10 Best Places to Paddle Board in South Carolina (SC)

Discover a world of tranquil waterways and stunning coastlines as you explore the best places to paddle board in South Carolina.

From charming marshes to sun-drenched beaches, South Carolina offers a diverse range of paddleboarding experiences.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Palmetto State as we unveil the hidden gems of SC’s paddleboarding scene. Are you ready to embark on a Southern adventure?

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Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in South Carolina
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in South Carolina

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Shem Creek

️????️ Location Type: Channel
???? Access Point: Shem Creek Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, gentle currents, mild wind
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, egrets, herons, pelicans
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Marshes, fishing boats, waterfront restaurants
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be courteous to fishermen, respect private docks

Shem Creek, located in Mount Pleasant, is a popular paddleboarding destination in South Carolina.

Its calm waters and beautiful marsh scenery make it an ideal spot for paddlers of all skill levels. Keep an eye out for dolphins and local birds as you explore the picturesque waterways.

#2 Folly Beach

????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Folly Beach County Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Ocean waves, variable conditions
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, shorebirds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Folly Beach Pier, Morris Island Lighthouse
Safety, Environment and Rules: Swim near lifeguards, heed rip current warnings

Renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and gorgeous shores, Folly Beach offers a captivating oceanfront paddleboarding experience.

Glide past the iconic pier and enjoy the thrill of riding the waves. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles while admiring the magnificent seascape.

#3 Isle of Palms

????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
???? Access Point: Isle of Palms County Park or Wild Dunes Resort (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate ocean waves
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, shorebirds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Sandy beaches, beautiful homes, Wild Dunes Resort
Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow beach regulations, respect private property

Located just north of Charleston, Isle of Palms boasts pristine sandy beaches and clear waters that are perfect for paddleboarding. From exploring the coastline at Wild Dunes Resort to catching waves by the Isle of Palms County Park, there’s an adventure for everyone.

Keep an eye out for dolphins as they often swim close to the shoreline.

#4 Hilton Head Island

????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront, Bay
???? Access Point: Burkes Beach or Calibogue Sound (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bays, ocean waves and currents
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, sea birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Daufuskie Island, Harbour Town Lighthouse
Safety, Environment and Rules: Check tide conditions, heed local warnings

Hilton Head Island is a paddleboarding paradise with numerous picturesque spots in the ocean and bay for all levels of paddlers. Navigate through Calibogue Sound’s serene waterways or catch waves off Burkes Beach.

The stunning views of Daufuskie Island and Harbour Town Lighthouse make each paddle a memorable experience.

#5 Beaufort

????️ ️Location Type: Bay
???? Access Point: The Sands Beach in Port Royal (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, tidal currents, mild winds
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, shorebirds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic downtown Beaufort, marshes, waterways
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, use caution in tidal areas, respect private docks

Beaufort’s charming waterways and peaceful bays provide a serene paddleboarding setting surrounded by lush marshlands and historic sites.

Launch from The Sands Beach in Port Royal or explore the creeks and inlets near downtown Beaufort. Look out for playful dolphins as you paddle through this maze of Lowcountry beauty.

#6 Lake Jocassee

????️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
???? Access Point: Devils Fork State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear water, mild winds
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish, occasional deer
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Waterfalls, mountain landscapes, surrounding forests
Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in remote areas, respect park regulations

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Jocassee offers a serene and remote paddleboarding experience. With its cool, clear waters and dramatic landscapes, it’s a true mountain paradise.

Discover hidden waterfalls and pristine coves as you paddle through this natural wonderland, only accessible via Devils Fork State Park.

I apologize for any confusion earlier. Here are four more appropriate paddleboarding spots in South Carolina or nearby.

#7 Lake Moultrie

????️ Location Type: Lake
???? Access Point: Somerset Point boat ramp (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, several bird species
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Pinopolis Dam, wooded lake shores, open water views
Safety, Environment and Rules: Check local regulations, use caution around boat traffic

Lake Moultrie is a tranquil paddleboarding destination situated near Moncks Corner. With its peaceful waters and picturesque scenery, the lake offers a welcoming adventure for paddleboard enthusiasts.

Be sure to visit Pinopolis Dam and enjoy paddling along the lush, wooded shores.

#8 Congaree River

????️ ️Location Type: River
???? Access Point: Three Rivers Greenway (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, mild winds
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia skyline
Safety, Environment and Rules: Be prepared for changing water levels, avoid paddling during high water

The Congaree River, flowing through the heart of Columbia, offers an urban paddleboarding experience with views of the city skyline and nearby Riverbanks Zoo.

Access the river via the Three Rivers Greenway and enjoy a relaxing paddle amid nature and city sights alike.

#9 Lake Hartwell

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
???? Access Point: Various boat ramps around the lake (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Lush green shoreline, open water views
Safety, Environment and Rules: Life jackets required, use caution around boat traffic

Lake Hartwell, a popular boating destination near the South Carolina-Georgia border, offers vast shorelines and numerous coves for paddleboarders.

With miles of beautiful scenery and wildlife, the expansive lake is perfect for those seeking a day-long adventure exploring its many hidden gems.

#10 Lake Wylie

????️ ️Location Type: Lake
???? Access Point: Buster Boyd Access Area (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl
????️️ Landmarks & Views: Nivens Creek Landing, wooded shores
Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay aware of boat traffic, adhere to posted regulations

Lake Wylie, located near Charlotte, offers paddleboarders inviting coves and inviting shorelines to explore.

Access the lake through the Buster Boyd Access Area and take in the picturesque surroundings while paddling through calm waters. Keep an eye out for fishing boats as you meander through this popular recreational lake.