Getting away for a day or a weekend during the summer in South Carolina leaves residents with endless options to explore our beautiful state. But… where do you go to avoid the usual crowded places? In the shadow of its larger and more promoted neighboring lake (Lake Jocassee), Lake Keowee is one of the most underrated summer destinations in the Palmetto State.
The lake was formed in the early 70s and is an impressive 26 miles long. At the widest point it's three miles, however, much of the lake is long and lanky with stunning peninsulas extending from the shoreline in just about every direction you look.
Numerous day use activities include a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing, picnic areas, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a pier for fishing.
Advertisement
Overnight guests in the campground at South Cove County Park's more than 80 campsites get the added benefit of waking up lakeside and swimming from their campsite, if a site right on the lake is reserved.
South Cove County Park is located at 1099 S Cove Rd, Seneca, SC 29672. Learn more at this link.
Advertisement
On the opposite side of the lake, and farther north, Pickens County Park- Mile Creek (a.k.a. Mile Creek Park) doles out amazing views and is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
The fee is collected at a self-serve station within the park. Other ways to enjoy this lakeside recreational area: a sand volleyball court, lighted and covered basketball court, and two playgrounds for the kiddos.
Mile Creek Park is located at 757 Keowee Baptist Church Rd, Six Mile, SC 29682. Learn more this link.
At Lake Keowee's northern end, Keowee Toxaway State Park dishes up overnight stays in a campground that accommodates RVs and tents - and has one three-bedroom cabin for rent, too.
The park also has an access point for launching a canoe or kayak. Admission is free for this South Carolina State Park. It's located at 108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC 29685. Learn more about it and all the things you can do here at this link.
Another wonderful place to access Lake Keowee for a day filled with fun is via High Falls County Park near Seneca.
This 46-acre park is found on one of the narrow peninsular fingers of the lake and has plenty of lakefront access for swimming or launching a non-motorized boat.
Advertisement
Visitors here can play miniature golf, swim, camp, enjoy picnic areas with charcoal grills, use the fishing pier, and (if staying overnight), launch a motorized watercraft from one of the two boat launches.
High Falls County Park is located at 671 High Falls Rd, Seneca, SC 29672. Learn more and reserve a campsite at this link.
You can’t go wrong when you set out to spend a day by (or on!) the water at the underrated Lake Keowee in South Carolina. Have you spent time here? We’d love to know. What’s your most favorite lake in South Carolina and why?
To learn a theory on how and why the initial filling of Lake Keowee in the early 1970s is suspected of causing an earthquake, keep reading here!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
