South Carolina may be best known as a coastal state, but its 14 major reservoirs, along with hundreds of additional lakes, account for hundreds of thousands of acres of inland water statewide. These retreats offer waterside living, from the salt-tinged air of the Coastal Plains to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lakeside towns as tucked-away as Seneca and as central to Columbia’s urban appeal as Arcadia Lakes provide residents and visitors alike the chance to enjoy year-round recreation, natural splendor, and a relaxed ambiance.
So, whether you’re looking to kick back and relax with a glass of Carolina tea, which many claim to be South Carolina’s unofficial state beverage, or can’t wait to hit the water to enjoy the state’s famed bass fishing, the following nine towns in South Carolina will transport you instantly to lake time.
Seneca
Seneca sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Lake Keowee shapes much of its appeal. The lake’s clear water and nearby hiking in Sumter National Forest attract visitors, but Seneca’s year-round population of under 10,000 keeps it grounded in small-town appeal. In downtown Seneca, visitors and residents alike are drawn to its main street, which is referred to as Ram Cat Alley. Here, you’ll find unique shops, historic buildings, and restaurants as well as weekly live jazz. South Cove boat ramp offers the closest access point to Lake Keowee, perfect for launching boats, kayaks, and paddleboards, with the Keowee Marina offering even more services, including fuel, boat slips, and even houseboat rentals.