The Big and Beautiful Lake Monticello

Lake Monticello combines that big-lake feel with the small-lake lifestyle in Jenkinsville, South Carolina. The lake boasts colorful sunsets, verdant treelines, and 7,000 acres of water. With depths of up to 89 feet, there is plenty of room for all classic lake activities families can enjoy. 

Although Lake Monticello is vast, its 350-acre recreational lake area is where residents find the time to relax. This combination gives its residents the beauty of a large lake with the comfort of modest waves. 

Columbia, South Carolina, and Beyond

Lake Monticello sits in small-town Jenkinsville but is just under an hour away from South Carolina’s capital, Columbia —  the perfect place to go for a rainy day on the lake. There is so much to do; you’ll have to make another trip. 

Columbia boasts a rich culture with history etched into its walls. While there, you can see the original damage caused by artillery shelling during Sherman’s March. Afterward, visit the African-American History Monument — the first of its kind to pay homage to the struggles faced by Black men and women in the early United States. 

Columbia’s proximity means you are under an hour away from the nearest airport and 24/7 hospital, Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Prisma Health Heart Hospital, respectively. 

If you’re looking to stay local, know that you can visit the Newberry County Memorial Hospital within 35 minutes for any medical needs. 

There are also local restaurants of different cuisines, like KJ’s Market Deli, Tasty Sweet Creations, and Ms. Sherry’s Taste of Home — all within 30 minutes.  

A Reservoir Made to Power 

Its name may fool you, as Lake Monticello is actually a reservoir. It was built in 1978 along the Broad River for South Carolina Electric and Gas. The lake serves as a pump storage facility for SCE&G and helps cool a nearby nuclear power facility. The nuclear facility pumps water into the reservoir that then produces power as it goes through turbines. With the ever-changing nature of such an active reservoir, boaters must exercise caution due to fluctuating water levels. 

It is still owned and maintained by SCE&G, but the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources manages the lake’s fishing scene. However, SCE&G owns the 54 miles of shoreline in an effort to keep Lake Monticello beautiful and thriving. 

A Lake Made for Fun

Regardless of the other functions it serves, Lake Monticello is still a recreational lake with many opportunities for activities in the 350-acre area.

There are three public boat ramps where anglers can bring their boats to hit the water. You can find one of these ramps at the north corner of the lake and the other two to the lower east, with one being at Lake Monticello Park. Although Lake Monticello allows boating and kayaking, jet skis are not permitted. 

If you’re lucky on the water, you could find catfish, crappies, white bass, and bream on the other end of your line. 

Lake Monticello Park offers plenty of outdoor activities. The park features a softball field, basketball, and tennis court. Additionally, it has a wooden pier to fish off. Families can come and sit near the water, have lunch at the picnic tables, and end the day at the playground. 

Small-Town Feel with Big-City Fun 

With its gorgeous views and hometown feel, Lake Monticello is more than a place to visit — it’s the perfect place to settle down.