Approximately 1 mile west of the the intersection of E. Peach Raod and Cook Road
Two lakes in Fairfield County offer recreation to the residents of the county. Lake Monticello is a 7,000 acre lake that offers picnic shelters, fishing, a boat ramp and many other water recreational activities. The Fairfield Recreation Commission also operates a park at the lake.
There is also a smaller area, the Monticello Recreation Lake, which is located north of the large body of water and is about 300 acres in size. This park area offers fishing two days a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays), swimming (no lifeguard on duty) and picnic facilities. The park gates open from sunrise to sunset. Located in the park is the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station Nature Trail. Benches, wood duck boxes, blue bird boxes and plant identification markers dot this 1.5 mile long trail. The other and largest lake in Fairfield County is Lake Wateree, which is one of South Carolina’s premier fishing and boating destinations.
There is also a state recreation area at the Lake. The Lake Wateree State Recreation Area provides ideal access to the 21-mile long, 13,700-acre reservoir. The 238-acre park’s offerings include a tackle shop/park store with refueling dock and public boat ramp. A large population of crappie, bream, largemouth bass, catfish and striped bass make this lake a popular fishing spot. The area also has a wooded, lake side campground which includes 72 sites, many that can accommodate large RVs and all with water and electrical service. Day visitors and campers also can enjoy the numerous picnic tables, playground and the mile-long nature trail through the woods.
Located in the Northwestern corner of Fairfield County is 11,080 acres of The Sumter National Forest. This forest stretches over 253,381 acres of the state and connects with trial and forests in both Georgia and North Carolina. The forest is a mecca for both hikes, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. There are so many things to do in this forest one could probably stay there for an entire year and still not have seen and done all there is to do. Some activities include: