Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area
Lake Greenwood is one of the most scenic lakes in South Carolina. It was created between 1935 and 1940 by the construction of Buzzard’s Roost Dam on the Saluda River. The lake contains more than 200 miles of shoreline. The popular Greenwood Lake State Recreation Area, located just a few minutes west of Newberry, offers year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation. Each fall, the park hosts the South Carolina Half Iron Man Triathlon, which is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event.
The 914-acre Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area is situated on a series of five peninsulas and offers stunning views of the lake. It is one of 16 parks in South Carolina that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. Several of the original CCC park structures are still in use at the park, including picnic shelters, a boathouse, and the lakeside terrace. The park’s Drummond Conference Center contains a CCC museum, with extensive exhibits telling the story of the CCC and the work crews that built state parks and recreation areas across the country.
Greenwood Lake is known as one of the best bass fishing lakes in the state. In addition to largemouth bass and striped bass, anglers enjoy fishing for bream, crappie, perch, and catfish. The park has three boat ramps for private boat access and a handicapped fishing pier. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required. The area’s mild climate makes boating and fishing popular on Lake Greenwood year-round.
Other activities that are available to visitors at Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area include camping, picnicking, and hiking. Bird watchers enjoy the geese, ducks, and other waterfowl that live around the lake. The Drummond Conference Center is the location for a variety of meetings, conferences, reunions and receptions throughout the year.
Although Greenwood Lake’s primary purpose is to supply hydroelectric power to the region, the lake offers many opportunities for family fun and recreation. Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (until 10:00 pm during daylight savings time). Park entrance fees are $2 for adults, with children under 15 free. During your visit to the Newberry area, plan to spend a day enjoying this picturesque recreation area.