A Quiet Escape at Lake Monticello Park, Fairfield County, SC

Tucked away in Jenkinsville, South Carolina, Lake Monticello Park is a serene spot worth discovering. Located at 75 Baltic Circle, this small lakeside park offers peaceful views and simple pleasures. I visited in July 2024 after a nearby hike and found it to be a relaxing place to unwind.

The park features a fishing dock, a small sandy beach where families were wading in the water, several picnic tables, clean restrooms, and a gentle 1-mile walking trail that winds along the lake’s edge. On this warm summer weekday, the park was quiet and uncrowded—a refreshing contrast to more crowded recreational areas.

Lake Monticello itself was completed in 1978 and spans 6,700 acres with 54 miles of shoreline. It serves as a cooling reservoir for the VC Summer Nuclear Station, with 7.2 miles of shoreline inaccessible due to the plant’s location. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the lake is part of a unique hydroelectric system that works in tandem with the nuclear facility. Water is pumped into the reservoir and later released through turbines to generate electricity—causing water levels to fluctuate by up to five feet.

The park is managed by Dominion Energy and typically open from sunrise to sunset. While water skiing and jet-skiing are prohibited, fishing is a popular pastime. The SC DNR stocks the lake with several species, including catfish, bass, crappie, and bream.

If you’re looking for a quiet escape with scenic lake views and light recreation, Lake Monticello Park offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Fairfield County.

References SC DNR , Dominion Energy Lake Monticello, SC DES Waterbodies with No Advisories , SC DES Natural Swimming Areas