Lake Keowee is a Duke Energy reservoir of about 18,500 acres in Oconee and Pickens counties, in the Blue Ridge foothills of northwestern South Carolina, less than an hour west of Greenville. Duke Power impounded it in 1970 and 1971 by damming the Keowee and Little rivers, and it cools the three reactors at the Oconee Nuclear Station. It is known for deep, clear water, spotted bass, dozens of islands, a drowned Cherokee town and a set of Duke Energy shoreline rules that visitors should know before they launch.
In this guide
- Where Is Lake Keowee?
- What Is Lake Keowee Known For?
- Lake Keowee at a Glance
- History of Lake Keowee
- Lake Keowee Boating Guide
- Lake Keowee Fishing Guide
- Best Things to Do at Lake Keowee
- Best Places to Visit Around Lake Keowee
- Lake Keowee Towns and Communities
- Lake Keowee Vacation Guide
- Lake Keowee Family Activities
- What Should You Bring to Lake Keowee?
- Local Knowledge: A Power Lake, a Drowned Town and the Island Rules
- Questions People Ask About Lake Keowee
- Lake Keowee Gifts & Apparel
Where Is Lake Keowee?
Lake Keowee is a reservoir in the Upstate of South Carolina, lying mainly in Oconee County and reaching into Pickens County. Visit Greenville SC describes it as less than an hour directly west of downtown Greenville, between Lake Jocassee to the north and Lake Hartwell to the south. Islands.com puts Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport a little over an hour's drive away.
The towns around the lake include Seneca, Salem, Sunset, Six Mile and West Union. South Carolina State Parks lists Keowee-Toxaway State Park at 108 Residence Drive in Sunset, at the northern end of the lake. Visit Oconee SC describes Salem as a gateway to both Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee, just off Scenic Highway 11.
Lake Keowee is long and narrow, about 26 miles long and 3 miles wide according to Visit Greenville SC, so a launch at one end is a long boat ride from the other. Use the access list and the town sections below to pick a base that fits the part of the lake you want.
What Is Lake Keowee Known For?
Lake Keowee is known for its size and depth, its role as a working power lake, and a set of rules that follow from that.
- A Duke Energy power lake. SCDNR calls it a cooling reservoir for the Oconee Nuclear Station, and Duke also generates hydroelectric power at the dam.
- Spotted bass and bass fishing. SCDNR says anglers can catch four species of black bass, and Carolina Sportsman reports that spotted bass take top honors.
- Islands. Visit Greenville SC counts 71 islands, and Duke Energy has guidelines for using them, including no fires and no nighttime use.
- A drowned Cherokee town. The lake covers the site of Keowee Town, which was the largest of the Cherokee Lower Towns, and the site of Fort Prince George.
- A deep connection to Lake Jocassee. Water from the Jocassee hydro station feeds Lake Keowee, according to the Wikipedia article on the lake.
- State park and county park access. Keowee-Toxaway State Park, High Falls County Park and South Cove County Park give visitors camping, beaches and trails without owning lakefront.
Lake Keowee at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Duke Energy reservoir on the Keowee and Little rivers |
| Location | Oconee County (mainly) and Pickens County, South Carolina |
| Surface area | About 18,500 acres, per SCDNR and South Carolina State Parks |
| Shoreline | About 300 miles per Visit Greenville SC and Carolina Sportsman. SCDNR lists 387 miles |
| Size | About 26 miles long and 3 miles wide per Visit Greenville SC (Wikipedia's text says 23 miles) |
| Depth | Average roughly 50 to 54 feet and maximum about 150 to 155 feet, per SCDNR and Wikipedia |
| Full pool | About 800 feet above sea level |
| Created | Gates closed April 2, 1970 and Keowee Hydro began commercial operation April 17, 1971 |
| Dams | Keowee Dam and Little River Dam |
| Islands | 71, per Visit Greenville SC |
| Purposes | Hydroelectric power and cooling water for the Oconee Nuclear Station, plus a water supply source |
| Owner and manager | Duke Energy, under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license No. 2503 for the Keowee-Toxaway Project |
| Main activities | Boating, fishing, swimming, paddling, camping, hiking |
Figures are as published by SCDNR, South Carolina State Parks, Visit Greenville SC, Carolina Sportsman and Wikipedia, and checked October 2026. Sources round differently, and the SCDNR lake page carries a 2014 copyright date.
