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A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
Perched at the southern edge of Lake Keowee, Seneca has become a destination for boating, fishing and kayaking in the South Carolina Upstate. The city also offers easy access to Lake Hartwell, another popular reservoir renowned by anglers for its healthy populations of many fish species.
For those who prefer staying high and dry, there are two golf courses—one offering FootGolf—disc golf, two county parks and a bowling alley to keep you entertained.
Ready to get moving? Here are some of Seneca’s best recreational offerings:
Lake Keowee
With 300 miles of picturesque shoreline, this 18,500-acre lake offers an array of recreational activities, including waterskiing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, camping, picnicking and fishing. The clear mountain waters are home to largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie and catfish. For boat rentals, check out Lake Keowee Marina, High Falls Boat Rentals and Lake Keowee Boat Rentals.
Lake Hartwell
Widely recognized as one of the top fishing lakes in the country, Lake Hartwell has hosted a number of professional bass tournaments. The 56,000-acre reservoir has an abundance of largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, bream, catfish, walleye and even the occasional trout. If you’re looking to rent a boat during your visit to Seneca, try Clemson Marina.
Fishing
Looking to go fishing in Lake Keowee or Hartwell? Improve your chances of reeling in a trophy catch by booking the services of a fishing guide. Among the many available in the area are Fishski Business and Keowee Fishing Service.
High Falls County Park
Located on the shores of Lake Keowee, the park features 91 campsites—10 overlooking the water—along with picnic tables and shelters, a swimming area, miniature golf, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, two boat ramps, a fishing pier and a playground.
South Cove County Park
This 48-acre park also offers access to Lake Keowee and features 86 campsites on a 15-acre peninsula. Day-use facilities include three boat ramps, four pickleball courts, three tennis courts, a basketball court, playground areas, a handicapped-accessible fishing pier and a sandy beach for sunbathing.
Unlimited Outfitters
With locations in both South Cove and High Falls county parks, this Seneca outfitter makes it easy to explore the waters of Lake Keowee by kayak or paddle board. They also deliver to Lake Hartwell if your plans take you to this nearby lake. In addition to kayaks and SUPs, they offer pontoon rentals by the day or week.
Oconee Country Club
This semi-private golf club was built in 1948 on an old farmstead just outside the city limits. By today’s standards, it’s a relatively short course but it provides plenty of challenges off the tee and approach shots to its small, undulating greens. For a different, albeit more active take on the game, try the club’s 18 holes of FootGolf.
Shaver Recreation Complex and Gignillat Community Center
The city's recreation department offers a variety of sports facilities in these two locations. They include seven lighted baseball/softball fields, a football field, two indoor basketball courts, two playgrounds, an 18-hole disc golf course, a nature trail and a 1.1-mile rubber-paved walking track.
Oconee Lanes
For indoor fun, head to this bowling alley, offering cosmic bowling Friday and Saturday nights.
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.