The South’s Best-Kept Secret

Named “Community of the Year” for ten years, Lake Carolina is a private, man-made lake community in Columbia, South Carolina. It spans 200 acres with 6 miles of shoreline. Residents love the Lake Carolina neighborhood for its almost dreamlike sense of community, with friendly neighbors, beautiful nature views, and events throughout the year. The Town Center at Lake Carolina also offers luxury apartments near the water.

Essentials Near Lake Carolina

There is easy access to grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants near Lake Carolina on Hard Scrabble Road. Prisma Health Baptist Hospital and Columbia Metropolitan Airport are both close by in Columbia. Residents can also shop in the Town Center and Village Green, which provide shops and businesses with a small-town feel. It is also only minutes away from historic Columbia.

Columbia’s Vibrant History

The Lake Carolina subdivision is just 20 miles outside Columbia, the capital of South Carolina. Columbia has a deep, rich history dating back to the age of Spanish exploration. It was here where Hernando de Soto encountered the Cofitachequi culture, a prominent Native American culture in the area.

Further down the line, in 1786, the land Columbia now sits on was designated for development to replace Charleston — the state’s capital at the time. The South Carolina government wanted to move the capital towards the center of the state. This would appease and alleviate growing tensions between plantation owners and the smaller farmers. Columbia became one of America’s first planned cities, and its population exploded, making it a major central hub for southern life.

The city became a major educational, political, economic, and cultural hub early on. The capital became known for its government, industry, and agriculture. It became a major distributor of tobacco, cotton, and peaches. In 1801, the University of South Carolina, the largest college in the state, was established. This increase in revenue from business and education led to a thriving city in the 1900s.

Columbia became a major textile producer in the 20th Century. Money from this industry led to the construction of numerous businesses and other developmental efforts. It even allowed for the making of a military camp during World War I that is still there today: Fort Jackson. Fort Jackson is now the largest basic training site for the U.S. military. Today, Columbia is in the top 100 metropolitan cities in terms of population and continues to be a leading cultural, economic, and political hub.

Residential Lake Carolina Fun

Residents of the Lake Carolina community enjoy a host of recreational activities. Members love the excellent bass fishing here, and some anglers have recorded bass over 10 pounds! Anglers have the option to fish from their private dock or community-designated areas. Residents also have the ability to take their boats on the lake.

The Lake Carolina Homeowners Association allows for boating for its members. Watersports are also frequently enjoyed here, such as waterskiing. There are a few rules and regulations at Lake Carolina, namely for jet boats, which aren’t allowed. The boat ramp at the eastern end of the lake gives tenants a central launching location. Besides fun on the water, the Lake Carolina subdivision provides its own entertainment without the need to leave.

In Harborside, you can find small shops and boutiques along a small-town-styled road. You can also visit the Town Center and Village Green at Lake Carolina. These private little shopping centers provide locally owned shops and restaurants. You can also walk almost everywhere in these areas. There is also plenty to do besides shopping in this subdivision.

Lake Carolina also has its own system of nature trails, pools, sidewalks, golf courses, and bike paths. This luxurious private community even provides its own preschool and elementary school. Parents love the Lake Carolina Early Learning Center, a stellar education program for infants and toddlers. 

Live in the Lap of Luxury

If you want a private, all-inclusive lake house with a family-focused community, Lake Carolina provides a fantastic experience! This opulent, resort-style community would make the perfect family home or second home.

Lake Information

  • Shoreline: 6 miles
  • Average Depth: 12 feet
  • Deepest Depth: 43 feet
  • Acreage: 200 acres
  • Water Level: Full Pool Year Round
  • Ownership: Private
  • Dam Managed By: Lake Carolina Association
  • Counties: Richland County
  • Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
  • Condos Available: No
  • Notable Events: Polar Bear Plunge, Shagging on the Shore, Lake SCarolina Halloween Festival
  • Landmarks: The Lake House
  • Permit is required to use the lake.
    Jet skis are not allowed.
    Motorized boats are allowed.
    Houseboats are not allowed.
    Boating restrictions (Yes). — The Lake Regulations Handbook, given to all homeowners, covers all aspects of use of the lake. The following is a brief summary of some of the restrictions: Water vehicles shall: * If using motors or engines that are fifteen (15) horsepower or greater, be operated by persons at least sixteen (16) years of age, unless the person is (A) accompanied by a person at least eighteen (18) years of age, or (b) provides evidence of having successfully completed a boating course approved by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources * Be operated at No Wake Speed from sunset to 10:00 a.m. * Have and use running lights as required by law * Use engines or motors whose exhaust is muffled under water. In addition: * No pontoon boats larger than 24 feet in length or any other type of boat larger than 20 feet 11 inches. * No jet skis, wave runners, Sea Doos, or jet boats of any kind. * No houseboats. * No sea planes, gliders or ultralight aircraft. * No boats may operate shoreward of markers designating restricted areas. * No boats may be tied to any general community dock for periods longer than 2.5 hours. * No boats may operate on Lake Carolina within 50 feet of any swimmer, swimming area, shore installation, platform, bathing beach, or cove at a speed greater than five miles per hour. * No boat may exceed 40 miles per hour. * No boat may be moored or anchored within 50 feet of any shore installation without the permission of the owner. * There may be additional restrictions for residents who are not members of the Lake Association. (See http://www.lakecarolina.com/FAQ.aspx)
    Dock restrictions (No).

  • Resources Nearby

    Columbia Metropolitan Airport

    Address: 3250 Airport Blvd West Columbia, SC 29170

    Little Cedar Creek Campground

    Phone: (803) 309-1973
    Address: 6140 E Peach Rd. Ridgeway, SC 29130

    Longleaf Campground

    Phone: (803) 776-4396

    Cobblestone Park Golf Club

    Phone: (803) 714-2620
    Address: 1298 University Parkway Blythewood, SC 29016

    Columbia Country Club

    Phone: (803) 754-8100
    Address: 135 Columbia Club Drive Blythewood, SC 29016

    Spring Valley Country Club

    Phone: (803) 788-3080
    Address: 300 Spring Valley Road Columbia, SC 29223

    Providence Health

    Phone: (803) 256-5300
    Address: 2435 Forest DriveColumbia, SC 29204