History of Lake Keowee
Why the lake was built
Lake Keowee is part of Duke Power's Keowee-Toxaway Project. Duke began buying land in about 1963, and Wikipedia reports that it announced the project on January 2, 1965 with an estimated cost of $700 million. Keowee was the first lake developed in the Keowee-Toxaway complex, according to Carolina Sportsman.
Building the lake
Wikipedia reports a groundbreaking in April 1967. The Keowee Dam gates closed on April 2, 1970, which began the filling of the lake, and the Keowee Hydro Station began commercial operation on April 17, 1971. Lake Jocassee's water transfer to Keowee began in December 1973, and the Oconee Nuclear Station began operating in 1973. Some sources simply say the lake was built in 1971, which matches the hydro station start date.
What the lake covered
The lake flooded the Cherokee town of Keowee, which Wikipedia calls the largest of the seven Cherokee Lower Towns. The name means "place of the mulberries," according to Carolina Sportsman. Fort Prince George, a British fort built in 1753 across the river from Keowee Town and abandoned by 1768, was excavated in 1970 shortly before the sites were to be submerged, according to Wikipedia. Archaeologists recovered thousands of artifacts before the flooding, and the SC Picture Project says many are displayed in local museums.
The Cherokee Museum of South Carolina in Walhalla covers the Lower Towns and, according to Discover South Carolina, holds a collection from Keowee-Toxaway State Park on permanent loan.
The nuclear station
Oconee Nuclear Station sits on the lake, and lake water cools its three reactors. Wikipedia says a skimmer wall draws cool water from about 150 feet down. Duke's World of Energy education center, which opened in July 1969 according to Duke, is on the station grounds in Seneca and has a lakeside picnic shelter, nature trail and fishing pier.
Lake Keowee Boating Guide
Lake Keowee is a deep, narrow Duke Energy lake with a handful of public access areas, a few marinas and rental companies, and strict rules for its islands. Boaters here need to know where to launch, how Duke manages the shoreline, and which South Carolina rules apply. This section covers each one.
Boat ramps and public access
SCDNR's 2014 Lake Keowee page counts nine boat ramps. Visit Oconee SC lists ten public access points (nine landings and parks, plus Keowee Marina), and not every point has a ramp. These are the ones it names. It warns that parking is limited, tells visitors to arrive early, and asks them not to park in private lakeside neighborhoods.
| Access point | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mile Creek Park | Pickens County | Public access point |
| Crow Creek Landing | Pickens County | Public access point |
| Warpath Landing | Pickens County | Public access point |
| Keowee Towne Landing | Oconee County | Public access point |
| Fall Creek Landing | Oconee County | Public access point. South Carolina State Parks says it is about 5 driving miles from Keowee-Toxaway State Park |
| Cane Creek Landing | Oconee County | Public access point |
| Stamp Creek Landing | Oconee County | Public access point |
| South Cove County Park | Seneca, Oconee County | County park with a beach, camping and boat ramps |
| High Falls County Park | Seneca, Oconee County | County park with a swimming area, camping, boat ramps and a fishing pier |
Visit Oconee SC's county parks page lists $5 parking and annual passes ($25 for residents and $50 for non-residents), but the page is undated. An older listing gives $3 per car and $5 per boat trailer, so confirm the current fee with Oconee County. Duke posts ramp closures and repair notices on its water access alerts page, so check it before you drive to a ramp. Keowee-Toxaway State Park has no boat ramp, but it has one canoe and kayak access point for non-motorized boats.
Marinas and rentals
Several companies rent pontoons and tritoons, and each sets its own age, deposit and license rules. Call or read the operator's page before you plan around a rental.
