Lake Keowee

Keowee meaning “Place of the Mulberries”

Lake Keowee is a 18,372 acre man-made South Carolina lake constructed and operated by Duke Power Company to generate hydroelectric power. Lake Keowee covers the site that was once the capital of the Lower Cherokee Nation. Keowee was visited by Spanish Explorer Hernando DeSoto when he came through the area in 1540.

Lake Keowee boasts a 300 mile shoreline with excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, water-skiing, swimming, camping and picnicking. It supports a variety of freshwater fishes to include the predominant spotted bass, largemouth bass, various sunfishes and catfish. Access to the lake is provided by numerous public boat ramps, campgrounds and marinas.