Summer is returning with a splash, but South Carolinians may feel like the season has already begun, with temperatures soaring well into the 80s.

This raises the question, "Who has a pool that we can swim in?" especially since the state's coastal beaches are a few hours away.

Instead of waiting for family and friends for pool access, you can try heading to one of the many swimming areas in the Upstate.

Here are lakes, water parks, and splash pads to cool off in the area.

Lakes and rivers

∎ Lake Broadway: Located between US 76 and SC 58, Anderson. Visitors of this small lake can enjoy swimming, boating, and fish species like bream, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.

∎ Lyman Lake: 200 Lyman Lodge Road, Lyman. Swimming is permitted at the 350-acre lake. Lyman Lake State Park facilities include a public fishing pier, handicap accessible dual access boat ramp, and parking for approximately 50 vehicles and trailers.

∎ Lake Placid at Paris Mountain State Park: 2401 State Park Road, Greenville. Swimming is only allowed in the roped area. Private boating is prohibited, but the site rents canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats.

∎ Lake Hartwell: Situated on the border between Northeast Georgia and Upstate S.C., it spans nearly 56,000 acres at the normal pool stage and features 962 miles of shoreline. Swimming and other activities like boating, fishing, and camping are permitted at the lake.

∎ Tyger River: 599 Minnow Bridge Road, Union. River access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

Participants prepare for the first-day morning launch for the Major League Fishing Tackle Warehouse Invitational at Lake Hartwell in Anderson County at Green Pond Landing in Anderson, S.C. Friday, March 14, 2025.

Water parks

∎ 7th Inning SplashPark: 1500 Piedmont Hwy, Piedmont. All admission tickets purchased online are $8.50. Park visitors can expect various slides, a traditional lap pool, a splash pad, and a concession stand.

∎ Discovery Island Waterpark: 417 Baldwin Road, Simpsonville. Open Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday 1-5:30 p.m. All admission tickets purchased online are $15. At the waterpark, guests can look forward to water slides, poolside water attractions like the lazy river and wave simulator, and delicious concessions.

∎ Otter Creek Waterpark: 101 W. Darby Road, Greenville. Open Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday 1-5:30 p.m. All admission tickets purchased online are $14. Some of the waterpark's amenities include multiple slides, a leisure pool, a splash pad, and a concession stand.

∎ Shipwreck Cove: 119 S. Spencer St., Duncan. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m. This pirate-themed water park offers fun for the whole family, with spiraling slides, a lazy river, and a kiddie pool play area. Cold drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the refreshment center.

Discovery Island water park part of the Greenville Recreation's Southside Park in Simpsonville, S.C. in April 2025.

Splash pads

∎ Greenville Water Splash Pad: Located within Unity Park at 320 S. Hudson St.

∎ Fountain Inn Splash Pad: 104 N. Main St.

∎ Barnet Park, Spartanburg: 248 E. Saint John St.

∎ Airport Park, Spartanburg: 500 Ammons Road.

∎ Tiger River Park, Duncan: 179 Dillard Road.

∎ Splash Pad Waterpark at KidVenture 2.0, Anderson: Located at Kid V at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Complex at 7 Jim Ed Rice Pkwy.

Children with parents cool off in water at the KidVenture2 splash pad at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Complex in Anderson, S.C. Friday, June 21, 2024.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Beat the heat with lakes, water parks, splash pads in the Upstate. Here's where to go