| Place | Where | What it offers | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keowee Marina | 150 Keowee Marina Drive, Seneca, SC | Its site lists pontoon, tritoon and center console boat rentals, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, a public fuel dock, a pump-out, ship store, boat sales and service. As of October 2026 its rentals page says renters must be 25 or older and that gift certificates are available. Phone (864) 882-2047 | Directions |
| High Falls Boat Rentals | Lake Keowee, across from High Falls County Park, Seneca, SC | Its site lists pontoon and tritoon rentals by the day or by multi-day blocks. It says renters must be 25 or older. Its site shows a 2023 copyright, so call to confirm it is booking. Phone (864) 309-8160 | Fleet |
| Unlimited Outfitters | South Cove County Park and High Falls County Park, Seneca, SC | Kayak and paddleboard rentals at both county parks, each with a life vest, paddle and whistle, with online booking | Rental page |
Rental prices, hours and seasons are on each operator's site and change, so this guide does not copy them. Visit Oconee SC also lists Clear Sky Pontoon Rentals, Jocassee Keowee Rentals, Jocassee Outdoor Center, Lake Keowee Boat Rentals and Lake Time Watersports. We did not verify those operators' own sites, so confirm details before you book. The Keowee Sailing Club in Seneca, which Visit Oconee SC describes as a cruising and racing club, welcomes sailors who want to race or cruise.
Popular areas and navigation
Visit Greenville SC names two boat-in spots. Jumping Rock is a 30-foot boulder that people use for floating, swimming and feet-first jumps, and Party Cove Falls is a waterfall where boaters anchor, swim and climb. Visit Greenville SC says the waterfalls are best reached by boat. Treat any jump as a decision to make after you check the water depth and your own limits.
SCDNR's Lake Keowee page does not list boating hazards, and we did not find a Duke list of shoals or stumps. A current chart or navigation app is a better guide than any description. Many coves are lined with private docks that Duke permits through its shoreline management plan, so slow down near them. Duke's Keowee-Toxaway Shoreline Management Plan classifies the shoreline on seven maps for Lake Keowee.
Duke Energy islands and shoreline rules
Duke's island use guidelines apply to the islands it owns on its reservoirs. They list no fires or littering, no nighttime use from sunset to sunrise, no permanent structures and no removal of vegetation. They say police can make arrests under South Carolina law. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit said in a July 2020 release that it had received reports of camping and campfires on Lake Keowee's islands, along with boats running without lights at dusk and skiing after legal hours.
As of a May 2015 WGOG report, Duke's shoreline guidelines for the Keowee-Toxaway lakes barred large inflatables such as trampolines, slides and diving boards, while towables for three or fewer people were allowed. That is dated history, so check Duke's current guidelines before you bring one.
Water level and how to check it
Lake Keowee is a Duke Energy lake, and its level is managed for the Oconee Nuclear Station and the hydro stations rather than for flood control. Carolina Sportsman and Wikipedia give a full pool of about 800 feet above sea level. WGOG reported in 2014 that Keowee's level must stay stable for the nuclear station, which is one reason the lake often stays fuller than neighboring lakes in a drought. In September 2024 Duke's Keowee-Toxaway Drought Management Advisory Group declared a Stage 1 drought, and the Greenville News reported that Keowee and Jocassee were below their normal levels.
Check the live level before you go. Duke publishes the lake's level and we have not found a public data feed we can read automatically, so the box below sends you to Duke's page.
Lake level today: Duke Energy publishes Lake Keowee's level, and we have not found a public data feed we can read automatically. Check the official page for today's reading: Duke Energy's lake level page.
Boating rules
Lake Keowee lies entirely in South Carolina, so South Carolina's boating law applies. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit and SCDNR patrol Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell and Lake Jocassee, according to a 2020 Sheriff's Office release. After a 2022 law, SCDNR said it had received complaints from Lake Keowee residents that wake-surfing boats damage shoreline property, according to the Post and Courier.
These are the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) rules most visitors need, as published on the SCDNR's boating pages and read in October 2026:
- Boater education (SCDNR): Anyone born after July 1, 2007 must pass an SCDNR-approved boater education course before operating a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft or a specialty propcraft, and must have the certificate in their possession. There are exemptions, including an adult 18 or older who qualifies being aboard, a nonresident with another state's certificate, and a rental safety certificate. A violation is a fine of $50 to $300.
- Age to operate: The older rule that applied to operators under 16 was repealed effective August 18, 2023. Today the operator rule is the boater education requirement above.
- Life jackets (SCDNR life jacket page): Every boat must carry a Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard or being towed, in good condition, readily available and the right size. Children under 12 must wear one on a boat under 16 feet. Everyone on a personal watercraft, and anyone water skiing or riding a towed object, must wear one. Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry a throwable device.
