ABOUT LAKE MARION

The world famous Santee Cooper Lake system was completed in 1941, when the waters of the Santee River were impounded to form Lakes Marion and Moultrie. The two lakes, connected by the 7 ½ mile long Diversion Canal, have a combined shoreline of over 450 miles, containing 160,000 acres of surface water and 30,600 acres of forested land, resulting in 192,900 acres of outdoor paradise.

Lake Marion (102,000 acres of surface water) is over 43 miles long & 8 miles wide at the Wilson Dam. Lake Moultrie is approximately 11 miles wide and 9 miles long, featuring the Pinopolis Lock at the head of the Tailrace Canal, which leads to the Cooper River & the Intracoastal Waterway. The Santee Cooper Lake system is the only fresh water lake system on the East Coast that has access to the Intracoastal Waterway!

Because of the vision of Santee Cooper Public Service Authority, at least 70% of the area surrounding the lakes is being kept in a natural, undeveloped state. This leads to the diverse and abundant wildlife in the Santee Cooper Lake area. National Wildlife Management Areas and SC Wildlife Management Areas can be found around the Lakes, creating a nature lover’s & sportsman’s paradise!

Lake Marion features several gated golf communities, lake neighborhoods, condominium developments, marinas, restaurants, state & county parks, along with public landings. We’re a great place to fish, boat, jet-ski, kayak, swim, bird watch, hike…the options are limitless! Travel by boat to Charleston! The only inland lake on the East Coast with access to the Intracoastal Waterway!  The towns of Santee, Manning, Summerton, Eutawville, Vance & Elloree dot the landscape around Lake Marion. Each unique and fun to explore!

Now is a great time to find out more about Lake Marion and the Santee Cooper Lake System! It’s a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy life! Located an hour from three major airports (Columbia, Charleston, Florence) we are convenient to the “city” life! Medical facilities, shopping, universities, cultural events are just a short ride away! Come experience life on the “Lake”! Where quality of life is important and people still matter!