Other Outdoor Activities

The Santee Cooper lake system consists of two lakes, Marion 110,600 acres and Moultrie 60,400 acres. These two lakes are joined by the 6.5 mile diversion canal. These world-class fishing lakes were created from 1939 to 1942 for a hydroelectric project by the South Carolina Public Service Authority, commonly known as “Santee Cooper” because of the two river systems the project connected. The lakes vary from shallow swamps and blackwater ponds to vast open water with a multitude of underwater structures. Lake Marion was not completely cleared, as a result fishermen will find there are thousands of stumps, standing dead tree trunk and live cypress trees. Lake Moultrie is more open and is 14 miles across at its widest point.

We are not land locked in Santee Cooper Country. Visitors can travel from Lake Marion through the Diversion Canal to Lake Moultrie. At the end of Lake Moultrie lies the 75-foot high Pinopolis Lock which will lower boaters down to the Tailrace Canal which takes you to the Cooper River and on to Charleston.

Our lake system is a nature lovers paradise. The outdoor enthusiast can camp at one of our 29 campgrounds or on a pristine island, take a tour boat or guided fishing trip, canoe the backwater swamps or hike trails through our state parks. Listen... nature is calling you!

CLICK HERE for Fishing & Hunting information.

CLICK HERE for information on the Palmetto Trail.

CLICK HERE for other nature-based activities.