With large lakes and a string of rivers forming a border with Georgia, South Carolina is a great place for a canoeist to paddle, camp and fish. However, there is so much more. There are several other lakes and ponds throughout the state. Add in the rivers that form the main waterways across South Carolina plus some large swamps, and the Palmetto State becomes a dream for those in canoes.
Basic Rules and Regulations
Anyone planning to fish from a canoe in South Carolina must have a proper license that can be obtained through the Department of Natural Resources. Licenses range from weekend to seven-day to 14-day to year-round passes.
State law allows for canoeists to use any waterway in the state that is in the public domain. Although state law does not require personal flotation devices and helmets, some lakes and state parks might require them. It is best to call ahead before heading to a destination.
State Parks
State parks are often the first destination for paddlers looking to do some fishing and camping because they offer easy access. The state parks agency recommends the 21-mile trail at Colleton State Park as being one of the best places to camp, canoe and fish.
Located just outside of Charleston, this park gives paddlers some great scenic views and about 25 campsites. Another top park is Devil's Fork in upstate South Carolina, which offers an uncrowded setting on Lake Jocassee along with campsites.
Lakes
South Carolina lakes are great places to catch bass--especially when fishing from a canoe. Some of the larger lakes that offer a good selection of camping and fishing opportunities from a canoe include Lake Murray in the Midlands, Lake Harwell in the Upstate and Lake Marion in the PeeDee.
The majority of the state's lakes have large campsites. Some offer cabins, but the majority require people to bring their own tents.
Rivers
South Carolina rivers are abundant, but camping on them is not always easy. Many of the major rivers such as the Reedy, Saluda, Broad and the PeeDee go through primarily urban areas, which makes camping and fishing somewhat harder.
However, rivers such as the Lynches and the Edisto are much more conducive to fishing and camping. The Edisto flows almost 250 miles completely in state from the Piedmont to the coast. There are numerous official campsites, but people often simply camp on the river's sandbars. Brim and bass are the top fish to catch.
The Lynches River in the Pee Dee section of the state is becoming a top popular camping-and-canoeing site.
Swamp Lands
South Carolina swamp lands are popular paddling spots because they offer a wide variety of challenges and scenery. The most popular swamp is the Congaree National Park in Midlands of the state.
This 22,000-acre park is a preserve for bottomland hardwood trees. Maneuver a canoe past some of the oldest trees in the Eastern United States along the Cedar Creek, which flows through the swamp.
There are about 10 permanent campsites with fire rings and portable bathroom facilities in the park, but people also are allowed to camp in the wilderness provided they are at least 200 feet away from the water.
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