- Boating under the influence (S.C. Code 50-21-112): It is illegal to operate a moving motorized boat or sailboat while your faculties are materially and appreciably impaired by alcohol or drugs, and a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more allows a court to infer impairment. A first offense is a misdemeanor with a $200 fine or 48 hours to 30 days in jail, and a six-month loss of boating privileges.
- Idle speed near docks and people (S.C. Code 50-21-870): No faster than idle speed within 50 feet of a moored or anchored vessel, dock, pier, wharf, bulkhead or person in the water. On the lakes the law names (Greenwood, Hartwell, Jocassee, Keowee, Marion, Monticello, Murray, Robinson, Russell, Secession, Thurmond, Wateree, Fishing Creek Reservoir, Parr Reservoir and part of the Savannah River), the distance from a wharf, dock, bulkhead or pier is 100 feet, and it stays 50 feet from a moored or anchored vessel or person in the water.
- Wake surfing and towing (S.C. Code 50-21-870): No wake surfing above idle speed within 200 feet of a moored vessel, wharf, dock, bulkhead, pier or person in the water. Towing a skier or water skiing is not allowed from sunset to sunrise, and a boat towing someone needs a second person watching or a wide-angle rear-view mirror.
- Renting (SCDNR boater education): Operators born after July 1, 2007 can run a rental boat, jet ski or specialty propcraft with a boat rental safety certificate. The certificate is valid for 30 days and only for boats rented from a business.
- Public landings on utility lakes (S.C. Code 50-21-125): On lakes built by an investor-owned utility for hydroelectric power, swimming is prohibited within 50 feet of a public boat landing or ramp that the utility maintains, and boats must slow to no wake speed within 200 feet of it.
More on Lake Keowee
- Idle speed distances. Lake Keowee is one of the lakes named in South Carolina's 100-foot rule for wharves, docks, bulkheads and piers, as listed above.
- Utility lake landings. Keowee is a Duke Power hydro lake, so the public landing rule above (no swimming within 50 feet of a utility-maintained ramp, no wake within 200 feet) applies at Duke's ramps.
- Duke Energy lake services. For shoreline permits, access area questions and special use permits, contact Duke Energy Lake Services at 800.443.5193 or LakeServices@duke-energy.com.
- Docks and shoreline. Private docks need a Duke Energy permit. See the dock question in the FAQ.
Seasons and kinds of boating
Most boating here is pontoon and tritoon cruising, ski and tube boats, and sailing out of the Keowee Sailing Club. Kayakers and paddleboarders can rent from Keowee Marina or Unlimited Outfitters, and Keowee-Toxaway State Park has a canoe and kayak access point. Wake sports are limited by distance rules, so the open water away from docks, beaches and marinas is where tow sports belong.
Lake Keowee Fishing Guide
Lake Keowee is a bass fishery built around spotted bass, with largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and bream also present. This section covers what lives in the lake, where people fish, the rules, and what to know before eating your catch.
Fish species and seasons
SCDNR says anglers can catch four species of black bass and lists Lake Keowee as one of the state's bass lakes. Carolina Sportsman reports that spotted bass take top honors, and the same sources list catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and sunfish. Keowee-Toxaway State Park lists bass, bream, crappie and catfish.
Boatsetter, a boat-rental marketplace rather than an agency, describes a seasonal pattern. Late fall is considered the best time, when spotted bass gather near creek mouths often 40 or more feet down. Spring is productive in shallow areas where bass and crappie spawn, and summer is the toughest season. It adds that winter can be good near the power plant's discharge. Check Duke's posted notices before you fish near the plant, because we found no Duke statement on access to that area.
Where and how people fish
Anglers fish from boats, from the bank and from piers. SCDNR's 2014 page lists 17 fish attractors on the lake, and Carolina Sportsman reports that the SCDNR attractor map shows over a dozen. Carolina Sportsman names the Highway 11 bridge as a strong spot for crappie, the dam's riprap and cooler water from the Lake Jocassee outflow, and docks and stumps along the shoreline for largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Piers include a fishing pier at High Falls County Park. A boat-ramp directory also lists a pier at South Cove County Park marked ADA accessible, so confirm with Oconee County. Duke's World of Energy has a fishing pier and boat dock as well. Piers and docks close for repairs from time to time, so check Duke's access alerts page before you plan a trip.
