Your Guide to Exploring Lake Greenwood, South Carolina

Your Guide to Exploring Lake Greenwood, South Carolina

Lake Greenwood, located in Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry counties, is one of South

Carolina’s most charming lakes, offering a serene blend of recreation, natural beauty, and

lakeside living. Spanning 20 miles with 212 miles of shoreline, the lake covers 11,400 acres and

is a favorite for both visitors and residents. Known for its tranquil waters and community-

focused atmosphere, Lake Greenwood is ideal for those seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat.

Recreation and Lifestyle

Like nearby Lake Hartwell, Lake Greenwood offers fantastic opportunities for boating,

swimming, water-skiing, kayaking, and fishing. Anglers are particularly drawn to the lake's

abundant fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bream, perch, and catfish. Visitors and locals

alike enjoy the many parks, boat ramps, and marinas that make accessing the lake easy.

Lake Greenwood’s standout feature is Lake Greenwood State Park, built during the Great

Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This park offers camping, hiking, picnicking,

and access to the recently added 5-mile Scenic Shoreline Trail, which provides breathtaking

views and wildlife sightings. The trail and park are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to

explore the area’s natural beauty.

Compared to the larger and busier Lake Hartwell, with its 960 miles of shoreline, Lake

Greenwood offers a quieter, more intimate experience. It’s particularly appealing to those

seeking a relaxed lifestyle, making it a top choice for retirees and families alike.

Around the Lake: Shopping, Dining, and Amenities

Lake Greenwood is surrounded by small towns that combine rural charm with modern

conveniences. While the immediate area around the lake is primarily rural, the nearby town of

Greenwood provides a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Greenwood features local

boutiques, major retailers, and a vibrant downtown district with a variety of restaurants, cafes,

and cultural attractions, including the annual South Carolina Festival of Flowers. Additional

nearby towns like Laurens and Newberry also offer historical charm, dining options, and

community events.

For lakeside dining, residents and visitors can enjoy casual waterfront restaurants, perfect for a

relaxing evening by the water. While Lake Greenwood provides a slower pace of life, its

proximity to towns ensures access to essential amenities like grocery stores, healthcare, and

specialty shops.

Lake Living and Water Levels

Lake Greenwood is a man-made reservoir created in the late 1930s through the Buzzards Roost

Hydroelectric Project. Controlled by Lake Greenwood Management under the direction of

Greenwood County, the lake follows a federally mandated Rule Curve to manage water levels.

Full pond is considered 439 feet above sea level, with lake levels lowered to 434.5 feet beginning

in late October to allow for dock and seawall maintenance. Levels begin rising again in late

January, ensuring the lake is ready for spring and summer activities.

Despite ongoing sediment reduction efforts, some areas, such as coves, experience challenges

with low water levels. While dredging is not currently feasible due to high costs, Greenwood

County remains aware of the issue.

Dock Guidelines and Lakeside Development

For those looking to enjoy private access to the lake, Lake Greenwood allows docks on most

properties with a proper permit from Lake Management. However, there are some critical

habitat areas where shoreline modifications are prohibited to protect the environment.

Common dock types include floating docks, stationary docks, or a combination of the two. Dock

length is limited to 110 feet, as long as it doesn’t extend beyond one-third of the distance to the

opposite shoreline or create navigation hazards. The maximum dock surface area is 1,200 square

feet, offering plenty of space for lakefront enjoyment. While private docks are popular, enclosed

boathouses are not permitted on Lake Greenwood.

Why Choose Lake Greenwood?

Lake Greenwood offers the perfect mix of peaceful lakeside living and accessibility. Its

uncrowded waters, manageable size, and welcoming community make it an excellent choice for

those seeking a slower-paced lifestyle. Compared to the larger Lake Hartwell, Greenwood is less

commercialized and ideal for those looking for a more rural, intimate lake experience. Whether

you’re interested in fishing, boating, hiking, or simply relaxing by the water, Lake Greenwood

provides something for everyone.

Whether you're looking for a permanent residence, a vacation home, or just a tranquil escape,

Lake Greenwood’s blend of affordability, natural beauty, and strong community spirit makes it

one of South Carolina’s top lakes for both recreation and living.