Best South Carolina Lakes to Buy Lakefront Property

Sitting on the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast, South Carolina is a state full of culture, history, and great cuisine. Apart from these, it’s also full of stunning landscapes such as scenic forests, beautiful coastlines, majestic mountains, and gorgeous lakes. Because of this, many consider moving to South Carolina just for the opportunity to own lakefront property. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re only visiting South Carolina or if you call this state your home, you’ll find that each of these lakes will give you the escape you need from hectic city life. In this article, we’ve gathered the Best South Carolina Lakes to Buy Lakefront Property, so you can find the right home where you can start creating memories with friends and family. Read on to learn more about the 13 best lakes this state has to offer.  

1. Lake Greenwood

Lake Greenwood is located near the town of Ninety-Six, between the Greenwood, Laurens & Newberry counties. As such, it attracts many people to its waters every year and has plenty to offer as a quaint retirement destination. This 4,600-hectare lake started as a hydroelectric farm, where the water that flows through it comes from the Reedy River, the Saluda River, and Rabon Creek. 

Just to the south of the lake, Lake Greenwood State Park provides a gorgeous retreat for families, with camping sites, a picnic area, and a hiking trail. The lake itself is also full of activities for you to enjoy, and is well-known among boaters as a host to multiple boating clubs, marinas, and boat launches. Other common activities on Lake Greenwood include water-skiing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding. 

What makes Lake Greenwood a favorite among the locals is the 11,400 acres of uncrowded waters that stretch for over 20 miles. Furthermore, it has 212 miles of shoreline, so there’s enough space for everyone. There are no swamps here either, so you don’t need to worry about alligators, ensuring that your family and pets stay safe. 

There are also several types of lakefront properties to choose from on Lake Greenwood, with lots, townhouses, and homes up for sale as of this writing. Prices range from $294,500 for a three-bedroom townhouse up to $675,000 for a luxurious three-bedroom home just a few steps away from the lake itself. While not the cheapest place to buy a home in South Carolina, Ninety Six offers a low cost of living, relaxed lifestyle, and great weather, making it a prime area to buy lakefront property. 

2. Lake Hartwell

This beautiful lake is owned and maintained by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and is one of the more popular man-made lakes in the state. Lake Hartwell is located near Anderson and is also within Anderson County where it’s powered by the Tugaloo, Seneca, and Savannah Rivers. The lake serves as a border between South Carolina and Georgia and covers 56,000 acres, making it considerably larger than Greenwood. 

Because of its size, Lake Hartwell is an extremely popular option for recreational activities such as wakeboarding, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. If you prefer to stay on land, you can go biking or hiking along the lake’s shoreline while you may also visit the state park nearby. You’ll also find places to stay here, such as cabins for rent, as well as hotels. 

Because of its beautiful and pristine location, Lake Hartwell lakefront properties for sale are abundant. However, homes here are pricey; a three-bedroom, two-bathroom lake house will cost around $725,000. Furthermore, a luxurious five-bedroom, four-bathroom lake house will set you back $1,729,000 as of writing. While these prices are certainly on the more expensive side, you can be sure that a home right by Lake Hartwell is surely worth it. 

3. Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee sits northeast of the town of Salem, between the Oconee and Pickens counties. Owned by Duke Energy Corp, there are fewer lakefront homes here, along with little development, so it’s not as livable as the other options here. Even so, it can serve as a personal paradise away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. This lake encompasses 7,565 acres, offering pure wilderness along with some amenities. 

This lake is located in a mountainous region, so hikers favor this area with the others listed here. The lake is also very cold but clear since it is fed by waters coming from the Appalachian Mountains, making it a favorite among scuba divers and swimmers. Furthermore, Jocassee offers a state park called the Devil’s Fork, which is well-known for the great fishing opportunities — it holds five records for big catches, three of which come from the bass family. 

Because homes are rarely for sale on Lake Jocassee, owning a house here comes at a price. Lake Jocassee will have some of the more expensive lakefront homes or lakefront lots in South Carolina. You can expect to get a beautiful home with gorgeous views of the lake, since it is right outside your doorstep. For $1,499,999, you can own a piece of what is arguably the most stunning lake in the eastern United States. It comes with five spacious bedrooms, and three functional bathrooms — perfect for a growing family looking for a quiet retreat. 