Regulations and licenses
Check the current South Carolina Hunting & Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide from SCDNR before you fish. As of the 2026-2027 guide (effective August 14, 2026 to August 14, 2027):
- License (SCDNR license prices): South Carolina freshwater fishing requires a license unless you are fishing in a privately owned pond, and no child under 16 needs one. As of the 2026-27 guide, a resident license is $10 for a year, $5 for 14 days or $30 for 3 years, and a nonresident license is $35 for a year, $11 for 14 days or $105 for 3 years.
- Black bass: On most waters you may keep 5 largemouth, smallmouth and redeye bass (and their hybrids) combined per day, plus up to 15 spotted bass. Smallmouth must be at least 12 inches. Many lakes add their own size limits, so check the lake's entry in the guide.
- Striped, hybrid and white bass: On most waters, 10 striped or hybrid bass in combination per day at any length, and 10 white bass. Some lakes and river systems have size limits, seasons or lower limits (Lake Murray is 5 with a 21-inch minimum from October to May).
- Crappie: 20 per day, at least 8 inches.
- Blue catfish: The daily limit for blue catfish is 150 per person on most state waters (a new limit effective May 15, 2026). It stays at 25 on Lakes Marion and Moultrie, part of the Pee Dee River and the upper Santee River. On those waters and on the Congaree and Wateree rivers, you may not possess more than two blue catfish longer than 32 inches in a day.
- Bream and redbreast: 30 bream per day (bluegill, redear and other sunfish) and 15 redbreast sunfish, at any length.
Lake Keowee has its own limits for some species. SCDNR's Lake Keowee regulations page lists limits for the lake that differ from the statewide limits above. That page carries a 2014 copyright date, so confirm each limit in the current guide. It lists:
| Species | Lake Keowee rule on SCDNR's page |
|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | No largemouth under 12 inches |
| Black bass | 10 per day combined, across largemouth, smallmouth, redeye and spotted bass |
| Trout in Eastatoe Creek (above the lake's backwaters, to Roy Jones Road) | From November 1 through May 14, trout may not be kept and only single hook artificial lures may be used |
The black bass limit on that page differs from the statewide limit in SCDNR's 2026-27 guide, so confirm the lake's entry in the current guide before you keep a fish.
Eating your catch. The South Carolina environmental agency (SCDES) publishes fish consumption advisories by waterbody. A 2016 WSPA report said spotted bass and largemouth bass from Lake Keowee were added to the advisories for mercury, with a limit of one meal per week. Read the current Lake Keowee entry before you cook what you catch. A fish advisory is about eating fish, not about swimming or boating.
Guides and fishing culture
Visit Oconee SC lists Keowee Fishing Service, LLC, which it says offers guided bass trips, and Keowee Outdoors, a tackle and outdoor retail store in Seneca. We did not verify those businesses' own sites, so confirm each guide's license and insurance when you book. Keowee Marina's site lists a ship store and a public fuel dock for anglers.
Best Things to Do at Lake Keowee
- Swim at a county park beach. Visit Oconee SC lists a sandy beach at South Cove County Park, where it says lifeguards are often present at peak times, and a sandy beach and swimming area at High Falls County Park. Check with Oconee County for current guarding and hours.
- Fish from a pier. High Falls County Park and Duke's World of Energy have fishing piers.
- Rent a pontoon or paddleboard. See the marinas and rentals table.
- Hike Keowee-Toxaway State Park. South Carolina State Parks lists the Natural Bridge Trail, a loop of about 1.3 to 1.5 miles, and the Raven Rock Trail, roughly 4 miles and rated moderate to strenuous. The park's pages give slightly different lengths, so check the trail map. Admission is free according to the park.
- Ride the zipline. South Carolina State Parks says the park has the only zipline in the state park system, run by an outside company, and Visit Greenville SC names Upstate Zipline.
- Camp. The state park has 24 campsites, High Falls County Park has 91 campsites with 10 on the water, and South Cove County Park has 86 with 41 on the water. The state park figure is from South Carolina State Parks and the county figures are from Visit Oconee SC.
- Visit the World of Energy. Visit Greenville SC calls Duke's education center a free self-guided stop at the Oconee Nuclear Station. Duke lists its hours and advises calling ahead.
