Lake Keowee is a freshwater reservoir offering an unusually varied mix of site types, from wall dives and drift sites to artificial reefs, wrecks, and submerged structures scattered across both the main lake and neighbouring Lake Jocassee. Most sites suit beginners, with a handful of intermediate options including The Wall and Underwater Statue Alley. Temperate Bass, Catfish, Perch, Blue Gill, and the occasional Paddlefish are among the observed residents. Shore and boat entries are both available across the region.
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Fin maps 29 sites in Lake Keowee (25 scuba diving sites and 10 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
17 more sites to explore
Observed species include Temperate Bass, Carp, Perch, Catfish, and Blue Gill, all recorded as common across multiple sites. Small Mouth Bass and Trout appear occasionally, while rarer encounters include Paddlefish, Longnose Gar, Freshwater Drum, and Walleye. The diversity reflects the variety of habitats across the region, from open water drift sites to submerged reef structures.
The majority of sites across Lake Keowee and the wider region are rated for beginners, including shore-accessible spots such as Philadelphia Quarry, Loch Low-Minn Quarry, and Clarks Hill Dam. These offer calm conditions and structured training environments with submerged wrecks and artificial reefs. A smaller number of sites, including The Wall and Underwater Statue Alley, are rated intermediate and involve stronger currents or greater depth.
Both shore and boat access are available across the region. Sites like Philadelphia Quarry, Loch Low-Minn Quarry, and Underwater Statue Alley are shore-entry dives, making them straightforward to plan without a vessel. Other sites, including Hot Hole, The Junkyard, and Lake Jocassee Wall, require boat access. Several sites offer both options, giving divers flexibility depending on their equipment and group setup.
Lake Keowee itself concentrates on drift diving and artificial reef sites, with some sites notable for strong currents. Lake Jocassee adds wall diving, wrecks, and additional artificial reef structures, and reaches considerably greater depths. Lake Jocassee Wall in particular combines multiple site types in a single dive, making it one of the more varied options in the region. Both lakes are accessible via boat or shore depending on the specific site chosen.
