SOUTH CAROLINA - With its beautiful Atlantic coastline and numerous rivers, also boasts significant inland bodies of water. When it comes to sheer size, one man-made reservoir stands out as the largest lake in the state: Lake Marion. This expansive freshwater body, a cornerstone of the Santee Cooper Hydroelectric and Navigation Project, is a vital resource for recreation, wildlife, and the state's history.
The Champion of Size: Lake Marion
Lake Marion holds the clear distinction as the largest lake in South Carolina.
- Surface Area: It covers an impressive approximately 110,000 acres (about 172 square miles).
- Creation: Lake Marion was created in the early 1940s (the dam was completed in 1941, and the lake was filled by 1942) with the construction of the Santee Dam. This project, part of the larger Santee Cooper Project, impounded the Santee River.
- Purpose: The primary goals of the Santee Cooper Project were to provide hydroelectric power for rural electrification and to improve navigation by creating a waterway between Columbia (via the Congaree River) and Charleston.
Location and Reach
Lake Marion is situated in the coastal plain region of South Carolina, its vast waters spanning five counties:
- Calhoun
- Clarendon
- Orangeburg
- Berkeley
- Sumter
A Recreational Paradise and Wildlife Haven
Beyond its utility, Lake Marion is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts:
- Fishing: It's renowned for its excellent fishing, particularly for landlocked striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. It has hosted numerous fishing tournaments.
- Boating: The lake's expansive surface area provides ample space for all types of boating, from leisurely pontoon rides to waterskiing and sailing. Numerous marinas and boat ramps offer access.
- Wildlife: The lake and its surrounding swamps and forests, including the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, provide critical habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, alligators, deer, and various bird species.
- Santee State Park: Located on the western shore of Lake Marion, this park offers camping, cabins, hiking trails, and additional access to the lake's recreational opportunities.
Part of a Larger System: Connection to Lake Moultrie
Lake Marion is directly connected to Lake Moultrie (the state's third-largest lake at about 60,000 acres) via a 7.5-mile diversion canal. Together, these two lakes form the Santee Cooper Lakes system, a significant freshwater resource and a popular recreational area in South Carolina.
Considering the Coastline
While Lake Marion is the largest inland body of water, it's essential to acknowledge that South Carolina is bordered by the vast Atlantic Ocean. When asked about the "largest body of water," the ocean is, of course, significantly larger. Still, the question typically implies lakes or reservoirs within or primarily associated with the state's landmass.
Lake Marion rightfully holds the title of the largest lake in South Carolina. Its creation was a monumental engineering feat that transformed the landscape, providing power and navigation while also creating an unparalleled recreational and ecological resource. With its vast expanse, excellent fishing, and abundant wildlife, Lake Marion remains a jewel of the Palmetto State, attracting visitors and serving its communities for decades.
Sources:
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
- Santee Cooper (South Carolina Public Service Authority)
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
- South Carolina State Parks
- Clemson University (for historical data on the Santee Cooper Project)
- Local tourism and fishing guides for the Lake Marion area