4. Lake Keowee

A sister lake to Jocassee, Lake Keowee is a man-made lake located near Seneca City in between Oconee & Pickens counties. This lake is also owned by Duke Power, offering 18,500 acres of land, gorgeous mountain views, and lakefront housing which has been highly developed along its shores. While it isn’t a deep lake, Keowee has clear waters that are perfect for scuba diving, along with four bordering state parks, two marinas, and several boat ramps where you can take full advantage of all the recreational activities available. 

Because of its great sailing, swimming, boating, and kayaking conditions, Lake Keowee is a popular destination for active adults as well as families. Some of the most commonly enjoyed activities here are jet-skiing, windsurfing, water-skiing, and other water sports. Moreover, Keowee-Toxaway State Park is located at various points throughout the lake, where visitors are provided with campgrounds. 

Lake Keowee stretches 26 miles long, three miles wide, has an average depth of 54 feet, and a 300-mile shoreline. Lake Keowee offers homes for sale

5. Lake Lanier

One of the smaller lakes on this list, Lake Lanier is located in Greenville County, between Landrum in South Carolina and Tryon in North Carolina. This private lake was built in 1925 by Tryon Development Company and is an immaculate 130-acre mountain lake with around six miles of shoreline. Because it’s a small lake, it only stretches around 50 feet at its deepest point but is still a great destination for kayaking, boating, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, water skiing, and fishing. 

This man-made lake also offers boathouses, summer cottages, and year-round waterfront homes. Through the years, every lot on its shores was bought, with many residents building their homes near the water’s edge. Today, around 300 families call this lake their home, providing a small, but welcoming community where almost half of the people belong to the Lake Lanier Civic Association. 

Lucky for you, there are a few properties available as of this writing, and there are a few options depending on your budget. Prices range between $449,500 for a three-bedroom home a few steps away from the lake to $875,000 for a gorgeous four-bedroom that’s right by the lake’s edge. Because of the prime location, houses here will often have great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, giving you the peace and quiet you never thought was possible. 

6. Lake Marion

As South Carolina’s biggest lake, it runs through various counties, including Orangeburg, Clarendon, Berkeley, Sumter, and Calhoun. However, it is located in the Charleston area and is owned by the Santee Cooper Electrical Cooperative, designed to provide power to the surrounding area. Lake Marion is known as South Carolina’s inland sea, with a 315-mile shoreline covering almost 110,000 acres of former marshes, rolling farmlands, and river valley landscape. 

The lake is surrounded by various swampy areas that are full of moss and cypress trees. It is also more shallow compared to Lake Greenwood and has visibly brownish water as a result of the tannic acid produced by woody plants and leaves. While this man-made reservoir may have been created during the Great Depression, it is used for water conservation and recreational activities today. 

It’s known for an abundance of wildlife as well as big fish. Deer, foxes, hawks, egrets, ducks, wild turkeys, and alligators all call Lake Marion their home. However, because of the development that took place in this lake, it can pose a danger to unaware sports enthusiasts and boaters. This open lake’s size can create massive waves and give the illusion of an ocean, unlike many other lakes. 

While many waterfront homes in Lake Marion are for sale, some lakefront properties are leased to the hydro owner and can’t be acquired. However, depending on the home you’re after, house prices here can vary greatly; a two-bedroom bungalow just out of reach from the lake will cost around $139,000, while a more sophisticated, five-bedroom mini-mansion by the water’s edge can set you back $950,000. Either way, both homes will take you right up front to the water, where you can enjoy day after day in the sun. 

7. Lake Monticello

Lake Monticello is located near Columbia, in Fairfield County. While it may not be as popular as the other choices in this list, it is known as a great fishing spot. This lake is owned and managed by the South Carolina Electric and Gas Company, and covers around 7,000 acres. It also has a 300-acre sub-impoundment area inside. 

Unfortunately, fishing on Lake Moticello is only allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays; however, you can swim here seven days a week. Other activities, such as jet-skiing, water-skiing, and other motorized water sports aren’t allowed. You’ll find that there are four fishing piers, three boat ramps as well as a picnic area surrounding the lake for other activities. Furthermore, there is also a nature trail by the lake’s south end; you’ll find that the trail is marked, along with plant identifications. 

