Berkeley County's Vast and Beautiful Lake
Why Rent On Lake Moultrie
Lake Moultrie covers 60,400 acres in Berkeley County, South Carolina, roughly 40 miles north of Charleston. Named after Governor William Moultrie, this lake was created in the early 1940s as part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal, and its combination of working waterway, wildlife habitat, and recreational lake gives it a character that is richer and more layered than most reservoirs of its size.
A Vacation Rental Over a Hotel, Every Time
Staying in a waterfront cabin or lakefront home on Lake Moultrie is a fundamentally different experience from booking a room in Moncks Corner or Goose Creek. Your family gets a private outdoor space, a kitchen for meals that feel like home, and the kind of morning water access that shapes a vacation from the first day. Many rentals here sleep large groups comfortably, with beautiful lake views, covered porches, and pet-friendly policies that make the whole family welcome.
Fishing, Kayaking, and the Bonneau Beach Canals
Lake Moultrie is one of South Carolina’s top fishing lakes, with largemouth bass, catfish, bream, and crappie all in strong supply. Kayaking through the Bonneau Beach canals is a local favorite, and the uninhabited Boyscout Island offers a paddling destination that feels genuinely remote despite being minutes from the main lake. The Pinopolis Lock, a historic navigation structure, gives history-minded visitors a close look at the waterway engineering that shaped this part of South Carolina.
Old Santee Canal Park and the Beidler Forest
The Old Santee Canal Park, just minutes from the lake, is one of the most historically significant natural sites in the state, preserving the path of America’s first summit canal. The Strawberry Chapel is a moving piece of early American religious history. Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest Sanctuary, a short drive away, protects the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress and tupelo swamp in the world, and walking its boardwalk trail is one of the most memorable outdoor experiences in the Southeast.
Close to Charleston, Far from the Crowds
Charleston is less than an hour from Lake Moultrie’s southern shore, which means world-class dining, history, and culture are always within reach for an evening or a day trip. But the lake itself holds enough variety and beauty that most families find they rarely want to leave the water. Overton Park’s picnic areas and the Sandy Beach Wildlife Management Area add additional day options for groups who want to stay close to the shoreline.
- Surface area (mi)
- 106.63
- Max depth (ft)
- 75.46
- Elevation (ft)
- 68.9
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 210.02
Popular activities
- Boating
- Wakeboarding
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Jet Skiing
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Marinas on Lake Moultrie
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Moultrie has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Moultrie, but it must be in designated areas. Swimmers should stay close to shore and be aware of boats and skiers.
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Lake Moultrie is a popular destination because of its excellent fishing, with large populations of various fish species including bream, crappie, catfish, and bass. The lake also offers kayaking, hiking, and unique tours like the Gilligan Tour, which explores pristine beaches and cypress coves. Additionally, it features the Pinopolis Lock and diverse wildlife.
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In Lake Moultrie, South Carolina, you can’t possess more than two blue catfish greater than 32 inches long in one day. The daily limit for blue catfish is 25 per person. This applies to Lake Moultrie, Lake Marion, and the upper reaches of the Santee, Congaree, and Wateree rivers.
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There are no specifically designated dog-friendly beaches on Lake Moultrie. While dogs might be allowed in some areas, there are warnings about alligators in the lake, making it unsafe for dogs to swim. It is recommended to find alternative dog-friendly spots for swimming and recreation.
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The towns near Lake Moultrie include Moncks Corner, Bonneau, Cross, and St. Stephen. These towns are located in Berkeley County, South Carolina, and are close to the lake’s shores. Lake Moultrie is also near the Charleston-North Charleston metro area to its southern side.
