Can’t decide if you like the beach or the mountains? You can have both if you just alter those beach expectations a little. Greenville, SC offers so many sandy lake beach options fed by cool, refreshing mountain water. If you’re wondering “where are all the lake beaches near me?” you’ll want to keep reading this list. Everything here is within two hours of Greenville, South Carolina.
What’s Inside:
A guide to over 25 sandy lake beaches near Greenville, SC with beautiful, mountain-fed swim spots perfect for a summer day trip. All are within two hours of Greenville and offer sun, sand, and family-friendly fun.
🧺 Best lake beaches for swimming and sunbathing
🌄 Lakes with scenic mountain backdrops and clear water
🐾 Pet policies, fees, and bathroom info
🗺️ Bonus beaches in NC and North Georgia, too!
I grew up near the Jersey Shore, so I know what a beach should look like. Get that version of miles and miles of sand and shore out of your head. However, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by these mountain beaches with sand and sun.
OK, now that you’re sufficiently prepared to enjoy both the beach and mountains, here are our best recommendations. Grab the sand toys, beach towels, and cooler and head out for some sun and a refreshing swim for the day.
For a map of all these beaches, see below:
If you’re looking for lakes for fishing, boating, and other water activities, see our list of Recreational Lakes in the Upstate.
Sandy Mountain Beaches Near Greenville, SC
Lake Jocassee
Where: Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem
Cost: $8/adults, $5/SC seniors (ages 65+), $4/kids ages 6-15, ages five and under free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: All pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
Lake Jocassee beach is one of our favorites in the Upstate because you look out over the stunning and crystal-clear lake. The view is unbeatable. Water shoes are best since you have to scramble down some rocks to get to the sandy oasis. How large the beach is will depend on the water level of the lake. If it’s around 96 or below, you’ll have a decent amount of sand. If it’s above that, you won’t. The lake is great for water sports, and is a treasure of Upstate, SC. Check water levels before you go to prepare!
Pinnacle Lake
Where: Table Rock State Park, 158 Ellison Lane, Pickens
Cost: $6/adults, $3.75/SC seniors (ages 65+), $3.50/kids ages 6-15, ages five and under free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: No dogs allowed in the swimming area or beach. All pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
This lakeside beach area has a decent-sized shorefront with lots of sand. Get there early in the summer to ensure you get into the park. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available; you cannot bring your own. They do have life jackets available. This beach is around 30 minutes from downtown Greenville.
Lake Placid
Where: Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Road, Greenville
Cost: $6/adults, $3.75/SC seniors (ages 65+), $3.50/kids ages 6-15, ages five and under free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: No dogs allowed in the swimming area. All pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
This small beach in the state park is just outside Greenville. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available; you cannot bring your own. Watch the Paris Mountain website for swim advisories.
Chau Ram County Park
Where: 1220 Chau Ram Park Road, Westminster, SC
Cost: $5/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: All pets must be leashed and on physical restraint
This county park has a nice little sandy beach with lots of shallow spots to swim and wade.
Riley Moore Falls
Where: Sumter National Forest, Riley Moore Falls Trail, Westminster
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: No
Pet policy: Dogs are welcome but they must be leashed according to SC leash laws.
Visiting this swimming hole and beach requires a two-mile round-trip hike, and people even camp there. If you don’t have a 4×4 SUV or truck to reach the logging road to the trailhead, park near the sign that says “Riley Moore Falls”. There is a good size sandy beach with views of the 50-foot wide waterfall and lots of places for kids to play around in the water. Because so many people have littered, there is some trash and broken glass around. Wear water shoes at all times.
Sandy Mountain Beaches Near Anderson
Twelve Mile Park Recreation Area
Where: 113 Twelve Mile Park Road, Clemson
Cost: $5 parking fee
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not permitted on the beach.
This pretty beach is right in Clemson within the beautiful setting of Lake Hartwell. Learn all about it in our review of Twelve Mile Park .
Clemson Y
Where: 245 YMCA Circle, Seneca
Cost: The parking pass is $7.50
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed.
The Clemson Y, as it is locally known, is officially called the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex. Located on the shores of Lake Hartwell, this facility is as a primary hub for outdoor recreation. It’s open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, from 8 am – 8 pm.
South Cove Park
Where: 1031 South Cove Rd, Seneca
Cost: $5/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are welcome anywhere in the park on a leash (including the swim beach and nature trails).
On the shore of Lake Keowee, South Cove Park has a small sandy beach for sunbathing and playing, a great playground, and lots of lakeside campsites. The park is actually a peninsula that extends into the lake.
Darwin Wright Park
Where: 106 Anderson Beach Boulevard, Anderson
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: No animals allowed in the park.
Darwin Wright Park in Anderson County has a good-sized beach along the lake. Swim at your risk since there are no lifeguards.
Sadlers Creek State Park
Where: 940 Sadlers Creek Road, Anderson, SC
Cost: $3/adults, $1.50 SC seniors (ages 65+), $1/kids ages 6-15, ages five and under free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas but must be kept on leash no longer than six feet or otherwise physically restrained. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
There are multiple beaches at Sadlers Creek State Park, plus plenty of spots to picnic, hang a hammock, grill, fish, or take out your kayak or paddleboard.
Broyles Recreation Area
Where: 900 Smyzer Road, Townville, SC
Cost: $5/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are allowed but must be kept on leash no longer than six feet or otherwise physically restrained.
With a beach along the shore of Lake Hartwell, this small park is perfect for a day of fun. They also have camping available.