- Learn the Cherokee story. The Cherokee Museum of South Carolina in Walhalla covers the Lower Towns, including a collection from Keowee-Toxaway State Park.
- Take a waterfall side trip. Islands.com describes Twin Falls, a pair of waterfalls where one drops 75 feet, reached by an easy hike of about 15 minutes. It is about 10 miles from the state park and is not on the lake.
Best Places to Visit Around Lake Keowee
| Place | Where | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Keowee-Toxaway State Park | 108 Residence Drive, Sunset, SC | About 1,000 acres at the northern end of the lake with trails, 24 campsites, one lakeside cabin with a courtesy dock, a canoe and kayak access point and the state park system's only zipline. Phone 864.868.2605 |
| High Falls County Park | Seneca, SC | A 46-acre county park in the middle of the lake with camping, a swimming area, boat ramps and a fishing pier |
| South Cove County Park | Seneca, SC | A 48-acre park on a peninsula at the lake's southern end, with a sandy beach, camping and boat ramps |
| Duke Energy World of Energy | Oconee Nuclear Station, Seneca, SC | A free education center with exhibits, a picnic shelter, a nature trail, a boat dock and a fishing pier |
| Cherokee Museum of South Carolina | Walhalla, SC | Lower Towns history and a Keowee-Toxaway State Park collection on permanent loan |
| Lighthouse Lake Keowee | 1290 Doug Hollow Road, Seneca, SC | A restaurant and a seasonal cabana bar. Its site says you can arrive by car, boat or golf cart. Restaurant phone (864) 888-4446 |
Hours, seasons and status change, so check each owner's page.
Lake Keowee Towns and Communities
| Town | Where it is | Known for | Relationship to the lake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seneca, SC | Oconee County, south end | The county's largest town, with a historic downtown, Ram Cat Alley and its Jazz on the Alley street parties | Borders the shorelines of Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell. Keowee Marina, South Cove and High Falls are in the Seneca area |
| Salem, SC | Oconee County, near Scenic Highway 11 | A gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains | Gateway to Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee |
| Walhalla, SC | Oconee County | A foothills town and the home of the Cherokee Museum of South Carolina | A short drive from the lake |
| Westminster, SC | Oconee County | Its Apple Festival, held after Labor Day according to Visit Oconee SC | A short drive from the lake |
| Sunset and Six Mile, SC | Pickens County | Small communities near Keowee-Toxaway State Park | The state park's address is in Sunset |
| West Union, SC | Oconee County | Home to Crooked Creek RV Park | Lake access and RV stays |
Lake Keowee Vacation Guide
When to visit
Lake Keowee is open for boating and fishing across the year, but many services run seasonally. Keowee Marina publishes its summer and winter hours, and the Lighthouse's cabana is seasonal, so check each owner's page before you plan around one. Late fall is the best season for spotted bass according to Boatsetter, and spring is the shallow spawn. Summer brings the most boat traffic on a lake with limited public access, so arrive early.
Where to stay
- State park cabin and camping. Keowee-Toxaway State Park has one three-bedroom cabin on the lake with a courtesy dock and 24 campsites. South Carolina State Parks does not post a cabin rate, so check its reservation page.
- County park campgrounds. High Falls and South Cove County Parks have campsites on the water.
- Marina cottages. Keowee Luxury Cottages (127 and 129 Tuscany Lane, Seneca), offered through Keowee Marina, say guests get a complimentary boat slip on the marina's dock in front of the cottages.
- RV parks and hotels. Visit Oconee SC lists Crooked Creek RV Park in West Union with 97 full-hookup sites and a marina, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Seneca. Those listings are undated, so confirm before you book.
- Houseboat. Keowee Marina's amenities page mentions houseboat rentals, and Visit Oconee SC describes a two-bedroom houseboat. Confirm availability and rates.
Where to eat
The Lighthouse restaurant and its Cabana sit on a cove in Seneca, and Keowee Shores Grill and Cantina is the on-site restaurant at Keowee Marina. We could not confirm that boats can dock at Keowee Shores, so call the marina at (864) 882-2047 if you plan to arrive by water. Seasons and hours change, so call before you plan a meal around one.
What first-timers should know
- Duke owns the lake. Public access is limited to named access points and parks, so plan your launch before you go.
- Arrive early. Visit Oconee SC says parking at access points is limited.
