The Most Snake Infested Lakes in South Carolina

South Carolina's many lakes are popular recreational hubs where residents enjoy swimming, boating, and kayaking activities. However, they are also prime hunting and breeding grounds for snakes, often resulting in human-snake interaction. While most species are not dangerous, encountering one slithering across the shore or grass could catch unsuspecting lake-goers off guard. To avoid unnecessary conflicts, learn more about the Palmetto State's lakes, which have a reputation as hotspots for different snake species in the United States.

From cottonmouths basking on docks and copperheads prowling the shallows to rat snakes mingling near hiking trails, it is critical to know how to react when you come across one. By understanding where these reptiles thrive most, lake visitors can be more aware and prepared if venturing to areas with historically high snake concentrations. Safety precautions also take precedence when visiting the most snake-infested lakes in South Carolina.

Lake Marion

South Carolina's largest lake spans five counties across 110,000 acres of former marshes, farmlands, and river valleys. Often referred to as the state's "inland sea," the sprawling wetland presents endless recreational adventures. Anglers, boaters, campers, hunters, and picnickers from within and without the state gather here to make the most of the opportunities. A thriving wildlife population, from birds and deer to alligators and fish, dominates the area, luring guests to admire the diverse ecosystem.

Lake Marion also harbors various serpentine species in the water and shores. While the brown water snake and eastern ratsnake are common sightings that are relatively harmless, the lake shoreline hosts the cottonmouth, often seen preying on amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. Although these snakes rarely bite, they can be aggressive when threatened and pack a potent hemotoxin.

Lake Murray

Located smack dab in the heart of South Carolina, this 48,000-acre reservoir was constructed in the 1920s for hydroelectric production. It is a vibrant haven for water-based recreation, famous for its largemouth and striped bass populations. Visitors to Lake Murray enjoy everything from boating and swimming to picnicking. Besides its scenic beauty, it draws tourists with an impressive mix of amenities, such as marinas, parks, eateries, and more. Lake Murray's 650 miles of shoreline are a playground for numerous wildlife, including alligators and snakes.

The snake species include the non-venomous eastern kingsnake, eastern milksnake, and eastern corn snake. Meanwhile, the notorious cottonmouth, also known as Water Moccasins, poses a serious threat when an encounter with humans ends up in a confrontation. Ideally, give it a wide berth when you run into one to be safe.

Lake Moultrie

Lake Moultrie ranks among the largest reservoirs in South Carolina. It covers over 60,000 acres and was created by damming the Santee River to generate hydropower. Its expansive territory provides wide-reaching recreation adventures that attract plenty of human activity. Alongside humans, a rich wildlife population in and around Lake Moultrie culminates in a thriving and diverse ecosystem. You can spot species like blue crabs, lizards, blue herons, and others feeding, breeding, or nesting in the different habitats around the lake, from shorelines and marshes to thickets.

Snakes are also commonplace in the area, frightening visitors. However, this should not be the case, as they rarely attack without feeling cornered or threatened. Tourists in the area may encounter a few venomous species, usually the copperhead (with brown-red colored scales) and cottonmouth (often dark grey or back in color).

Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee is probably one of the most snake-infested lakes in South Carolina. The reservoir spans over 7,500 acres in Oconee and Pickens Counties and is known for its crystal-clear, chilly waters. Add this to the secluded location, and you get an idyllic oasis where adventurers converge for hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife-watching activities. Lake Jocassee borders the Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area, which hosts small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, providing enough diet for a thriving snake population.

Encountering snakes on the water or the grassy shores is commonplace in Lake Jocassee. Luckily, most species, including the eastern garter snake and northern water snake, are non-venomous and pose little threat to humans. However, you should be wary of the venomous copperhead, which can strike without warning when you get too close.

Lake Keowee

This 18,000-acre family-friendly oasis attracts a barrage of water fun lovers with its 300+ miles of shoreline, crystal-clear blue waters, and stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lake Keowee spoils visitors with endless adventures on the waters, including kayaking, fishing, boating, and other water sports. The surrounding shores are also a haven for campers, hikers, bikers, and wildlife-viewers. This bustling ecosystem also accommodates sizable snake numbers that guests should be aware of to prevent uncalled-for interactions.

Most of the species encountered are non-venomous, which, unfortunately, are often confused with their venomous counterparts. They pose no threat to humans and usually opt to avoid interactions. However, there are occasional sightings of copperheads in well-trafficked sections like beaches.

Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie was formed by constructing a dam across the Catawba River to produce hydroelectric power. The reservoir covers an area of approximately 13,000 acres and straddles the border of the two Carolinas. Lake Wylie surrounds a neighborhood of the same name, drawing residents with its over 300-mile shoreline and endless recreational opportunities. It is always teeming with boaters, picnickers, anglers, and paddle boarders. The area also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including fireworks displays, music concerts, and beer festivals.

The lake and its surroundings are a conducive habitat for snakes, who enjoy a balanced diet from the fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals in the territory. Although most encounters are with non-venomous species like the common watersnake and eastern garter snake, there have been reports of the copperhead seen along the water's edge.

Lake Hartwell

This 56,000-acre reservoir, with almost 1,000 miles of shoreline, is one of the largest recreational lakes in Southeastern America. Lake Hartwell is split between South Carolina and Georgia and is a popular hub for water-based fun. The lake has a large fish population, including species like striped bass, trout, black crappie, and stocked walleye, making fishing one of the most popular activities in the area. However, more amenities like campgrounds, marinas, trails, and restaurants ensure the location is always a beehive of activities.

But the activity is not restricted to humans; a delightful wildlife population, including snakes, calls the sprawling waters and beautiful shores home. There are over 20 non-venomous species in the area, including garter snakes and rat snakes. Meanwhile, the fewer venomous snakes to be wary of are the timber rattlesnake (which are rare) and the copperhead.

Lake Wateree

Lake Wateree is among the state's oldest reservoirs. It was formed in 1919 when a dam was built on the Wateree River and spans about 13,000 acres. The lake has a 242-mile shoreline and a sizable fish population, which is a good reason for various recreation enthusiasts to flock to it daily. It is surrounded by Lake Wateree State Park, which harbors several trails that invite guests to explore the area and admire bustling wildlife, including blue herons, woodpeckers, songbirds, and other beautiful species.

While walking along the outback trails, you will come across various snake species common in the area, such as rat snakes and water snakes. These are harmless to humans, show no aggression, and will usually slither away. But if you happen to come across a copperhead or cottonmouth, occasionally spotted here, avoid charging or throwing stones at them; their venomous bite can prove to be lethal without prompt medical attention.

While snakes play an important role in the ecosystem, encountering one in the water or on the shores is not always welcome. Being informed about which areas snake populations frequently occur allows water-goers to take preventative measures or choose alternate destinations if they desire a snake-free experience. However, it is never advisable to aggravate them when you encounter one in the most snake-infested lakes in South Carolina, as they won't attack until they feel they are in danger.