South Carolina’s beaches are perhaps better known than South Carolina’s lakes, particularly to spring breakers going to Myrtle Beach to escape from the pressures of academia. However, the state has numerous large lakes that afford opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. South Carolina might be one of the smaller states, yet it offers ample fun when it comes to lake recreation. Without further ado, here are the top 5 South Carolina lakes for pontoon boating:

Lake Marion

South Carolina’s biggest lake, Lake Marion, is 60 miles from Charleston. The lake is over 100,000 acres and is dotted with islands, the result of trees that were left standing as the lake was formed. The islands offer a natural habitat for a variety of birds that make their homes inside the cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Lake Marion is home to striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. You may decide to fish from the big Santee State Park pier, or hike on a nature trail through Taw Caw Creek Park’s marshy wetlands. Lake Marion is located at Santee St. Park Santee, South Carolina.