The Best Lakes in Upstate South Carolina: Your Complete Guide to Jocassee, Keowee, Hartwell & More

The Upstate of South Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the Southeast—crystal-clear mountain reservoirs, family-friendly recreation lakes, fishing destinations, and peaceful tucked-away spots perfect for a relaxing weekend. Whether you're considering moving to the Upstate or just exploring its outdoor attractions, here’s your complete guide to the top lakes in our region.

1. Lake Jocassee — The Crown Jewel of the Upstate

Often considered the most breathtaking lake in South Carolina, Lake Jocassee is known for its crystal-clear water, mountain views, and waterfalls you can only access by boat. Located in Oconee and Pickens counties and fed by cool Appalachian mountain rivers, it's a favorite for:

• Kayaking & paddleboarding

• Scuba diving (some of the clearest water in the Southeast)

• Waterfall tours

• Fishing

• Swimming at Devils Fork State Park

If you're seeking a pristine, unspoiled outdoor experience, Jocassee is unmatched.

2. Lake Keowee — Luxury Living & Endless Recreation

Just minutes from Clemson and near the gorgeous mountain foothills, Lake Keowee is a clean, deep, vibrant lake perfect for families, boaters, and luxury-home buyers.
Why locals love it:

• Some of the clearest water in the Upstate outside of Jocassee

• Popular for boating, tubing, wakeboarding & sailing

• Surrounded by premier communities like The Cliffs and Keowee Key

• Easy access to top restaurants and marinas

Keowee is one of the most desirable lakefront living areas in the entire state.

3. Lake Hartwell — Huge, Versatile, and Perfect for All-Day Fun

Straddling the SC-GA border, Lake Hartwell is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast with 56,000+ acres of water.
Popular activities include:

• Boating & jet skiing

• Striper, bass, and catfish fishing

• Camping & lakeside parks

• Clemson gameday tailgating by boat

It’s a fun, lively lake that offers something for everyone—from quiet coves to wide-open water perfect for watersports.

4. Lake Broadway — A Hidden Gem in Anderson County

Smaller and more peaceful than some of the major Upstate lakes, Lake Broadway is a local favorite for quiet fishing days, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Why it’s unique:

• Extremely calm water

• Great for beginner paddlers

• Not typically crowded

• Close to Anderson and Belton

If you're looking for a quiet day on the water, Broadway offers a relaxing escape.

5. Lake Bowen — Great for Fishing & Family Recreation (Spartanburg County)

Located in Spartanburg County, Lake Bowen is a beautiful reservoir known for its clean water, picnic shelters, and accessible recreation.
What you'll find:

• Playgrounds, fishing piers, and boat ramps

• Kayaking, pontooning, and fishing

• Stunning mountain views

• Lakeside restaurants & community events

It’s one of the best family-friendly lakes in the eastern Upstate.

6. Lake Robinson — Serene, Scenic & Perfect for Kayaking

Tucked away near Greer, Lake Robinson is a quiet, low-traffic lake known for its beauty and peaceful environment.
Highlights:

• Quiet, non-crowded water

• Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and small boats

• Mountain views from the water

• Community events & rentals at Lake Robinson Park

It’s the ideal spot for a relaxing sunrise paddle.

7. Lake Greenwood — Big Water, Big Views, Big Fun

Spanning Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry counties, Lake Greenwood is a vibrant lake with a strong community and tons of recreational opportunities.
You’ll enjoy:

• Fishing, boating, and water sports

• State parks along the shoreline

• Lakefront restaurants & marinas

• Large coves and open water perfect for tubing

Lake Greenwood also offers some of the best lakefront property values in the region, making it popular for buyers seeking weekend homes and full-time lake living.

Which Upstate Lake Fits Your Lifestyle?

Whether you’re dreaming of peaceful mountain views on Jocassee, vibrant lakefront living on Keowee, big-water fun on Hartwell, or quiet local spots like Bowen, Robinson, and Broadway, the Upstate offers something for every lifestyle.

If you're thinking about moving closer to the water—or you’d like access to off-market or coming-soon lakefront homes—I'd love to help.

📲 864-523-8248
🌐 REPAD Team | Bluefield Realty Group — www.repadrealtyteam.com