Top 6 Lakes around Spartanburg

Visitors frequently enjoy Duncan Park Lake, a 14-acre reservoir known for kayaking, canoeing, and catch-and-release fishing. Another favorite is Lake Craig (also known as Lake Tom Moore Craig) within Croft State Park, which is popular for fishing and serene, non-motorized boating.

For motorboating, Lake Bowen and Lake Blalock are excellent choices. Lake Bowen spans 1,534 acres and welcomes motorboats, while Lake Blalock covers 1,105 acres and provides ample space for recreational boating. Permits are required for both.

Several lakes are great for paddling. Duncan Park Lake is open for kayaking and canoeing most of the year. Lake Cooley is particularly inviting for first-time paddlers due to its calm waters, offering kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals, as well as classes. Lake Bowen also welcomes kayaks and canoes.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lake Craig (Lake Tom Moore Craig) in Croft State Park is known for abundant largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie. Lake Edwin Johnson is highlighted for excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, shellcracker, and catfish. Lake Bowen also offers good fishing opportunities from its pier.

Many lakes offer family-friendly amenities. Lake Bowen's Anchor Park features two boat ramps, picnic pavilions, and a playground. Lake Cooley has an Outdoor Education Center, public fishing piers, and a pavilion. Croft State Park, which includes Lake Craig and Lake Johnson, provides camping, picnic shelters, and a playground alongside its lakes.

Yes, permits are often required. For Lake Bowen, permits can be obtained at the Warden's Office on-site. Boating on Lake Cooley requires a permit from the SJWD Water District, with engine size restrictions. For fishing, a valid South Carolina fishing license is generally needed for all public waters.

Beyond water activities, you can enjoy extensive hiking and cycling. Croft State Park offers over 20 miles of trails for bikers and hikers, including the Croft Passage of the Palmetto Trail. For hiking, consider routes like the Lake Johnson Loop Trail or Cottonwood Trail. Cyclists can explore routes such as the Duncan Park Lake – The Rail Yard loop or the Mary Black Rail Trail. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Spartanburg and Cycling around Spartanburg guides.

Lake Cooley features an accessible dock and kayak launch, making it easier for visitors with varying mobility to enjoy the water. Many parks surrounding the lakes, such as Lake Bowen's Anchor Park, offer paved paths and facilities like picnic areas.

Lake Cooley is ideal for beginners due to its calm, 330-acre waters on Jordan Creek. It offers kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals, along with classes to help new paddlers refine their technique. The accessible dock and launch also make it easy to get started.

Croft State Park is a vast 7,000-acre area featuring multiple lakes, including Lake Craig and Lake Johnson. It offers over 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking, camping facilities, picnic shelters, and boat rentals. Lake Tom Moore Craig within the park is particularly known for excellent fishing and non-motorized boating.

The lakes around Spartanburg can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking, paddling, and picnicking, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is ideal for swimming and more active water sports, though it can be quite warm.

While most lakes offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, the more serene and less motorized lakes like Lake Craig within Croft State Park, with its extensive natural surroundings, are often better for spotting birds and other local fauna.