While there are no homes for sale at the time of writing, there are plenty of lots for you to choose from, should you want the freedom to build your own home. This area is one of the more affordable places to purchase from, ensuring that your investment will provide you with the most value. Residential lots on Lake Monticello can cost between $45,000 for a smaller piece of land, to $129,900 for a huge 2.14-acre plot of land where you can build your dream home.

8. Lake Moultrie

Connected to Marion through a water bridge called the Diversion Canal, Lake Moultrie is a smaller lake but is still the third largest lake in South Carolina. Located in Berkeley County, this 64,400-acre lake was created in the 1940s as a project to dam the Cooper River. It also sits by the edge of the Francis Marion National Forest, located just north of Charleston. 

Lake Moultrie has an oval-shaped body, which brings waves and wind that can make it difficult to handle a boat. This lake provides a wide range of recreational activities to enjoy such as fishing, while it also provides guests with tourist facilities, marinas, and campgrounds. However, the area is surrounded by shallow swampy areas and blackwater ponds which produce reptiles, snakes, and alligators which are usually found within coastal regions. 

On a lighter note, this man-made lake is known for its abundant fishing environment where you’ll see various fish that call this lake their home. A world-record catfish weighing in at 58 lbs, as well as black crappie with a weight of five pounds were caught here. Moreover, this lake is full of cypress trees and thousands of tree stumps that hide many woodland creatures. 

Lake Moultrie has plenty of properties up for grabs now, with prices varying depending on how many bedrooms you’re after. For example, a one-bedroom, 1,000 sq ft house just out of reach from the lake will cost $250,000, while a much bigger four-bedroom, 3,061 sq ft home is priced at $799,000. This price will get you much closer to the water while providing you with your own dock and boat lift whenever you want to go fishing. 

9. Lake Murray

Located just northeast of Columbia, Lake Murray lies between the Saluda, Lexington, Richland, and Newberry counties. With 800 miles of stunning shoreline, this lake is powered by the Saluda River, resulting in one of the biggest dams in the country. This 20,000-hectare reservoir is 41 miles long, and 14 miles wide at the widest point. By the time when construction on the lake was finished in the 1920s, it became the largest man-made reservoir in the world. 

Lake Murray is a wide and large lake, and as a result, it is subject to rougher and bigger waves in times of a storm. In comparison, Lake Greenwood is narrower and longer in shape, which makes for easier navigation and reduced waves. Even so, Lake Murray is a haven for avid fishermen, and because of its proximity to Columbia, it is a highly-trafficked and heavily populated lake. 

Furthermore, this lake is known for its great range of recreational activities; the Dreher Island State Recreation Area can be found on the west side of the lake, where you can go hiking, boating, or fishing. You’ll also find restaurants, marinas, and other tourist attractions along its borders. You may also stay the night, as there are various places to go camping throughout the lake, along with several cabins, villas, and cottages. 

Housing prices on lake Murray can be on the higer side compared to other lakes, depending on what you’re looking for. A simple two-bedroom, 1,005 sq ft home by the lake’s edge can cost $599,900, while a more extravagant, six-bedroom, 7,000 sq ft mini-mansion (complete with a jacuzzi) has a price tag of $1,999,000. If you choose the latter, you can choose between never leaving such a magnificent home, or going out to see if the fish will bite. 

10. Lake Robinson

Lake Robinson is a pristine recreational lake sitting in Greenville County and located just northeast of the city of Greer. This 800-acre fishing lake is owned by the Greer Commission of Public Works, which also owns another lake just a few miles away. The lake was originally created to impound drinking water and is fed through the South Tyger River, serving as part of the Greer Commission of Public Works’ resource for drinking water. 

There are plenty of facilities to accommodate guests, such as a boat ramp located on Mays Bridge Road, three fishing piers, and a picnic area. Activities that you can enjoy here include swimming in the lake, canoeing, boating, kayaking, and even relaxing in the grassy areas. Unfortunately, a boating license is required if you plan to take a boat out into the water; this can be purchased at the Lake Warden’s Office. Furthermore, you can’t take a boat that’s over 10HP, and fishing isn’t allowed within the dam area. 

