Lake Pinnacle swimming & fishing guide
Lake Pinnacle is the 36-acre jewel at the center of Table Rock State Park in Pickens County, held back by a stone dam the Civilian Conservation Corps built in the 1930s. With the granite dome of Table Rock reflected in the water, it is one of the prettiest swimming holes in the state — and unlike most South Carolina lakes it has a real sand beach with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
For anglers, Pinnacle is stocked and varied: bass, bream, catfish, warmouth and crappie, plus trout in the cooler season, all fished under a South Carolina license. No gas motors are allowed, so it is paddle and electric only — rent a canoe or kayak from the park, or bring your own. Its sister lake, Lake Oolenoy, sits just across the park.
Nearby lakes
- Lake Oolenoy — Table Rock’s second lake
- Lake Keowee & Lake Jocassee — the big clear lakes nearby
About the Lake
Lake Pinnacle is the smaller of two lakes located in Table Rock State Park. Lake Pinnacle is a 36 acre lake and Lake Oolenoy is a 67 acre lake. The state park is located off of state Highway 11 in the upstate of South Carolina.
Lying at the base of Table Rock Mountain, Lake Pinnacle offers a spectacular view. The sheer rock face of Table Rock, contrasts brilliantly with the surrounding forest which creates a beautiful reflection on the lake below. When the leaves change to fall colors, you can get a great photograph of this majestic lake.
Because Lake Pinnacle is part of the state park system in South Carolina, it offers many amenities not offered on other small lakes such as boat rentals, picnic shelters, public restrooms, camping, swimming areas, and fishing. Fishing boat rentals are $ 15 and canoe rentals are $ 5 for a half hour.
Lake Pinnacle is stocked with trout and warmouth bass. You can also catch bream, catfish and crappie here. The best way to fish Lake Pinnacle is to rent a fishing boat. Be sure to check out the rules and regulations for this lake at this webpage Table Rock State Park Activities. Make sure you have a South Carolina fishing license for fishing any public lake in South Carolina.
Check out the South Carolina trout stocking report here: SCDNR Trout Stocking Report
Table Rock State Park
- Non Motorized Fishing Boats
- Canoe Rentals
- Picnic Shelters
- Hiking Trails
- Cabin Rentals
- Swimming Area (During Season)
- Camping
- Public Restrooms
- Vistor Center
Regulations
- A South Carolina Fishing License is required to fish this lake.
- No motorized boats
Links
Location
This map shows the location of Lake Pinnacle and the location of Table Rock State Park.
Fish Species
Bass, Bream, catfish
Fishing Books & Magazines
South Carolina Atlas & Gazetteer
Lake Pinnacle FAQ
Can you swim in Lake Pinnacle?
Yes — it has a sand swimming beach with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What fish are in Lake Pinnacle?
Bass, bream, catfish, warmouth and crappie, plus stocked trout in the cooler months.
Can you use a motorboat on Lake Pinnacle?
No gas motors are allowed; only electric trolling motors and paddle craft, with canoe and kayak rentals at the park.
