The Most Remote Lake In South Carolina, Tugalo Lake Is Also The Most Peaceful
The Palmetto State is a water lover’s paradise. Whether it’s shredding waves on the coast, rafting rapids on the Saluda in Columbia, or spending the day topside on the boat of your dreams on one of our lakes, you’re in the right spot to do any of the above. But what about finding a water destination that’s so out of the way that it’s actually quiet and missing that touristy vibe? Here’s a remote lake in South Carolina that most people have never even heard of – but it’s absolutely stunning.
Lake Tugalo (a.k.a. Tugaloo Lake) is found along the South Carolina / Georgia border. Its' South Carolina portion is located in Oconee County.
But looking at it on a map is nothing at all like seeing this pristine wilderness in person.
Lake Tugalo is located on both the Chattooga River (in South Carolina) and the Tallulah River (in Georgia). Both rivers are flanked on either side with mountains, making the overall scene here simply breathtaking.
This narrow 597-acre lake was created nearly 100 years ago when the two rivers were dammed by Georgia Power for the purpose of creating hydroelectricity.
Nearly 18 miles of shoreline are all protected and therefore mostly undeveloped on the South Carolina side of the reservoir - except for a couple of access points for small watercraft.
If you're an avid fan of Lake Jocassee and the amazing mountain views found on that lake, then just wait until you experience the mountains from a kayak on Lake Tugalo. Here, they are so close you almost feel as if you could reach out and touch them!
This pristine and remote lake in South Carolina just might be one of the most beautiful spots in the entire state.
The load-in ramp mentioned here on the South Carolina side is located approximately 1.5 miles upstream from the Georgia Power dam that created this lovely reservoir where the Tallulah and Chattooga rivers converge.
If you're paddling in the area, it's definitely worth the trip down the Chattooga River to take a look.
This remote lake in South Carolina is the perfect spot for rafting and paddling enthusiasts. But it’s also known for its great fishing! Had you heard of it before today?
Access to the lake via the load-in ramp mentioned above is located 22 miles northwest of Westminster, 53 miles northwest of Anderson, and 77 miles southwest of Greenville. See? It really is in the middle of nowhere!
It’s worth mentioning here that Section IV of the Chattooga River is widely known as one of the most dangerous Class IV rapids in America and it’s claimed many lives. The “Take Out Ramp” for Section IV of the Chattooga mentioned in this article is located approximately five miles BELOW the dangerous rapids. So kayaking this section of the river below the ramp mentioned above should be a smooth experience.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
