Lake Keowee

Upstate South Carolina, Oconee & Pickens Counties, SC, USA

Lake Keowee, located in upstate South Carolina, is a sparkling man-made reservoir known for its pristine waters and scenic Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop.

18,500 acres

Surface Area

297 ft

Max Depth

300+ miles

Shoreline

1970

Created

Justin Ashjian

Realtor, Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate - Lake Keowee North

Retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant with 23 years of global service, I bring integrity, discipline, and a mission-focused mindset to every real estate transaction. Now proud to call Lake Keowee home, I’m passionate about helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals while delivering an exceptional client experience.

864-865-5253

JustinOnKeowee@gmail.com

www.KeoweeHouses.com

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About Lake Keowee

Created in the early 1970s by Duke Energy to serve as both a hydroelectric power source and cooling reservoir, Lake Keowee has grown into one of the most beloved recreational lakes in the Southeast. Stretching across Oconee and Pickens Counties, it covers approximately 18,500 acres with more than 300 miles of shoreline. The lake’s clear, deep waters make it a favorite for boating, swimming, and fishing.

The surrounding landscape offers more than just water-based fun—rolling foothills, mountain views, and lush forests create a stunning natural environment. With its stable water levels and well-maintained marinas, Lake Keowee has become a hub for both seasonal visitors and year-round residents, attracting families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Location: Upstate South Carolina, Oconee & Pickens Counties
Size: ~18,500 acres, 300+ miles of shoreline
Built By: Duke Energy in the early 1970s
Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power & cooling reservoir
Elevation: ~800 feet above sea level
Average Summer Water Temp: ~78–82°F
Fishing: Bass, crappie, catfish, bream, trout
Nearby Cities: Seneca, Clemson, Greenville

Lake Keowee Vacation Homes For Rent

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Lake Keowee EVENT GUIDE

Coming Soon

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Lake Keowee DINING GUIDE

Coming Soon

What you can do there

Fishing: Cast for largemouth and smallmouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, catfish, and seasonal trout.

Swimming: Enjoy crystal-clear waters at designated swimming beaches and coves.

Boating & Sailing: Explore the lake by motorboat, sailboat, or personal watercraft with multiple ramps and marinas.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Calm coves and open stretches are perfect for paddlers.

Camping & Picnics: Shoreline parks offer campgrounds, grills, and picnic shelters.

Hiking & Nature Trails: Surrounding areas feature scenic trails with mountain views and wildlife sightings.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: The lake’s clarity makes it a unique spot for underwater exploration.

Wildlife Viewing: Spot bald eagles, osprey, and abundant aquatic life.

Access, marinas & ramps

Public Boat Ramps: Multiple launch sites managed by Duke Energy and SCDNR, including South Cove County Park, Mile Creek Park, Warpath Landing, Stamp Creek, and Keowee-Toxaway State Park.

Marinas: Full-service marinas such as Keowee Marina (Seneca) and Lake Keowee Marina, offering fuel, slips, rentals, repairs, storage, and dining.

Private Docks: Many residential and vacation communities have their own docks, providing direct water access.

Shoreline Parks: Designated parks with ramps also include parking, swimming areas, and picnic shelters.

Rental Services: Boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis available at several marinas for visitors without their own equipment.

Safety & regulations

Life Jackets: Required for all children under 12 while on a moving vessel; recommended for all boaters.
Boater Education: South Carolina boating laws apply—operators born after July 1, 2007, must complete a boating safety course..
Licenses: A valid South Carolina state fishing license is required for both residents and non-residents.
Speed & Wake Zones: Certain coves and access areas are marked as “no wake zones” to protect swimmers and docks.
Navigation Safety: Due to the lake’s depth (up to 297 ft) and clear waters, boaters should maintain awareness of submerged hazards and follow navigation markers.
Emergency Response: Oconee and Pickens County rescue units, along with SCDNR officers, patrol the lake regularly.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Clemson University: Just minutes away, with sports, events, and botanical gardens.
Keowee-Toxaway State Park: Hiking trails, camping, and lake access with panoramic mountain views.
Table Rock State Park: A short drive for hiking, waterfalls, and breathtaking overlooks.
Greenville, SC: A vibrant city known for its downtown, Falls Park, and cultural attractions.

Events & community

Lake Keowee is home to a lively community with seasonal fishing tournaments, charity boat parades, fireworks shows, and local festivals in nearby towns. Residents and visitors often gather for summer concerts, watersport competitions, and holiday celebrations, making the lake as much about community spirit as outdoor adventure.