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Lake Greenwood, South Carolina, USA

Lake Greenwood, located in the counties of Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry, is one of South Carolina’s more popular lakes. Stretching 20 miles and with a shoreline of 212 miles, Lake Greenwood is the site for many recreational activities as well as residential homes. Recreational activities include boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, and more. Lake Greenwood was created by impounding the Saluda River. Buzzard’s Roost Dam (near Chappels, South…
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    • All About Lake Greenwood, SC

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - South Carolina - Old 96 District, SC -

    Lake Greenwood, located in the counties of Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry, is one of South Carolina’s more popular lakes. Stretching 20 miles and with a shoreline of 212 miles, Lake Greenwood is the site for many recreational activities as well as residential homes. Recreational activities include boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, and more.

    Lake Greenwood was created by impounding the Saluda River. Buzzard’s Roost Dam (near Chappels, South Carolina) was built by the Greenwood County Electrification Commission between 1935 and 1940. Greenwood County elected to sell the transmission lines and the steam generating plant in 1966. Also, the County leased the powerhouse to Duke Power Company for 40 years. In 2006 the lease expired, and control of the Dam reverted back to Greenwood County. While under the lease, Duke Power worked to renew the operating license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by incorporating new rules of operation for historical preservations, fish and wildlife habitat, river sustained flows, drawdown curves, fishery issues, and improved public access.

    Lake Greenwood has become a choice residential and retirement area for the counties of Greenwood, Laurens, and Newberry. Even without a lake home, visitors can enjoy many lake amenities such as campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, playground equipment, and trails. Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area occupies a series of peninsulas on Lake Greenwood, and is one of 16 state parks in South Carolina built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Along with camping, boating, and picnicking, Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area is open to fishing. Visitors may enjoy fishing in Lake Greenwood for bass, crappie, bream, perch, catfish, and stripers. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required to fish at Lake Greenwood.

    Nearby Lake Greenwood is the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site. Recorded on the National Register as a Revolutionary War site, Musgrove Mill hosts several events thoughout the year such as a Living History Day when the Battle of Musgrove Mill is reenacted. Additionally, Archaeology Day at Musgrove’s Mill, Soldiers for the King, and The Battle By Candlelight, are also hosted by Musgrove Mill State Historic Site.

    Lake Greenwood visitors who enjoy a walk through the garden may want to visit to the nearby Park Seed Company. The 500-acre national headquarters features nine acres of gardens, including an All-American Selections trail, rose, container, herb gardens and more. Each year Park Seed Company participates in the annual South Carolina Festival of Flowers, which is a three week celebration of flowers that include garden tours, art and photography competitions, and much more.

    Whether it is visiting nearby attractions, or relaxing by the lake, there is much to do at Lake Greenwood. Take time to enjoy all the lake has to offer.

    Things to Do at Lake Greenwood

    These are some activities in the Lake Greenwood, SC area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Greenwood?

    Lake Greenwood has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Perch
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Greenwood

    If you’re considering a Lake Greenwood lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Greenwood Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Greenwood lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Greenwood Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Greenwood County

    Surface Area: 11,400 acres

    Shoreline Length: 212 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 439 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 420 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 505 feet

    Average Depth: 23 feet

    Maximum Depth: 69 feet

    Completion Year: 1940

    Drainage Area: 1,170 sq. miles

    Lake Greenwood Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

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