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
Lake Cooley is a 330-gallon watershed in Inman, near Lyman and Duncan, SC. It’s in Spartanburg County, and about 10-15 miles from central Greenville via SC 291. Swimming is prohibited at Lake Cooley, but there are plenty of other things to do.
This hidden gem is home to the Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center, a two-story building that includes a classroom filled with live and 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-served basis.
Rentals start at $15 for a two-hour block. Visitors can rent kayaks from late May through late July during the hours of 12 pm – 7 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and 9 am – 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. From early August to early September, rentals are only available Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am – 7 pm. Visit Lake Cooley’s rental equipment page for specific dates and more details.
To rent equipment, bring a driver’s license, a credit/debit card or exact cash, and a life vest for children under 10 (not provided). Life vests for children and adults over 10 are available.
If you’re fortunate enough to have your own kayak, 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 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.
SJWD allows up to a 15 hp engine on a standard watercraft and up to a 30 hp engine on a pontoon boat. If you want to boat on the lake, you’ll need a valid permit from the SJWD office. The permit fee is $40 per year for Spartanburg County residents and $80 per year for all other in-state residents. Permits are valid from January 1 – December 31.
Spending Time With Your Family on Lake Cooley
Our family spent a fun day on the lake. My son received a kid-size kayak for Christmas, and this was his kayak’s maiden voyage. We rented a tandem kayak for others in the family. If you’re bringing children under 10 and plan to use a rental, you must provide a life vest for them to wear. They’re required the entire time you’re on the lake. Also, be sure to allow plenty of time to check-in, fill out waivers, and get fitted for life vests (ages 10 and over).
Our day on the lake was memorable. Our son took to his kayak like it was second nature, and our 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 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’re 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 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.
You can get a freshwater fishing license from the SCDNR website, and it’s 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, is a great way to meet 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 and a picnic pavilion 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 to go. It’s a great, small playground with lake views, and it’s 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 out Lake Cooley this summer. I promise you won’t regret a day on the lake with your family.
Are you ready to visit Lake Cooley in 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 the time for the public.