Every Boat Ramp on Santee Cooper Lakes

About Santee Cooper Lakes

The Santee Cooper Lakes system, comprising Lakes Marion and Moultrie connected by a diversion canal, is one of the largest freshwater systems in the eastern United States at 171,000 combined acres. Lake Marion is the larger of the two and is famous for its cypress-studded waters and legendary catfish population, including blue catfish exceeding 50 pounds. The system put South Carolina on the bass fishing map when it produced numerous state records and established the Santee Cooper region as a bucket-list destination for largemouth bass anglers.

Multiple public boat ramps and fish camps around both lakes provide easy access to this sprawling fishery. The interconnected system allows anglers to fish both lakes and the canal in a single trip, each offering distinct habitat and fishing opportunities. Landlocked striped bass were first discovered in the Santee Cooper system, and the fishery remains strong today. Crappie fishing is outstanding in the flooded timber of Lake Marion, and the town of Santee serves as the hub for visiting anglers with numerous lodging, dining, and guide service options along Interstate 95.

Nearest towns: Santee, Manning, Summerton