowee sits right under Lake Jocassee, 45 minutes from Greenville. Lastly, Lake Hartwell is a few miles before Lake Keowee, around 35 minutes from Greenville. These three lakes are very close to each other making it easy to experience all three in a short trip.
Whether you are interested in water sports like wakeboarding or interested in fishing, there is something for everyone.
Lake Keowee to Greenville, SC
Lake Keowee is (and I’m not biased….) the best-hidden gem where adventure is endless. Lake Keowee is in Oconee County with the nearby town being Seneca, a true Hallmark town. If you are visiting Lake Keowee, Seneca’s Ram Cat Alley Street is a great place to grab a bite to eat after a day on the water.
Lake Keowee is a perfect lake for boating and watersport enthusiasts. Because of its size and how many hidden coves there are, it’s perfect for waterskiing, tubing, fishing, and more. There is a good chance you will catch bass, catfish, and trout in this lake if you decide to go fishing.
There are also many campsites on the lake making Lake Keowee an awesome choice for a weekend camping getaway. Keowee Toxaway State Park has a great camping site. It can get filled up pretty quickly so be sure to make a reservation and secure your spot. The campground has full access to bathroom facilities and hot water showers. There are areas for RVs as well as camping tents. Dogs are welcome outside!
The sunsets on Lake Keowee are truly like no other. There’s something special about a lake sunset, especially the ones on Lake Keowee. They light up the sky in the most vibrant colors, unlike any other place I’ve ever seen. Pictures don’t do it justice, you need to see it for yourself.
Swimming Lakes Near Greenville, SC: Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee in my opinion is one of the clearest lakes in the Upstate. The water is always fairly cooler than Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell because of the Applicachain Mountian River that runs into it. The water temperature in the summer typically ranges from 72-78 degrees, much colder than Lake Keowee which turns into almost bath water in the hot summer months.
There is only one public boat ramp on this lake which keeps the traffic down quite a bit. If you need somewhere to stay for the weekend, check out this unique treehouse vacation rental that has access to the public boat ramp just a mile away.
Lake Jocassee is more remote than Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell as no more lots can be sold on this lake. Because of this, you are surrounded by mostly forests giving you a one-of-a-kind lake experience.
There is an amazing waterfall that runs right into the lake as well! Laural Fork Falls is an 80-foot waterfall that you can visit by boat. It is located in Laural Fork Cove and you can swim in it. Two other well-known waterfalls that flow into Lake Jocassee such as Mills Creek Falls and Wright Creek Falls.
Lake Hartwell Near Clemson University: Lake Near Greenville
Lake Hartwell has so much charm as it is right in Clemson, SC next to the university, and spans into Georgia. This lake has many public swimming areas and is busy during the spring months when college students are in town. As the summer months come the lake calms down and the public beach areas become less crowded.
Lake Hartwell is one of the largest lakes in the South East Region making it a great spot to find a hidden cove for watersports without being crowded by other boaters.
One of my favorite spots near Lake Hartwell is the Dikes Trail which runs alongside the lake. This is a 4.19-mile trial perfect for a leisure walk with great lakefront views. There is parking once you pass the bridge near the Snow Facility. The Snow Facility Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Area is a great public swimming spot with a sandy beach, sand volleyball court, and rentals for kayaking and canoeing. The facility is owned by Clemson University which keeps the area very clean. There is a one-day pass fee for parking but is only a few dollars, and worth it!
The Best Lakes in Upstate South Carolina Near Greenville
Greenville is in the perfect location with many surrounding lakes. While there are so many lakes in Upstate South Carolina, these are three of my favorites. Lake Keowee stands out for its coves for watersports and is perfect for boat enthusiasts. Lake Jocassee is known for its crystal-clear water and waterfalls and Lake Hartwell is perfect for visiting if you are in town for a Clemson Football Game. Whether you want a relaxing weekend camping or a fun-filled weekend waterskiing, these lakes are great options!
