On the Water

Abbeville County’s lakes offer some of the most peaceful and pristine water experiences in South Carolina. Whether you’re looking for paddling routes, fishing spots, boat launches, or a place to cool off, you’ll find wide-open waters and uncrowded spaces perfect for every kind of adventure.

Lake Russell

One of the Southeast’s most beautiful and undeveloped lakes, Lake Russell offers crystal-clear water, quiet coves, and miles of unspoiled shoreline. Ideal for kayaking, fishing, boating, swimming, and photography.

 

  • Blueway paddling access

  • Undeveloped shoreline for peaceful exploration

  • Excellent bass and crappie fishing

  • Boat ramps & picnic areas

Lake Secession

A local favorite known for its relaxed atmosphere, calm water, and beautiful sunsets. Perfect for boating, paddling, fishing, and family lake days.

  • Fishing for bass, bream, and catfish

  • Easy boat ramp access

  • Great spot for tubing & family fun

  • Quiet shoreline cottages and rentals

 

Parson's Mt. Lake

A peaceful, tucked-away lake inside Sumter National Forest, offering calm water, shaded shoreline, and a quiet atmosphere perfect for fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching. With nearby trails and the scenic fire tower overlook, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed, nature-centered day.

 

  • Quiet, uncrowded setting

  • Easy fishing access

  • Picnic areas along the shore

  • Close to Parson’s Mountain trail & fire tower

Lake Russell

Allen Creek Lowndesville
End of Red Fox Drive		 Two Lane Launch
Restrooms
Courtesy dock
38 Parking Spaces
Wilson Creek Ramp Lowndesville
Off Mount Vernon Church Road		 One Lane Launch
Parking
Harper’s Ferry Lowndesville
End of Harpers Ferry Road
In McCalla Wildlife Management Area		 Three Lane Launch
Courtesy dock
56 Parking Spaces
Felkel Launch Lowndesville
End of Felkel Landing Road		 Two lane launch
Courtesy dock
Vault restroom
53 Parking Spaces
Jim Rampey Recreation Area Lowndesville
Off SC 81		 Two Lane Launch
Restrooms
Courtesy dock
Fishing pier
Parking
Latimer Ramp Calhoun Falls
End of CR 559		 Two Lane Launch
Restrooms
Fishing pier
41 Parking Spaces
Calhoun Falls State Park Ramp Calhoun Falls State Park Two Lane Launch
Restrooms
Courtesy dock
Fishing pier
20 Parking Spaces
Blue Hole Ramp Calhoun Falls
End of Blue Hole Road		 One lane launch
Courtesy dock
Fishing pier
Playground & Picnic area
Restrooms
24 Parking Spaces
Millwood Launch Calhoun Falls
In Calhoun Falls WMA 		 Three Lane Launch
Restrooms
65 Parking Spaces
Beer Garden Creek Ramp Calhoun Falls
End of Beer Garden Road		 Two Lane Launch
Restrooms
32 Parking Spaces
Manor Ramp Calhoun Falls
End of unnamed paved road off CR 269		 Two Lane Launch
Restrooms
20 Parking Spaces

The local Fishing Tackle Loaner Program Site through SCDNR is at Calhoun Falls State Park, 46 Maintenance Shop Rd, Calhoun Falls, SC 29628.  Here you can check out everything but the fish!  If you need to borrow rods, reels, and tackle boxes, make sure to visit.  This site also can provide helpful tips for tying knots, rigging line, bait to use, and such to be prepared for your time on the Lake.

Lake Secession

Highway 184 Landing Lowndesville
End of Lake Secession bridge		 Two Lane Launch
Courtesy Dock
36 Parking Spaces

Lake Russell
All piers on Lake Russell are all handicap accessible. 

Blue Hole Recreation Area Wood pier & bank with paved parking
  • Picnic Shelter & Tables
  • Restrooms
 End of Blue Hole Road
Calhoun Falls Bank Fishing Area Wood pier & bank with gravel parking Hwy 72 W on the right before crossing the bridge to Geogia
Calhoun Falls State Park Wood pier with paved parking
  • Picnic Shelter & Tables
  • Restrooms
 Calhoun Falls State Park Road
Jim Rampey Recreation Area Concrete pier with paved parking
  • Picnic Shelter & Tables
  • Restrooms
 Outside Lowndesville on SC 81/71 toward Abbeville
Latimer Concrete pier with paved parking
  • Restrooms
 Latimer Boat Ramp Road

The local Fishing Tackle Loaner Program Site through SCDNR is at Calhoun Falls State Park 46 Maintenance Shop Rd, Calhoun Falls, SC 29628.  Here you can check out everything but the fish!  If you need to borrow rods, reels, and tackle boxes, make sure to visit.  This site also can provide helpful tips for tying knots, rigging line, bait to use, and such to be prepared for your time on the Lake.

Lake Secession

Lake Secession Dam Wood pier & bank with paved parking
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Picnic  Tables
 End of Old Dam Road

Lodging

Dine & Shop

Unique Adventures

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