These 8 SC lakes are the most snake infested in the state

If you enjoy boating or swimming in one of South Carolina’s lakes, you should know this: chances are there are snakes in that water.

Might not be venomous but they are snakes nonetheless.

South Carolina is home to 38 native snake species. Six are venomous — copperhead, timber rattlesnake, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Eastern coral snake, Cottonmouth, pigmy rattlesnakes.

Lakes, World Atlas says, are prime hunting and breeding grounds for snakes. Among the venomous species, cottonmouth and copperheads are the ones most often encountered in and around South Carolina lakes. But sightings are rare and attacks even more so.

​​”All snakes are nonaggressive when left alone,” Andrew Grosse, South Carolina herpetologist, said on the Department of Natural Resources website.

Here’s what World Atlas says about South Carolina’s most infested lakes.

Lake Marion

This is South Carolina’s largest lake at 110,000 acres and is bordered by Clarendon, Calhoun, Berkeley, Orangeburg, and Sumter counties.

“The reservoir was constructed to provide hydroelectric power to rural South Carolina and to provide needed jobs for a depression ravaged state,” DNR says on its website.

It, along with Lake Moutrie, make up the Santee Cooper system.

Brown water snakes and eastern ratsnakes are common and they are relatively harmless, World Atlas said.

But there, lurking on the shoreline could be the cottonmouth looking for meals of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. Not aggressive but their venom is particularly potent.

Lake Murray

The 48,000-acre reservoir was constructed in the 1920s for hydroelectric production and is famous for its largemouth and striped bass populations, World Atlas said.

Snake species found around the lake are the non-venomous eastern kingsnake, eastern milksnake, eastern corn snake and the cottonmouth, also known as Water Moccasins.

And alligators.

Lake Moultrie

“Snakes are also commonplace in the area, frightening visitors,” World Atlas said. “However, this should not be the case, as they rarely attack without feeling cornered or threatened.”

Again, if you’re going to see a venomous snake at Lake Moultrie chances are it will be a copperhead or cottonmouth.

Lake Jocassee

The reservoir covers about 7,500 acres in Oconee and Pickens counties and borders the Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area, which “hosts small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, providing enough diet for a thriving snake population.” World Atlas said. “Encountering snakes on the water or the grassy shores is commonplace in Lake Jocassee.”

There you’ll find the eastern garter snake and northern water snake, both non-venomous, and copperheads, “which can strike without warning when you get too close,” World Atlas said.

Lake Keowee

Located in Pickens and Oconee counties, Lake Keowee covers 18,372 acres and serves as a cooling reservoir for Duke Energy. It’s known for bass fishing and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. World Atlas does not say specifically what non-venomous snakes are around but does mention occasional sightings of copperheads in well-trafficked sections like beaches.

Lake Wylie

The 13,000-acre reservoir straddles the border of North and South Carolina. “Although most encounters are with non-venomous species like the common watersnake and eastern garter snake, there have been reports of the copperhead seen along the water’s edge,” World Atlas said.

Lake Hartwell

The reservoir on the border of South Carolina and Georgia has over 20 non-venomous species in the area, including garter snakes and rat snakes, World Atlas said.

Here is one South Carolina lake with a species other than cottonmouth and copperhead. The timber rattlesnake, also known as a Canebrake Rattlesnake, is a large bodied pit viper with an average adult size of 30-60 inches. It and the copperhead have been seen in Hartwell.

Lake Wateree

Lake Wateree’s 13,000 acres is located in Kershaw, Fairfield, and Lancaster counties and is surrounded by Lake Wateree State Park, where along the several trails you may come upon rat snakes and water snakes — harmless — but also a copperhead or cottonmouth.

Here’s World Atlas’ suggestion: “avoid charging or throwing stones at them; their venomous bite can prove to be lethal without prompt medical attention.”

This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "These 8 SC lakes are the most snake infested in the state."