Western South Carolina Rivers and Lakes Offer Access to a Variety of Activities 

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Western South Carolina is known for its small-town charm, natural beauty and active communities. Its waterways, in particular, are some of the most beautiful in the country, and they are heavily frequented for all kinds of outdoor fun.

The Savannah River, which borders Georgia, as well as the blackwaters of the Edisto River, and Murray, Strom Thurmond, Slade and Olmstead lakes are huge draws for outdoors enthusiasts looking to go boating, paddling, fishing and swimming. With so many great options to choose from, Livability spoke with two locals to get their takes on the region’s waterways and available activities. 

South Carolina State Parks

Views and Adventures

Kristi Floyd grew up in South Carolina and has lived all over the state throughout her career. Today, she works as park manager for the beautiful Aiken State Park, which comprises 1,000 acres of swamp, forest and bottomland near the town of Windsor in Aiken County. As someone who enjoys fishing in her spare time, Floyd says the expansive park offers the “perfect destination” for paddlers and anglers, thanks to its many boating access points and wide variety of recreational activities. 

“The park features four ponds: the Swimming Area Pond, Children’s Pond, Fish Lake and Cabin Lake, with each offering its own unique atmosphere,” Floyd says. “The South Fork of the Edisto River also winds through the park, and the park features a 1.7-mile river trail that is teeming with wildlife and spectacular views.” 

Kayak and canoe rentals are available, and Cabin Lake, specifically, is stocked with bream, catfish and bass. During summer months, visitors can cool off in a spring-fed swimming area. Floyd adds that guests can always enjoy the water from dry land, as there are walking trails, picnic tables and plenty of shelters with scenic views. 

“Beyond water activities, Aiken State Park also features 25 RV campsites, including five full-service sites and rustic tent sites for those who enjoy a more traditional camping experience,” Floyd says. 

iStock/Gordon Magee

Edisto Entertainment

Longtime outdoorsman Hugo Krispyn has lived in South Carolina since the ’80s and bought land on the North Fork of the Edisto River in 2001. He’s been paddling, fishing and advocating for the conservation of his favorite watershed ever since, most recently as executive director of Friends of the Edisto, a group that works to protect and enhance the river’s natural and cultural character and resources. Krispyn sees the river, along with the wildlife living along its banks, as a place with much to offer and a resource to be protected and enjoyed for years to come. 

“There is a lot of recreational stuff to do in the Edisto watershed,” Krispyn says. “We have the four state parks on the river: Aiken State Park, Colleton State Park, Givhans Ferry State Park and Edisto Beach State Park, and those are good hubs for going out and doing stuff in and around the watershed.” 

Krispyn explains that the river’s winding, shifting shape allows for everything from recreational boating and waterskiing to quieter human-powered craft in the narrower channels. 

Friends of the Edisto

“It’s very different in character on the North and South Fork from the main stem,” Krispyn says. “And once you get down to the coastal regions, it’s different yet again. The main stem is pretty wide open, with a mix of residential with woodland and grassland environments when you get up in the forks. It’s a lot tighter, a lot more sinuous, more bottomland.” 

A great deal of the wilderness surrounds the river, including Audubon areas and protected habitats, which also lend themselves to ornithology, herpetology and, in some places, hunting. The region also hosts multiple celebrations and festivals throughout the year. For instance, each November, Edisto Blackwater Boogie, a popular three-day music festival, is held at Givhans Ferry State Park. Krispyn recommends people visit the website at edistofriends.org for information on landings, helpful notes and GPS coordinates. 

Additionally, groups like the South Fork Paddlers and Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Commission offer opportunities for multiday paddles and organized trips.