KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
Exit 102 from I-95: Turn onto Road 400. Go 500 feet; turn right on Gordon Road. Santee Lakes KOA is straight ahead.
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South Carolina's "Great Lakes" have been drawing fishermen from around the world for decades — and your campsite is right on the shore.
If you've come to Santee Lakes KOA with a rod in hand, you've made an excellent decision. The KOA sits on the north shore of Lake Marion, the largest lake in South Carolina, and, together with neighboring Lake Moultrie, forms one of the most legendary freshwater fisheries in the country. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your time on the water.
The Santee Cooper lake system spans two lakes — Lake Marion at 110,600 acres and Lake Moultrie at 60,400 acres — joined by a 6.5-mile diversion canal. Together, these systems are the number-one freshwater fishing destination in South Carolina.
These lakes hold a world record for Channel Catfish at 58 lbs, and have held world records for Striped Bass and Blue Catfish. Current state records include Largemouth Bass at 16.2 lbs, Black Crappie at 5 lbs, and Flathead Catfish at 77.3 lbs. In short, if you want to catch the biggest fish of your life, this is the place.
The Santee Cooper Lakes are home to blue catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth Bass, striped Bass, smallmouth bass, shad, herring, crappie, and bream.
Catfish are the crown jewel. Monster catfish grow to incredible sizes here, and the flooded cypress forest of Lake Marion is a year-round haven for bottom-dwellers. Blue and flathead catfish were introduced in the mid-1960s and have thrived ever since.
Striped Bass are the stuff of legend at Santee Cooper. In spring, stripers make their way up through the diversion canal and the riverbeds in the lakes toward the Congaree and Wateree Rivers for their annual spawning run — live herring is the best bait during this time. Note that the striped bass season runs from October 1 through June 15, so plan accordingly.
Largemouth Bass can be fished year-round. Lake Marion's flooded cypress forest is a haven for Bass, while Lake Moultrie's deeper, more open waters offer a more traditional bass fishing experience without worrying about submerged timber.
Crappie are abundant and great for families with younger anglers. In summer, crappie move to deep water around dead trees in Lake Marion, at depths of 20 to 40 feet, and live medium minnows are the best bait. Crappie weighing two pounds are common in these lakes.
Lake Marion's headwaters extend nearly to the confluence of the Wateree and Congaree Rivers. Because the lake was closed before timber clearing was complete in 1941, fishermen will find thousands of stumps, dead tree trunks, and live cypress trees throughout. This makes for spectacular fishing habitat — and a uniquely moody atmosphere at dawn.
Navigational aids, including buoys, have been added throughout the lake, with a safe channel defined by red and green buoys crossing Lake Marion at marker 62. First-time visitors should stick to the marked channels and exercise caution near the shoreline.
Once away from the shoreline, the stump hazards decrease, and the majority of Lake Moultrie is suitable for pleasure boaters and fishermen alike. Much of the open water ranges from 10 to 30 feet in depth, and the lake is 14 miles across at its widest point. Lake Moultrie is a favorite for anglers who prefer the feel of big, open water.
Don't overlook the 6.5-mile canal connecting the two lakes. The Diversion Canal provides a productive and weather-protected area for anglers— especially on windy days when the big lakes get choppy. It's particularly reliable for crappie and catfish.
You don't need a fishing rod to love being out on these lakes. With 150,000 acres of water and 700 miles of shoreline, the Santee Cooper Lakes offer scenic views, beautiful cypress trees, and fascinating wildlife.
Rentals are available through Lakeside Marina Boat Rentals — offering pontoons, houseboats, fishing boats, runabouts, center consoles, jet skis, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and electric fishing boats — as well as Santee Boat Rentals, with pontoons, tritoons, skiffs, and motorized kayaks.
For something truly special, the Pinopolis Lock at the Jefferies Hydroelectric Station can raise boats 75 feet from the Cooper River into Lake Moultrie. The lock is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset, allowing motorized boats between 10 and 150 feet to pass through.
Ready to wet a line? Your campsite at Santee Lakes KOA is just minutes from some of the best freshwater fishing in the South. Book your stay today.
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