- Know the island rules. No fires, no nighttime use and no camping on the islands.
- Check the level. Use the live level box above and Duke's notices.
- Wear a life jacket. The lake is deep, and South Carolina requires one for every person aboard.
Lake Keowee Family Activities
- Beaches. South Cove and High Falls County Parks have sandy beaches and picnic areas, and South Cove has playgrounds, according to Visit Oconee SC.
- Fishing piers. The county park piers let kids fish from solid ground. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older, and no child under 16 needs one.
- World of Energy. The education center is a free self-guided stop with interactive exhibits and a video game area, according to Duke.
- Trails. Keowee-Toxaway State Park's trails are moderate to strenuous, so choose the shorter Natural Bridge loop with young children.
- Geocaching. Visit Greenville SC says about 30 geocaches are hidden within a five-mile radius, many on the islands. Caches change, so check a geocaching app.
What Should You Bring to Lake Keowee?
- Life jackets for everyone. South Carolina requires one for each person aboard, and children under 12 must wear one on a boat under 16 feet.
- Your boater education card if you were born after July 1, 2007, or a boat rental safety certificate if you are renting.
- A South Carolina fishing license if you are 16 or older and plan to fish.
- Registration and safety gear for your own boat: registration and title papers, a fire extinguisher where required, navigation lights from sunset to sunrise, and a throwable device on boats 16 feet or longer. See the SCDNR boating pages.
- A way to check the lake level and Duke's notices. Duke posts access alerts on its website.
- Payment for park fees. Oconee County charges parking fees at its county parks. Keowee-Toxaway State Park charges no admission.
- Sun protection, water and a first aid kit. Many access areas are small and far from stores.
Local Knowledge: A Power Lake, a Drowned Town and the Island Rules
Keowee Town and Fort Prince George
Keowee Town, whose name means place of the mulberries, was a Cherokee capital of the Lower Towns, according to the SC Picture Project. Fort Prince George stood across the river from it. In 1777 the Cherokee gave up their Lower Nation land in the Treaty of Dewitt's Corner, according to the SC Picture Project. Both sites are now covered by the lake.
The lake and the nuclear station
Lake Keowee is the cooling pond for the Oconee Nuclear Station, which has three reactors. Wikipedia reports that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission renewed the station's license in 2011 for 20 years. The station and the lake are managed together, which is why Duke asks visitors to follow its posted access rules.
Keowee and Jocassee
Duke owns Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee and the Bad Creek reservoir, according to WGOG. Wikipedia reports that water from the Jocassee hydro station feeds Keowee. A 1968 storage balance agreement ties Duke's releases to the remaining conservation storage in Lake Hartwell, according to the same WGOG report.
Jazz on the Alley and other Seneca traditions
Visit Oconee SC says Seneca's downtown has twelve metal cats painted by local artists, moved to new spots several times a year, and lists Jazz on the Alley street parties on Ram Cat Alley. Check Visit Oconee SC for dates.
Questions People Ask About Lake Keowee
Who owns Lake Keowee, and is it open to the public?
Duke Energy owns and manages Lake Keowee, according to SCDNR. The public can use named access points such as Mile Creek Park, Fall Creek Landing and South Cove and High Falls County Parks, plus Keowee-Toxaway State Park. Much of the shoreline is private, with docks permitted by Duke.
Why was Lake Keowee built, and what is the nuclear plant on it?
Duke Power built the lake to generate hydroelectric power and to supply cooling water for the Oconee Nuclear Station, according to SCDNR and the SC Picture Project. Lake water cools the station's three reactors. Carolina Sportsman also reports that the lake supplies drinking water for Greenville and Seneca.
How big and how deep is Lake Keowee?
SCDNR gives about 18,500 acres in its general information (its description page also shows 18,372), an average depth of about 50 to 53 feet and a maximum of about 155 feet. Wikipedia gives about 150 feet and Visit Greenville SC about 54 feet on average. Shoreline is about 300 miles per Visit Greenville SC and Carolina Sportsman, while SCDNR lists 387. Full pool is about 800 feet above sea level.
What is under Lake Keowee?
