Swimming Holes in South Carolina
39 natural swimming holes
South Carolina has 39 natural swimming holes in our directory — lakes, waterfalls, ocean coves scattered from the backcountry to roadside favorites. Favorites include King Creek Falls - Burrells Ford, Chau Ram Falls County Park, Riley Moore Falls. Every listing includes location details, fees, reservation info, and safety notes where known. Conditions change with weather and seasons, so always verify before you go.
All South Carolina swimming holes
- Aiken State Park - Spring-Fed Swimming Area
- Brasstown Falls
- Burrells Ford - Chattooga River
- Calhoun Falls State Park - Lake Russell
- Carrick Creek Falls
- Chau Ram Falls County Park
- Chauga Narrows - Chauga River
- Cheraw State Park - Lake Juniper
- Dreher Island State Park - Lake Murray
- Hamilton Branch State Park - Strom Thurmond Lake
- Jones Gap State Park - Middle Saluda River
- King Creek Falls - Burrells Ford
- Lake Greenwood State Park
- Lee State Park - Artesian Lake
- Paris Mountain State Park - Lake Placid
- Pigpen Falls
- Poinsett State Park - Old Levi Mill Lake
- Riley Moore Falls
- Table Rock State Park - Pinnacle Lake
- Beachwalker Park - Kiawah Island
- Cedar Falls Park - Reedy River
- Congaree River - Columbia Riverfront
- Devils Fork State Park - Lake Jocassee
- Eastatoe Creek Narrows
- Edisto Beach State Park
- Folly Beach Public Access
- Hunting Island State Park
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Isle of Palms County Park Beach
- Keowee-Toxaway State Park - Lake Keowee
- Landsford Canal State Park - Catawba River
- Laurel Fork Falls - Jocassee Gorges
- Long Creek Falls - Sumter NF
- Myrtle Beach State Park
- Oconee State Park - Lake Swimming
- Sadlers Creek State Park - Lake Hartwell
- Station Cove Falls
- Twin Falls - Eastatoe Valley
- Wildcat Wayside - Lower Wildcat Branch Falls
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of swimming holes does South Carolina have?
Our directory lists 39 swimming holes in South Carolina: 14 lakes, 12 waterfalls, and 7 ocean coves. Every listing shows its water type, location, fees, and safety notes so you can pick the right one.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in South Carolina?
The most commonly listed season across our South Carolina spots is may-september (31 of 39 spots). Late spring through early fall is generally prime swimming season — spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high, so check local conditions.
Do South Carolina swimming holes require reservations?
Yes — 1 of the 39 South Carolina spots in our directory list a reservation requirement. Book those ahead, especially on summer weekends, and check the official park link on each listing before you go.
Are South Carolina swimming holes free?
Some are — 25 of the 39 South Carolina spots in our directory report free entry. State parks and popular preserves often charge a day-use or parking fee; each listing shows reported fee info where known.
Are natural swimming holes in South Carolina safe?
Natural water has real risks: no lifeguards, submerged rocks, strong currents, and cold water. Never dive headfirst, check depth, and supervise children closely. Spots with known hazards carry safety flags on their listing.