Charleston Lakes

Lakes Near Charleston

When the weather is right you just need to spend some time by the water. Lucky for you, when you come to Charleston there are quite a few great spots for getting on, or in the water.

There are numerous brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in Charleston this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then make the trip your next day off to find a brand new favorite location on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Charleston

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Charleston there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Any stay on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Picnic time. The lakes near Charleston provide a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Charleston provide tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Charleston!

Lake Getaway Prep

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve built out a short list of our favorite go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Common lake items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the vacation, the following list of items should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Dry shirt
  • Proper footwear
  • UV protection
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Garbage bags
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Portable phone charger
  • Towels

Specialty lake gear

Depending on what you’ll be doing for the day and who will be in your entourage, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check before you make the trip.

  • Wine key
  • Worms or other bait
  • Fishing poles
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Swimming goggles
  • Something to read
  • Games for the beach
  • Your tackle box

Lake Safety

Of course a day on the lake should be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Keep your distance from wildlife

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Charleston and might have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, every lake is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to review when assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Charleston might be swarmed with tourists. To find more space to spread out, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.