The lake covers the site of Keowee Town, the largest of the Cherokee Lower Towns, and the site of Fort Prince George. Archaeologists excavated both sites before the flooding and recovered thousands of artifacts. The SC Picture Project says many are displayed in local museums, and the Cherokee Museum of South Carolina in Walhalla holds a Keowee-Toxaway State Park collection on permanent loan.
Can I camp or build a fire on the islands?
Duke's island use guidelines for its islands say no fires or littering and no nighttime use from sunset to sunrise. They also bar permanent structures and removing vegetation. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office said in 2020 that it had received reports of camping and campfires on Lake Keowee's islands.
How is Lake Keowee different from Lake Jocassee and Lake Hartwell?
Lake Keowee lies between Lake Jocassee to the north and Lake Hartwell to the south, according to Visit Greenville SC. Duke owns Keowee and Jocassee, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers runs Hartwell. Water from the Jocassee hydro station feeds Keowee, according to Wikipedia.
Why does Lake Keowee stay fuller than other lakes in a drought?
WGOG reported in 2014 that Keowee's level must stay stable for the Oconee Nuclear Station and that Duke's storage on Keowee and Jocassee is managed under a 1968 storage balance agreement tied to Hartwell. That report quoted Duke's water manager. Keowee is not immune, though. A Stage 1 drought declared in September 2024 left Keowee and Jocassee below normal levels.
Where can I launch a boat on Lake Keowee?
Visit Oconee SC names ten public access points, including Keowee Marina and Mile Creek Park, Warpath Landing, Fall Creek Landing, Cane Creek Landing, Stamp Creek Landing, South Cove County Park and High Falls County Park. Keowee Marina is a full-service marina on the lake. Parking at the access points is limited, so arrive early.
Can I build a dock on Lake Keowee, and who permits it?
Private docks and shoreline work on Lake Keowee fall under Duke Energy's Keowee-Toxaway Shoreline Management Plan, which guides construction, stabilization and excavation within the lake boundary. Contact Duke Energy Lake Services at 800.443.5193 or LakeServices@duke-energy.com to ask about permits and the shoreline classification for your property.
What fish live in Lake Keowee, and can I eat them?
The lake is known for spotted bass, with largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and bream also present. A 2016 WSPA report said spotted bass and largemouth bass from Lake Keowee were added to South Carolina's mercury advisories. Read the current SCDES entry before you cook what you catch.
Lake Keowee Gifts & Apparel
Lake Life Designs makes lake-specific products for people who love this lake. Our Lake Keowee collection has tees, a map hoodie, long sleeve shirts, a Dri-Fit shirt, a trucker hat, a canvas print, a ceramic ornament, a pillow, and kids and infant styles. Our back-printed tees and hoodies carry the lake on the back and a small Lake Life Designs logo on the front. Looking for a gift for someone who loves the lake? See our guide to Lake Keowee gifts.
Details last verified October 2026. Parks, ramps, rentals, rules and the lake itself change with the season, so check the linked official pages before you go.
Sources: SCDNR, Lake Keowee, SCDNR, Lake Keowee regulations, South Carolina State Parks, Keowee-Toxaway State Park, South Carolina State Parks, Keowee-Toxaway unique features, South Carolina State Parks, Keowee-Toxaway FAQs, South Carolina State Parks, Keowee-Toxaway trails, Duke Energy, Keowee-Toxaway Shoreline Management Plan, Duke Energy, island use guidelines, Duke Energy, water access alerts, Duke Energy, World of Energy, SCDES, fish consumption advisories, Wikipedia, Lake Keowee, Wikipedia, Fort Prince George, Wikipedia, Keowee-Toxaway State Park, SC Picture Project, Lake Keowee, Carolina Sportsman, About Lake Keowee, Boatsetter, Lake Keowee fishing guide, Visit Greenville SC, a day on Lake Keowee, Islands.com, Lake Keowee, Visit Oconee SC, Lake Keowee, Visit Oconee SC, boating, Visit Oconee SC, swimming spots, Visit Oconee SC, county parks, Visit Oconee SC, towns, Discover South Carolina, Cherokee Museum of South Carolina, WGOG, why Keowee remains full, WGOG, large inflatables on Duke lakes, WGOG, Sheriff's marine unit patrols, WSPA, fish advisories for Lake Hartwell and Keowee, Post and Courier, new boating regulations, Greenville News via AOL, Keowee and Jocassee drought, SCDNR, boating