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South Carolina River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in South Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

South Carolina River Map showing major rivers in South Carolina, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of South Carolina State

Rivers and Waterways in South Carolina

South Carolina’s river systems flow from the Appalachian foothills through the Piedmont and into the coastal plains, draining into the Atlantic Ocean. Many rivers begin in the northwest and move southeast, forming wide floodplains and estuaries near the coast. The state features a mix of fast-moving upland rivers and slower coastal waterways. Reservoirs and lakes are common, especially in the upper regions, supporting hydropower, water supply, agriculture, and recreation across South Carolina.

Major Rivers in South Carolina

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Savannah River301 miWestAtlantic Ocean
Pee Dee River232 miNortheastAtlantic Ocean
Santee River143 miCentralAtlantic Ocean
Edisto River206 miSouthAtlantic Ocean
Saluda River200 miWestSantee River
Broad River150 miCentralSantee River
Catawba River220 miNorthWateree River
Wateree River75 miCentralSantee River
Congaree River53 miCentralSantee River
Waccamaw River140 miEastAtlantic Ocean
Lynches River140 miNortheastPee Dee River
Little Pee Dee River116 miNortheastPee Dee River
Black River151 miEastPee Dee River
Cooper River50 miCentralAtlantic Ocean
Ashley River25 miCentralAtlantic Ocean
Combahee River40 miSouthAtlantic Ocean
Great Pee Dee River232 miNortheastAtlantic Ocean
Chattooga River57 miNorthwestSavannah River

Major Lakes in South Carolina

LakeTypeRegion
Lake MarionReservoirCentral
Lake MoultrieReservoirCentral
Lake MurrayReservoirCentral
Lake HartwellReservoirNorthwest
Lake KeoweeReservoirNorthwest
Lake WylieReservoirNorth
Lake GreenwoodReservoirWest
Lake JocasseeReservoirNorthwest
Lake WatereeReservoirCentral
Lake ThurmondReservoirWest

Major River Basins in South Carolina

South Carolina’s river basins flow primarily into the Atlantic Ocean, with major systems combining multiple rivers into larger coastal waterways. These basins are important for water supply, agriculture, and coastal ecosystems.

  • Savannah River Basin
  • Santee River Basin
  • Pee Dee River Basin
  • Edisto River Basin
  • Waccamaw River Basin
  • Cooper River Basin
  • Ashley River Basin
  • Combahee River Basin
  • Lynches River Basin

South Carolina Rivers Facts

StateSouth Carolina
Total Rivers & Streams50,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversSavannah, Pee Dee, Santee, Edisto
Total Waterway Length55,000+ miles
Main DrainageAtlantic Ocean
Longest RiverSavannah River
Shortest RiverAshley River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletAtlantic Ocean
Key UsesHydropower, water supply, agriculture, recreation
Longest River Within StateEdisto River
Number of River Basins8–10 Basins
Major ReservoirsLake Marion, Lake Murray, Lake Hartwell
Primary Water SourceSurface water and reservoirs