Whether you like fishing, kayaking, or just somewhere peaceful and relaxing, you must visit Lake Cooley! South Carolina doesn’t have a shortage of lakes, but finding one close to home can make your day a little easier. We have everything you need to know about Lake Cooley, including how to obtain a fishing license, how to rent a kayak, and more.
You’ll find a day full of fun at these 20+ recreational lakes near Greenville, SC. You can boat, kayak, fish, and maybe even swim at one of these lakes for year round fun!
What You’ll Find at Lake Cooley: South Carolina Lakes
Lake Cooley is a 330-gallon watershed located in Wellford, just about 10 minutes north of Wade Hampton Boulevard near Lyman and Duncan, SC. This hidden gem is home to the Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center. The center is a two-story building that includes a classroom filled with live & mounted wildlife. Please contact the Outdoor Education Center to make an appointment to visit. The ground level of the center houses the 40-person rental facility.
Paddle Board and Kayak Rentals on Lake Cooley
Several different styles of kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent on a first come first serve basis. The rates start at ten dollars for a two-hour rental and are currently available Thursday through Sunday. Swimming at the lake is prohibited to the public, so keep that in mind when the temptation to go for a swim arises.
Kayaks can be rented from May 23rd – July 28th from 12 pm – 7 pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 8 am – 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday. From August 3rd – September 1st, you can only rent on Saturday and Sunday from 8 am – 7 pm.
Things you will need to bring include a driver’s license, a credit/debit card or exact change, and a life vest for children under 10 (not provided). Lifevests for children and adults over 10 are available.
If you are fortunate enough to have your own kayak, then you’ll need to purchase a permit decal from SJWD in person Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. The office is located on Highway 29 in Wellford. The permit is $40 for Spartanburg County residents, is good through December of the year purchased, and is only valid for Lake Cooley.
Spending Time With Your Family on Lake Cooley
Our family spent a day on the lake. My son received a kid-size kayak for Christmas, and this was his kayak’s maiden voyage. He used his kayak, and we rented a tandem kayak. If you are bringing children under 10 and plan to use a rental, you will need to provide a life vest for them to wear. They are required the entire time you are on the lake. Also, be sure to allow plenty of time to check-in, fill out waivers, and get fitted for life vests.
Our day on the lake was memorable. Our son took to his kayak like it was second nature and the toddler was surprisingly well behaved. Towards the end of the rental time, she was getting ready to jump off the kayak and go swimming (which is prohibited, even though you might see it happening).
I like this lake because it seems like the boat traffic is minimal. Most of the traffic was kayaks or paddleboards. We did see a few pontoon boats, but they were anchored. We were already planning our next trip to the lake before we even left.
Fishing on Lake Cooley
If you are a fishing enthusiast, you’re in luck. There are two fishing piers at the lake and they also offer specialty fishing kayak rentals. Small fish are plentiful around the shore and make the perfect bait for the bass fish that lurk deeper in the lake, just be sure to bring a net. I can’t say I’ve caught one, but the bass have taunted me while swimming past my hook.
A freshwater fishing license can be obtained from the SCDNR website and is only $10 for an annual license. Children do not need a license if with a licensed adult.
Events at Lake Cooley
Mark your calendars! The Discover Your Watershed event, hosted by USC Upstate each May, is a great way to meet the environmental and conservation groups in the community. There are activities for kids, free giveaways, and the opportunity for everyone to receive a free boating permit from SJWD.
Picnic Shelters and Grills at Lake Cooley
If you pack a picnic or would like to grill at the lake – there are three picnic shelters available for rent as and a picnic pavilion available for rent. There are also restrooms available. Not to worry if you forget snacks or refreshments! The rental area has drinks, bagged snacks, and frozen treats.
The Playground at Lake Cooley
As if we haven’t already given you enough reason to head to Lake Cooley, the playground is all the more reason. This is a great, small playground with lake views and right next to a huge picnic shelter.
This lake has everything you could want, and it’s conveniently close. I hope that you decide to check Lake Cooley out this summer. I promise you won’t regret a day on the lake with your family.
Are you ready to visit Lake Cooley (South Carolina)?
Lake Cooley South Carolina
100 Cooley Dock Road, Inman
864.949.1002
Is there a swimming area?
No, swimming is prohibited at this lake.
Is the education center free?
Great question Chris! Because the Outdoor Education center at Lake Cooley is still growing, they currently don’t have a staff member dedicated to the education center. For this reason, while it is free there isn’t always someone available to be upstairs for it to be open to the public. If you are heading out to the lake and wish to visit the center, please call the office to see if there will be someone available to show you around. The number is 864.249.2376 They hope to have someone hired next year to keep the education center open and available all… Read more »