6 Most Alligator Filled Places in South Carolina

Previously endangered in South Carolina, alligators have rebounded in the state and are being more frequently spotted in its freshwater lakes and waterways. Alligators are most often found in the coastal region of the state. Their preferred habitats are river swamps, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Increased development in these areas can lead to more human-gator interactions. Still, it’s important to remember that these animals just want to be left alone and aren’t inclined to prey on humans. Treating wildlife with respect and learning more about their habits and habitats allows both reptile and human residents to enjoy South Carolina’s scenic waterways.

Lake Marion

The largest lake in South Carolina, Lake Marion, is over 100,000 acres and sits on the state’s coastal plain. The lake is the upper portion of a man-made reservoir and is a thriving fish habitat stocked with crappie, striped bass, and catfish, making it popular with anglers and boaters.

There are over 100,000 alligators in South Carolina, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and around 100 of them live in Lake Marion, making it the most alligator-infested lake in the state. The clean waters, large fish populations, and shallow waters of the lake’s wetlands make it the ideal habitat for gators to feed, hunt, and nest. In 2022, hunters pulled a 12-foot-long gator from Lake Marion. One of the biggest on record, the reptile weighed over 500 pounds.

Lake Moultrie

Just 40 miles north of downtown Charleston, Lake Moultrie is South Carolina’s third-largest lake and one of its busiest. The lake is bordered by multiple wildlife management areas and has 210 miles of pristine shoreline. With varying terrain, ranging from shallow swamps and brackish ponds to deep water and shady cypress trees, there are lots of places in and around the lake for gators to hide. Most gators can be found in The Hatchery, a 2,250-acre area of the lake known for its prominent wildlife and largemouth bass fisheries. Thus, it is important to keep an eye out for the dark gray coloration of the American Alligator when out and about.

Don’t let that stop you from enjoying the lake, though. This is a popular tourist spot for visitors to experience the beautiful South Carolina scenery, with a network of scenic hiking trails, campgrounds, a birdwatching boardwalk, boat and kayak rentals, and a fishing pier.

Hilton Head Island

Voted best U.S. island by Condé Nast Traveler, Hilton Head Island is a barrier island in South Carolina’s low country. It’s also home to a large population of alligators. Gators are a keystone species, especially on barrier islands where local environments are more sheltered. Their role as an apex predator means they keep other populations in check and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. On Hilton Head Island, alligators create holes and nests that provide vital habitats for other reptiles and birds. Birds will often choose to nest over alligator grounds as the large reptiles keep smaller predators away from their chicks.

Hilton Head Island is one of South Carolina’s most popular tourist destinations, and the increase of development across the island has led to more human-alligator interactions. Some tour operators have capitalized on the native reptiles, offering guided tours around the island’s Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve, which contains several freshwater lakes.

Huntington Beach State Park

Located on the coast, Huntington Beach State Park is a paradise for alligators and other wildlife with unspoilt Atlantic beaches, saltmarshes, wetlands, and a freshwater lake. The park is also one of the best places in South Carolina to safely view alligators in the wild. The Nature Center at Huntington Beach State Park offers alligator programs from March to October, allowing visitors to view gators and learn about their behavior, environment, and habits. Moreover, it has a live baby alligator so that visitors can get a first hand view of these fantastic reptiles.

If you encounter an alligator in the park, keep children and pets close, never get between the alligator and the water, and give them space. It’s recommended that you stay at least 15 feet away and watch closely — if the gator hisses or opens its mouth, that’s a sign that it feels threatened. If that happens, back away further. Apart from the gators, this 2,500-acre park is full of opportunities, whether it is relaxing along the sandy beach or birdwatching for migratory species.

Savannah River

The Savannah River runs over 300 miles along the border between South Carolina and Georgia. This milestone river is a key site for alligators, so much so that it’s an important research area for the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, which studies gators. One of the best places to see Savannah River alligators is at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Founded in 1927 as a haven for migratory birds, the refuge is now home to dozens of species, including turtles, bobcats, bald eagles, and alligators. The refuge covers nearly 30,000 acres, including tidal freshwater marshes, where you’re most likely to catch a glimpse of an alligator sunning by the shore or lazily swimming in the shallow water.

The Great Pee Dee River

Officially designated as a state scenic river in 2002, the Great Pee Dee is a coastal plain river with the undeveloped wetlands, swamps and marshy areas that gators love. The river is also packed with some of their favorite food — catfish, bass, bream, and other freshwater species. There are several wildlife preserves along the river where visitors can boat, fish, kayak, walk scenic trails, and go gator spotting. These include the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge and Woodbury Wildlife Management Area. The alligators in the Pee Dee area are notoriously large, with hunters regularly catching gators reaching over ten feet long.

Being Gator Safe

The number one rule for avoiding alligator and human interaction is not feeding them. Alligators that take food from people lose their fear of humans and become a problem. These large predators should be respected. If you see one, stay back and keep calm. Don’t approach the gator or disturb it. If you’re heading to any of the areas above or any recreation area in South Carolina that has alligators, watch out for signage. Parks and other public areas will usually post warnings if alligators have been reported anywhere people use the water. Remember that alligators are more active during the warmer months of spring and summer when they are breeding.