Broadway Lake
About Broadway Lake
Broadway Lake is a man-made reservoir in Anderson County, South Carolina, approximately four miles southeast of the City of Anderson. Construction began with impoundment in 1939, and the lake officially opened in 1940 after a Works Progress Administration project constructed a dam where Broadway Creek and Neals Creek converge. The lake also receives water from Cupboard Creek and Pea Creek, while discharge from the dam flows into the Rocky River and eventually toward Lake Secession.
The lake covers approximately 300 acres, has about 5 miles of shoreline, reaches a maximum depth of 22.1 feet, and has an average depth of only 5.9 feet. Its relatively shallow character distinguishes Broadway Lake from the much larger reservoirs nearby. Fishing, recreational boating, swimming, picnicking, paddling, wildlife observation, and community events remain important parts of lake life, with four public parks providing access around the shoreline.
Key Features
Quick facts (at-a-glance)
- Location: Near Anderson, Anderson County, South Carolina
- Surface Area: 300 acres
- Maximum Depth: 22.1 ft
- Average Depth: 5.9 ft
- Shoreline Length: Approximately 5 miles
- Elevation: 624.8 ft normal pool elevation in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers engineering records
- Type: Man-made reservoir
- Created: Impoundment began in 1939; lake opened in 1940
- Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Redbreast Sunfish, Channel Catfish, White Catfish, White Bass, Chain Pickerel, Longnose Gar, Gizzard Shad and Common Carp
- Average Summer Temp: About 80°F regional mean air temperature during midsummer
- Public Access: McFalls Landing boat ramp plus public shoreline access at McFalls Landing, Haynie Park, Allen Park and Muldrow Park
- Nearby Attractions: Downtown Anderson, Anderson County Museum, Rocky River Nature Park, Lake Hartwell, Sadlers Creek State Park and Lake Secession
Broadway Lake Vacation Homes For Rent
What you can do there
Fishing: Broadway Lake has a long history as an Anderson County fishing destination. Documented species include largemouth bass, black and white crappie, several catfish and sunfish species, white bass, chain pickerel, longnose gar and additional warm-water species. Its smaller size provides an alternative to the much larger Lake Hartwell nearby.
Boating: Recreational boating has been part of Broadway Lake since its creation in 1940. McFalls Landing provides the principal public boat-launch facility, allowing anglers and recreational boaters to access the lake from Broadway Lake Road. Because the lake averages only 5.9 feet deep, boaters should remain attentive to depth and changing lake levels.
Swimming: Swimming has been one of Broadway Lake's traditional recreational uses since the lake opened. Anderson County's lake-access map specifically identifies Allen Park as the Broadway Lake public park offering swimming access, along with picnic facilities, a shelter and dockable shoreline access.
Kayaking & Canoeing: Broadway Lake's 300-acre size makes it practical for exploring by kayak, canoe and other paddle craft. Paddlers can explore shoreline areas and the lake's creek-influenced arms while avoiding the long-distance travel associated with larger Upstate reservoirs.
Water Sports: Broadway Lake has a long local history of recreational water skiing. Organized ski clubs once used the lake for competitions and demonstrations, and water-ski exhibitions continue to be associated with community celebrations such as Friends of Broadway Lake Family Day.
Picnicking: All four principal public parks around Broadway Lake provide opportunities for relaxed shoreline visits. Haynie Park, McFalls Landing, Allen Park and Muldrow Park have picnic or public-use amenities, making the lake well suited for family outings and gatherings near the water.
Community Events: McFalls Landing serves as one of the primary gathering places for the Broadway Lake community. Friends of Broadway Lake has organized Family Day activities, holiday gatherings, boat parades, food events and other programs designed to bring residents and visitors together.
Wildlife & Nature Viewing: Broadway Lake sits within South Carolina's Piedmont landscape and provides aquatic and shoreline habitat for birds and wildlife. Historical environmental studies documented waterfowl and aquatic mammals in the lake watershed, while nearby conservation areas offer additional opportunities for wildlife observation.
Access, marinas & ramps
McFalls Landing Boat Launch: McFalls Landing is Broadway Lake's primary public boating access point and the boat-ramp location identified on Anderson County's official lake-access map. The site includes a boat ramp, dockable access, picnic area, playground and restrooms, making it the lake's most complete public launch facility.
McFalls Landing: Located at 1625 Broadway Lake Road, Anderson, SC 29621, McFalls Landing is also home to the Gracie S. Floyd Event Center. The landscaped county facility overlooks Broadway Lake and includes a paved outdoor patio and shoreline setting used for public and private gatherings.
Courtesy Dock: Anderson County has invested in improvements to the courtesy-dock facilities at McFalls Landing. The dock provides a convenient location for boaters to load and unload passengers while using the public launch.
Allen Park: Allen Park provides picnic facilities, a shelter, swimming access and dockable shoreline access. It is particularly important for visitors looking for public swimming access because Anderson County's recreation map specifically identifies swimming as an amenity at this park.
Haynie Park: Haynie Park provides a picnic area, shelter and dockable lake access. Anderson County has completed shoreline improvements at the park, including work associated with its seawall, helping maintain this public recreation area along Broadway Lake.
Muldrow Park: Muldrow Park is another county-designated public recreation site on Broadway Lake. Amenities identified by Anderson County include a picnic area, shelter and dockable access, giving visitors an additional place to enjoy the shoreline away from the main launch.
Parking & Road Access: Broadway Lake is only a few miles southeast of Anderson and can be reached through the local road network surrounding Broadway Lake Road. McFalls Landing is the easiest public destination to use for first-time visitors because it combines parking, restrooms, a playground, picnic facilities, dock access and the lake's public boat ramp.
