From South Carolina’s own version of its “Great Lakes” to colorful gardens and Revolutionary War history, Santee Cooper Country is one of the state’s most underrated destinations for outdoor adventure. Located between Charleston and Columbia, this five-county region offers everything from fishing and paddling to scenic hikes, swamp experiences, and American Revolutionary War landmarks.

Explore South Carolina’s Great Lakes

Lakes Marion and Moultrie form South Carolina’s largest lake system with 171,000 acres of water for boating, championship-caliber fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, and wildlife watching. Santee State Park on the southwest shore of Lake Marion is a great basecamp with lakeside campgrounds and unique cabins, including ten built on piers over the water. I stayed in Cabin 7, one of two cabins with a free standing tub.

While staying at Santee State Park, venture over to Santee National Wildlife Refuge to see the Santee Indian Mound and Fort Watson in the Bluff Unit and to do the scenic drive through the Cuddo Unit.

Stroll Through Beautiful Gardens

Nature lovers have plenty to explore beyond the lakes. Mepkin Abbey offers peaceful grounds overlooking the Cooper River. Since 1949, Trappist monks have called it home. I visited late afternoon. With a little light rain, I found serenity in this spot as I walked the labyrinth and strolled the gardens.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter is the only public park in the United States with all eight species of swans. Don’t miss Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg, where thousands of roses bloom along the scenic Edisto River.

Celebrate America’s 250th

Santee Cooper Country is also a great place to experience Revolutionary War history. South Carolina has more than 200 documented Revolutionary War sites, more than any other colony. There are two must see sites if you’re a history buff. Visit the gravesite of General Francis Marion, the legendary “Swamp Fox.” Make a short stop at Eutaw Springs Battleground Park, which is the site of the last major battle before the Patriots victory at Yorktown.

Paddle Through Cypress Gardens

One of my favorite experiences in Santee Cooper Country is paddling a flat-bottom boat through Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner. Gliding beneath towering bald cypress and tupelo trees while spotting turtles, birds, and even alligators feels like stepping into another world. If it looks familiar, scenes from The Notebook and The Patriot were filmed here.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing lake getaway, scenic gardens, outdoor recreation, or a deeper dive into American history, Santee Cooper Country offers a little bit of everything in one destination.

Learn more and start planning your trip at santeecoopercountry.org 

For a coastal escape, check out post on adventures in North Myrtle Beach that go beyond the beach. For more nearby history, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in Beaufort is worth a visit.