Natural swimming hole
Cheraw State Park - Lake Juniper
Lake · South Carolina
About this swimming hole
Cheraw State Park's swimming area is on Lake Juniper, a 360-acre lake built by the CCC, with a beach and swimming area in front of the ranger station and store. The official park page says the swimming area is open May 1 to Labor Day weekend and swimmers must stay inside the buoys and ropes. Note the park's lake boardwalk was listed as closed until further notice after a tree fell on it - verify its reopening before relying on it; the swimming area is a separate facility.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Depth | Designated swimming area inside buoys and ropes, with gradual beach entry reported by visitors |
| Best season | May-September |
| Fees | Free park admission; fees apply for golf, camping and boat rentals |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Park: Apr.-Sept. 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily (shorter hours in winter); swimming area 7 a.m.-8 p.m., May 1 to Labor Day weekend |
| Parking | Day-use parking by the ranger station/store and swimming beach on State Park Road |
| Amenities | campground, picnic tables |
| County | Chesterfield County |
| Nearest town | Cheraw |
| Safety notes | No lifeguards on duty; swim at your own risk and remain inside the buoys and ropes; boardwalk closure noted in description - verify reopening |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Cheraw State Park - Lake Juniper?
Yes — Cheraw State Park - Lake Juniper is listed as a natural swimming spot in South Carolina. Heads-up: No lifeguards on duty; swim at your own risk and remain inside the buoys and ropes; boardwalk closure noted in description - verify reopening. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Cheraw State Park - Lake Juniper require reservations?
No reservations are required at Cheraw State Park - Lake Juniper based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Cheraw State Park - Lake Juniper?
Reported fee info: Free park admission; fees apply for golf, camping and boat rentals. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Cheraw State Park - Lake Juniper?
The best season is typically May-September.