The Oldest Lake In South Carolina Is A Beautiful Piece Of Living History

Many people don't realize all of South Carolina's major lakes are man-made wonders. After the invention of hydro-electric power in the late 1800s, it soon followed that the state's rivers began to be impounded to create power for the masses. The first of the big lakes created wholly within the state's boundaries became known as Lake Wateree. (It followed the creation of Lake Wylie, whose waters and shoreline are shared with neighboring North Carolina.)

Formed in 1919 after the Wateree River was impounded and the Lake Wateree Hydro Station was constructed, Lake Wateree has a surface that spans 19 square miles.

The lake is fed by two major rivers: the Catawba and the Wateree. Eventually the Catawba-Wateree Rivers watershed would grow to include 13 hydro-electric power plants.

Today various locations around the lake provide visitors access to the crystal clear waters.

Lake Wateree State Park offers boat access, swimming, hiking, and a campground with 50 paved sites that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. The park is open year-round. A nominal admission fee is charged at the entrance. Address: 881 State Park Road, Winnsboro, SC, 29180

Also located in Winnsboro, Dutchman Creek Marina and Restaurant has beautiful views of the lake.

Whether you sit inside or out, the view is striking and the food is amazing. Try the Creek Monster Burger! Address: 5546 River Road, Winnsboro, SC, 29180

Lake Wateree's 242 miles of shoreline are a mixed batch of completely developed with homes lining the lake for miles, and then nothing for several more miles.

A day spent on the water here is usually shared with the locals who've either grown up here or have come to call the lake home.

Over in Camden, Clearwater Cove Marina provides locals and visitors with a boat access point and sunset views that just don't stop.

Address: 2029 Baron Dekalb Road, Camden, SC, 29020

And at Lake Wateree State Park, you can wander around a peninsular island on the Desportes Island Nature Trail.

The 2.3-mile loop trail is on flat terrain and meanders along the wavy shore of the small island. The trailhead is found at the parking area at Lake Wateree State Park. Address: 881 State Park Road, Winnsboro, SC, 29180

Have you spent any time on or at Lake Wateree? We'd love to know so tell us in the comments! Then, keep reading about more of South Carolina's awesome lakes in this previous article.