Lake Marion

Five of South Carolina's counties-Sumter, Orangeburg, Calhoun, Berkeley, and Clarendon-are bordered by Lake Marion, the largest lake in the state. It is also one of the top 50 lakes in the country, with a shoreline spanning 315 miles (507 km) and a total area of around 110,000 acres (45 sq. Km). It was first produced in November 1941, when the Santee Dam was being built. General Francis Marion of the American Revolutionary War is honored by the lake's name. The Santee River, Wyboo Creek, and the Eutaw Spring are some of the streams that feed the lake.

Students, religious organizations, and rowing teams frequently camp here because of the pleasant weather in the summer and early spring. A well-liked recreation area is the Santee State Park, which is located on the western shore of the lake. One of the most popular pastimes in this area is fishing, and the lake is home to the largemouth bass that set the state record with a weight of 16.2 lbs (7.35 kg). The Santee State Park offers boating, and visitors can use the public boat ramps there to access Lake Marion.

The Santee State Park grounds also offer opportunities for camping, hiking, and bird watching. The Santee National Wildlife Refuge, which is close to the lake, allows visitors to enjoy viewing a variety of animals, including deer, squirrels, turtles, and foxes, as well as birds like ospreys, egrets, and eagles.

Location: Situated within the bounds of five counties: Sumter, Orangeburg, Calhoun, Berkeley, and Clarendon