Water Levels: Broadway Lake's dam includes water-level controls, and Anderson County can lower the reservoir when needed for maintenance or lake-management projects. Boaters should check current conditions before launching, particularly during announced drawdowns or shoreline construction projects.
Safety & regulations
- Life Jackets: South Carolina requires a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device for every person aboard a vessel.
- Children: Children under 12 must wear an approved PFD while aboard a vessel less than 16 feet long under South Carolina law.
- Throwable Device: Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry an approved throwable flotation device as required by South Carolina boating regulations.
- Fishing License: A valid South Carolina freshwater fishing license is generally required for anglers fishing Broadway Lake unless a state exemption applies.
- Swimming: Allen Park is the county-designated Broadway Lake public access site specifically identified with swimming facilities. Swimmers should stay clear of boat-launch and boating traffic areas.
- Shallow Water: Broadway Lake averages only 5.9 feet deep, so boaters should remain alert for shallow areas, changing depths and underwater hazards.
- Water-Level Changes: Lake levels can be lowered through the dam's control system for maintenance and water-management purposes. Launch conditions may change during drawdowns.
- Boating Safety: Follow all posted markers, operate at safe speeds around docks and swimmers, and never operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Protect the Lake: Clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and fishing equipment between waterways to help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Gallery
Nearby highlights & suggested day trips
-
Downtown Anderson:
Broadway Lake is only a few miles southeast of Anderson, making downtown an easy addition to a lake day. Visitors can find restaurants, local shops, public spaces and community attractions throughout the city's central district.
Its close proximity is one of Broadway Lake's advantages for visitors who want lake recreation without being far from city services.
-
Carolina Wren Park:
Located in downtown Anderson, Carolina Wren Park is a city gathering space used for public events, entertainment and recreation. It provides an easy urban stop before or after spending time on Broadway Lake.
The park is surrounded by downtown dining and businesses, making it convenient for an evening outing after a day on the water.
-
Anderson County Museum:
The Anderson County Museum preserves and interprets the history of Anderson County and South Carolina. Its galleries provide useful context for the region's communities, industries and historical development.
Broadway Lake itself has an important place in Anderson County history because it was constructed as a Works Progress Administration project and opened in 1940.
-
Rocky River Nature Park:
This 148-acre public preserve protects wetlands and natural habitat in the Broadway Creek watershed. The site provides a nature-focused contrast to motorized lake recreation and supports local conservation and water-quality efforts.
It is especially relevant to Broadway Lake because both locations are part of the same broader watershed system.
-
Lake Hartwell:
Lake Hartwell is the major reservoir recreation destination in the Anderson area and offers extensive opportunities for boating, fishing and shoreline recreation. Its much larger scale provides a completely different lake experience from Broadway Lake.
Visitors staying near Broadway Lake can easily combine a quiet small-lake day with a second outing on Hartwell.
-
Sadlers Creek State Park:
Sadlers Creek State Park occupies approximately 395 acres on a peninsula extending into Lake Hartwell. The park supports camping, fishing, paddling, picnicking and other outdoor recreation.
It is one of the best nearby choices for visitors looking to add state-park recreation or overnight camping to a Broadway Lake trip.
-
Green Pond Landing & Event Center:
Located on Lake Hartwell, Green Pond Landing is one of Anderson County's major boating facilities. The site features a large multi-lane concrete launch and extensive vehicle and boat-trailer parking.
It is also well known as an event and tournament venue and provides a useful comparison to Broadway Lake's smaller McFalls Landing facility.
-
Lake Secession:
Lake Secession lies downstream of Broadway Lake on the Rocky River system. Water leaving Broadway Lake enters the Rocky River, which continues toward Lake Secession before eventually reaching the Savannah River reservoir system.
The lake is another regional fishing destination and is particularly associated with warm-water species such as crappie, largemouth bass, catfish and bream.
-
Lake Richard B. Russell:
Farther downstream in the Savannah River system is Lake Richard B. Russell, a major reservoir between South Carolina and Georgia. It offers additional boating, fishing and scenic shoreline opportunities.
Lake Secession's lower reaches are near the backwaters of Lake Russell, connecting the area's lake systems hydrologically.
-
Belton, South Carolina:
Belton is one of the principal communities in the broader southern Anderson County area and provides another small-town destination within easy driving distance of Broadway Lake.
The community can be paired with a scenic drive through the rural Piedmont landscape surrounding the lake.
-
Williamston, South Carolina:
Williamston lies north and east of the broader Broadway Lake area and is another historic Anderson County community. It provides a convenient destination for exploring more of the county beyond Anderson itself.
Visitors can combine the drive with the rolling farmland, creeks and small communities characteristic of South Carolina's Upstate Piedmont.
Events & community
Friends of Broadway Lake: Friends of Broadway Lake is a community nonprofit organization focused on improving, protecting and preserving Broadway Lake and its surrounding area while strengthening relationships among lake residents and visitors. Community programming has included Family Day, water-skiing demonstrations, cardboard boat races, children's activities, food events, holiday gatherings and a Christmas Boat Parade.
Broadway Lake Advisory Committee: Anderson County maintains a Broadway Lake Advisory Committee that meets at McFalls Landing and provides a formal community connection to county government. The lake's public parks, shoreline improvements, water management and community events continue to make Broadway Lake an important recreational and neighborhood resource within Anderson County.
Lake Location
Lake Details
© 2026 Best of the Lake, All Rights Reserved.