The Shores of Asbury
Where: 1600 Asbury Park Road, Anderson
Cost: $10/parking per two people + $10/person beach access
Parking: Yes
Pet policy: No dogs are allowed on the white beach sand or sod areas at the restaurant. They are allowed on the patio area but must stay off the sod. There is a dog-friendly relief area with a pet station on the opposite side of the parking lot near the boat landing and smoking area.
The Shores of Asbury is a campground with imported sand from Florida and a huge floating obstacle course that operates seasonally. Beach access is available. Kayak and paddleboard rentals available; you cannot bring your own.
High Falls Park
Where: 671 High Falls Road, Seneca
Cost: $5/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: No dogs are allowed at the swimming areas are inside buildings.
Right on the beautiful Lake Keowee, High Falls Park has a small sandy beach, restrooms, changing rooms, and a campground.
Singing Pines Recreation Area
Where: 6600 US-29, Starr, SC
Cost: $7/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are allowed but must be kept on leash (6 ft or less) or otherwise physically restrained.
With a boat ramp, two playgrounds, and two designated swim areas/beaches, Singing Pines is a popular summer destination on the shore of Lake Hartwell.
River Forks
Where: 710 River Forks Rd, Anderson, SC
Cost: $4/car
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: All pets must be kept on a leash (not to exceed six feet) and are prohibited in the swimming beach areas and on the boat ramp.
There are designated swim beaches, a playground, picnic area, and boat ramps at this recreation area in Anderson.
Mile Creek County Park
Where: 757 Keowee Baptist Church Road, Six Mile
Cost: $5/day parking fee
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: All pets must be on leash or under physical restraint at all times. Pets can not be left unattended. Noisy/aggressive animals must be removed from the park. Owners are required to pick up after pets.
This great little beach on Lake Keowee is perfect for families. It’s got a playground, swimming area, bathrooms, picnic facilities, and camping.
Read our Mile Creek Park review here.
Calhoun Falls State Park
Where: 46 Maintenance Shop Rd, Calhoun Falls, SC
Cost: $3/adults, $1.50 SC seniors (ages 65+), $1/kids (ages 6-15), ages five and under free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash no longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
This park has a small sandy beach right on Lake Russell. And there’s great camping sites here, too.
Lake Hartwell State Park
Where: 19138-A Hwy 11 S, Fair Play, SC
Cost: $3/adults, $1.50 SC seniors (ages 65+), $1/kids ages 6-15, kids five and under free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
There’s a very small sandy beach inside Lake Hartwell State Park. It’s off a small trail on the road leading to the fishing pier.
Sandy Mountain Beaches in Western NC
Lake Lure
Where: 2724 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC
Cost: $12/adults, $9/seniors, $8/kids ages 4-12 + 45” and taller, kids four and under are free with adult
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach.
Lake Lure reopened after Hurricane Helene and has a huge beach for relaxing, sunning, and playing. There’s also an Adventure Course available for an extra fee. Lifeguards are present at Lake Lure. Opens Memorial Day weekend.
Lake James State Park
Where: 6883 NC-126, Nebo, NC
Cost: $5/adults, $4/kids 12 and under
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted on the swim beach or inside buildings.
This large sandy beach is just under two hours from Greenville and includes bathrooms, changing rooms, and a concession stand. The lake has a designated swimming area with lifeguards from May to September.
Wildcat Lake
Where: Hickory Nut Gap Road, Banner Elk, NC
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed at this lake.
Wildcat Lake in Banner Elk is a beautiful spot where you can sunbathe, swim, rent a paddleboard or kayak, or bring your own. It’s open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swim hours are Monday – Saturday 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday 1 pm- 6 pm. Lifeguards are on duty during summer hours.
Lake Powhatan
Where: In Pisgah National Forest, 375 Wesley Branch Rd, Asheville
Cost: $4/person day use fee; $30 day use annual pass
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach.
This small lake and campground with a sandy beach and lifeguards is only 90 minutes from the Upstate. It’s open Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you’re camping or glamping there, the fee is waived.
Pines Recreation Area on Lake Glenville
Where: 1965 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC.
Cost: Free
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed.
This is a beautiful little beach on the shore of Lake Glenville in Jackson County, NC.
Sandy Mountain Beaches in North Georgia
Sandy Creek Park
Where: Athens, GA
Cost: $2/per person
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach.
Sandy Creek Park has it all: a playground, shaded picnic areas, a lake with boat rentals, 28,000 square feet of sandy swimming beach, and trails. It’s a great spot to cool off during the summer and walk the trails during the cooler months. It’s only 15 minutes outside of downtown Athens. Hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 7 am – 8:30 pm and closed on Mondays.
Sandy Creek Park
Wildwood Park
Where: 3780 Dogwood Lane, Appling, GA
Cost: The daily rate is $3 for cars, trucks, or motorcycles and $6 for vehicles with a boat or watercraft.
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Pets are not allowed on the beach area.
Wildwood Park is just outside of Augusta, GA and has a beach, playground, camping, and watersport rentals.
Cane Creek Park
Where: 5213 Harkey Road, Waxhaw, NC
Cost: $4/car or $8/car and trailer + $2/person for swimming or $5/person for swimming, mini-golf, and pedal boat day pass
Bathrooms: Yes
Pet policy: Dogs and other animals are not allowed within the fenced ball field, swim areas, or inside buildings.
Cane Creek Park has a big, sandy beach where you can swim and play. They open in June and their hours are Wednesdays – Fridays 11 am – 6:30 pm. The park runs on a modified schedule due to a lifeguard shortage. They have trails, pedal boats, kayak rentals, and mini-golf.
Where’s your favorite sandy beach near the Upstate?
You don’t have to drive to the coast to play in the summer sun on a sandy beach! You’ve been reading our Sandy Mountain Beach Guide.