Even with all the restrictions in place, many fishing enthusiasts still gather in Lake Robinson for its reputation as a “small jewel” due to the abundance of fish within its waters. For those more interested in purchasing a home here, you’ll be happy to know it’s more affordable here compared to others. For a total of $278,400, you can get your hands on a four-bedroom home sitting on 0.55 acres of land. 

11. Lake Wateree

This 21 sqm reservoir located between Fairfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster counties, is one of the oldest man-made lakes. Developed in 1919 as a result of the Wateree River’s damming, Lake Wateree was created by Duke Power (now Duke Energy), with the plan to generate hydroelectric power. The lake spans almost 14,000 acres and has an average depth of 23 feet, along with 190 miles of shoreline.

Unfortunately, there is little housing or development around Lake Wateree, and as a result, the land was given to a large state park and Wateree Lake Campground. You can find some homes and lots for sale on Lake Wateree although they will be limited. The Lake Wateree State Park serves as a refuge for birds and is known for its unspoiled natural preserves as well as its diverse wildlife which include herons, egrets, deer, wild turkeys, foxes, turtles, and even alligators. This haven for birdwatchers is certainly one of the reasons why the area remains undeveloped, giving priority to the beautiful animals that call this lake their home. 

Around the lake, however, you can be sure to find fishermen, boat enthusiasts, and campers who decide to spend the night by this gorgeous lake. Other amenities you’ll find here include a nature trail, picnic shelters, a playground, and multiple camping sites. Lastly, you’ll also find the Shaw Air Force Base Recreation Center here, which serves as one of the biggest military bases operated in the country. 

12. Lake Wylie

Located in York County, Lake Wylie is also between the boundaries between South Carolina and North Carolina. As such, this man-made lake has become a popular destination for residents in both states. This 13,400-acre body of water was made to supply hydroelectric power, but also served as a recreational facility for nearby towns. 

Lake Wylie’s 325-mile shoreline carries plenty of facilities such as fishing piers, boat launches, yacht clubs, picnic areas, as well as golf courses. Moreover, the communities that surround the lake always have events planned every year, which include live music festivals, beer festivals, water sports team events, and fireworks shows. 

If you plan to spend the night or a whole weekend here, there are camping grounds, cabins, resorts, and luxury villas for rent. If you’re looking for a new home, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are plenty of waterfront homes available at Lake Wylie. Prices may fluctuate, but many homes here are in the $500,000 mark, depending on your needs. There are also newly constructed houses that can give you options between four to five bedrooms, with varying lengths of square footage. 

13. J. Strom Thurmond Lake

J. Strom Thurmond Lake goes by two names: Lake Thurmond on the South Carolina side, and Clark’s Hill on the Georgia side. Located in McCormick County, this man-made lake feeds from the Little, Broad, and Savannah Rivers. It was created as a result of the J. Strom Thurmond Dam and extends 39.4 miles up the Savannah River, 29 miles up the Little River, and 6.5 miles up the Broad River. 

Thurmond Lake consists of almost 71,100 acres of water, combined with 1,200 miles of shoreline. As a result, it is the state’s second-largest lake, attracting crowds from both the boundaries of South Carolina and Georgia. However, the whole Thurmond “Project” encompasses 151,000 acres of land and water. Furthermore, this lake is owned by the Army Corps, which means there is a minimal shoreline housing development. 

Because of its size, Thurmond Lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, fishing, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. It also has three bordering state parks, campgrounds, and marinas that attract millions of visitors every year. With all these things and more, this lake is a must for any outdoor enthusiast visiting the area. 

There are four-bedroom properties up for sale in Thurmond Lake as of writing, where you can choose between a 1,544 sq ft log home by the lake, or a 3,648 sq ft modern home overlooking the lake. The former costs around $424,000, while the latter costs $649,900. Either way, you’ll be getting yourself a gorgeous home where your family can enjoy every day by the waters of this majestic lake. 

Conclusion – Let’s Buy a Lake House in SC

There’s no doubt that lakes found in South Carolina offer some of the best places to buy lakefront property, whether it’s a townhouse or a bungalow. You can pick from over 1,770 square kilometers from their major lakes, which is huge considering it’s one of the smaller states in the United States. Whether you’re after a summer lake home or one where you’ll live for the rest of your life, South Carolina has the perfect opportunity for you to own a lake front home. If North Carolina is an option, be sure to check out the best lakes in North Carolina.