Posted in South Carolina Nature April 07, 2021 by

15 Awesome Swimming Holes In South Carolina That Are Absolutely Epic

One of the best parts about warm days in South Carolina is finding ways to cool off. If you’re a fan of spending time in the great outdoors, then you’ll be relieved to learn that the Palmetto State offers plenty of natural swimming holes where you can take a dip. Whether it’s the base of a waterfall or a bend in the creek, you’ll love the opportunity to splash around in these fantastic South Carolina swimming holes. So pack your bathing suit and a towel and let the swimming adventures begin!

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. Wildcat Creek Falls
anoldent/Flickr
Our list of the most wonderful South Carolina swimming holes starts at Wildcat Wayside State Park. The bottom of the falls is pretty shallow, but further up there is a beautiful place to swim and a 130 foot sliding rock. The lower falls are really good for families and small children. The top can be pretty difficult to get to, but is worth the effort. Learn more about Wildcat Wayside Falls.
2. Carrick Creek Falls
Mike Burton/Flickr
Located in Table Rock State park. Beautiful place to swim and the water is so nice and cool. Learn more about some other easy-to-access waterfalls in South Carolina.
3. Reedy Cove Creek
Derek Hatfield/Flickr
Located in Greenville County just north of Table Rock State park. The actual location is pretty shallow, but just before you get there on the trail you will see a very deep, beautiful swimming hole. Plus, there's a beautiful South Carolina hike nearby.
4. Long Shoals Wayside Park
Eli Duke/Flickr
Located inside Poe Creek State Forest. It's a very popular spot for tourists and locals. The water is cool even on a hot day. Learn more about this incredible natural swimming hole in South Carolina.
5. Parsons Mountain Recreation Area
no6club/Flickr
There is a spring fed pond that is just heaven! Especially nice for families with small children. There is a little hike (not too long) before you get to the spot.
6. Riley Moore Falls
Allen Esler/www.alleneasler.com
Located in Sumter National Forest. This place has been voted as a Primo! swimming spot with gradual entry into the water, a sandy beach, and a huge pool of water to enjoy. Learn more about hiking to this beautiful emerald lagoon in South Carolina.
7. Grapevine
Nate Steiner/Flickr
At least that's what the locals call it. It's located on the Chauga River. It's a pretty huge spot of nice water and a remote area as well.
8. Chau-Ram Falls
Allen Easler/www.alleneasler.com
Located in Sumter National Forest. This is short for Chauga River and Ramsey Creek. It features a nice 30-foot cascade of cool mountain water.
9. Todd Creek Falls
Allen Easler/www.alleneasler.com
Located just outside of Six Mile north of Clemson, SC on Brookbend Road. It has a nice sized pool of water at the bottom of the falls although it can be a bit muddy at times. There are also some nice places to gradually enter the water instead of jumping in.
10. Cedar Shoals Creek
Paul Jordan/Flickr
Located in Spartanburg County. You will find Horseshoe Falls here. It is popular with the locals and although it is not always deep enough to actually swim, you can definitely cool off on a hot summer day.
11. Black River
Paul B. Reynolds/Flickr
Located in Andrews, SC. There are many places here to swim, fish, and picnic. The water is nice, cool, and absolutely perfect during the summer.
12. Aiken State Park
Rodney Martin/Flickr
For one of the best South Carolina swimming holes, head to Aiken State Park. This park holds a 14-acre lake that is spring fed. There are no lifeguards here so be careful and parents watch those children. However, it is really nice and there is only a small fee for entry into the park.
13. Barnwell State Park
DebMomOf3/Flickr
Go swimming in the lower lake. No lifeguards, however. The admission is free to this park.
14. Cheraw State Park
Josh Work/Flickr
Cheraw State Park holds Lake Juniper which is quite large. And, like a good many of our state parks, admission is free here too.
15. Oconee State Park
micah craig/Flickr
At 20 acres, this swimming spot is really bigger than a "hole," but what a place they have here! Not only is the water nice, but they also have low and high diving boards! There is a small entrance fee into the park, but the swimming is free and there is a lifeguard on duty here.

What are you waiting for? Grab that brand new swimsuit and a cooler full of drinks and sandwiches for a day of swimming and fun! Did we miss your favorite South Carolina swimming hole? Please, fill us in on all the details in the comments below!

Address: Wildcat Wayside, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: 388 Table Rock State Park Rd, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Address: Reedy Cove Creek Lake, South Carolina 29685, USA
Address: Long Shoals Roadside Park, Scenic Hwy 11, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Address: Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
Address: Chauga River, South Carolina 29693, USA
Address: Chau Ram County Park, 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Address: 1330 State Rd S-39-337, Central, SC 29630, USA
Address: Cedar Shoals Creek, South Carolina 29335, USA
Address: State Park Rd, Windsor, SC, USA
Address: Barnwell State Park, Blackville, SC 29817, USA
Address: Cheraw State Park Rd, South Carolina 29520, USA
Address: Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

South Carolina swimming holes

April 12, 2021
Beth C.

Are there any lazy rivers in South Carolina?

Whether you love the outdoors or simply an excuse to enjoy South Carolina’s breathtaking landscape, there’s nothing quite like a float down a natural lazy river. Plus, there are plenty of them to enjoy. One of the best is Edisto River Adventures. Floating along the iconic Edisto River, you’ll feel completely transported to a realm of tranquility and natural beauty. Another great option is the Palmetto Outdoor Center in West Columbia. With rapids and exciting scenery at every turn, you’ll love the chance to float down the Congaree River. For more information, check out our previous article outlining the best lazy rivers in South Carolina.

What are the best state parks in South Carolina?

One of the best ways to experience South Carolina is by visiting its many beautiful state parks. These places have incredible scenery, fun activities for the whole family, and opportunities to learn about the landscape. Some of the best state parks in South Carolina include Table Rock State Park, Caesars Head State Park, Hunting Island State Park, Lynches River County Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Andrew Jackson State Park, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, Hunting Beach State Park, Kings Mountain State Park, Jones Gap State Park, and Poinsett State Park. Learn more about these fabulous South Carolina state parks.

What are some great South Carolina waterparks?

While South Carolina has several great waterparks to experience, one of the most unique is actually a floating waterpark. Located at Shark Wave Park, this one-of-a-kind attraction is perfect for the kiddos. From ziplining over the water to inflatable slides, and much more, this park belongs at the top of your summer to-do list. Learn more by reading our previous article.

Address: Wildcat Wayside, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: 388 Table Rock State Park Rd, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Address: Reedy Cove Creek Lake, South Carolina 29685, USA
Address: Long Shoals Roadside Park, Scenic Hwy 11, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Address: Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
Address: Chauga River, South Carolina 29693, USA
Address: Chau Ram County Park, 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Address: 1330 State Rd S-39-337, Central, SC 29630, USA
Address: Cedar Shoals Creek, South Carolina 29335, USA
Address: State Park Rd, Windsor, SC, USA
Address: Barnwell State Park, Blackville, SC 29817, USA
Address: Cheraw State Park Rd, South Carolina 29520, USA
Address: Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA