Lake Robinson, South Carolina, USA

Also known as:  Lake H.B. Robinson

Lake Robinson spreads out over 2,250 acres in Chesterfield and Darlington Counties near Hartsville, South Carolina. Lake Robinson is long and narrow, about 4.5 miles long and less than a mile wide. The lake was created by Progress Power (formerly Carolina Power & Light) with construction of the Lake Robinson Dam on Black Creek in 1960. Lake Robinson, also known as Lake H. B. Robinson, was named…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Lake Robinson! Article topics include:

Looking for Lake Robinson cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Lake Robinson, SC

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - South Carolina - Pee Dee Country, SC -

    Lake Robinson spreads out over 2,250 acres in Chesterfield and Darlington Counties near Hartsville, South Carolina. Lake Robinson is long and narrow, about 4.5 miles long and less than a mile wide. The lake was created by Progress Power (formerly Carolina Power & Light) with construction of the Lake Robinson Dam on Black Creek in 1960. Lake Robinson, also known as Lake H. B. Robinson, was named after H. Burton Robinson, a South Carolina native and former executive vice president of Carolina Power & Light. Lake H.B. Robinson should not be confused with Lake John Robinson located in Greenville County, South Carolina.

    Lake Robinson provides power and flood control to South Carolina residents, and recreational opportunities to residents and visitors alike. The H.B. Robinson electrical generating station includes side-by-side coal and nuclear plants, providing power to about 400,000 homes. Lake waters are used to cool the plant’s generators. The heated water discharges into an adjacent cooling lake and re-enters Lake Robinson via a canal that spans nearly the length of the lake. Lake Robinson water levels are held fairly constant at 220 feet above sea level in order to provide cooling for the power plant. During periods of heavy rain, Lake Robinson also stores excess water flowing in from Black Creek to prevent downstream flooding.

    Lake Robinson offers up plenty of recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. Progress Energy operates a public boat ramp and pier at the north end of the lake, just off of Lake Robinson Drive.

    Lake Robinson welcomes anglers with catches of largemouth bass, chain pickerel, warmouth, redear sunfish, and bluegill. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required. Check the South Carolina Fish Consumption Advisory (see below) for certain fish species. Anglers also enjoy the sport of catch-and-release fishing.

    Camping enthusiasts will find RV, camper, and tent sites on both the east and west shores of Lake Robinson. All sites have electric hook-ups; many sites also have water and sewer hook-ups. Check the specific campground for other amenities such as a boat landing, picnic facilities, swimming area, and concession stand.

    For some off-water fun, take some time to visit the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the Sand Hills State Forest just a few miles from Lake Robinson. Established in 1939, this unique area characterized by deep sands covers almost 46,000 acres in Chesterfield and Darlington Counties. The Forest and NWR protect and enhance the flora and fauna of the area, particularly the longleaf pine habitat, the endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, and migratory birds. The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge includes a nine mile paved auto tour route, two hiking trails (one and three miles), wildlife observation sites, fishing ponds, two observation towers, and one photography blind. The NWR permits limited hunting and fishing; check regulations for dates.

    The Sand Hills State Forest became part of the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge in 1991. Within the state forest is Sugar Loaf Mountain, a popular family recreation area. Composed of sand, “The Mountain” rises a hundred feet above the surrounding terrain. This recreation area provides cooling shade from the sun and includes picnic shelters, a fishing lake, and nature trails. Visitors enjoy bird watching, primitive camping, and horseback riding. Permits are required for horseback riding, which can be obtained from the Sand Hills State Forest Headquarters.

    Things to Do at Lake Robinson

    These are some activities in the Lake Robinson, SC area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Jet Skiing
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • National Wildlife Refuge
    • State Forest

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Robinson?

    Lake Robinson has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Chain Pickerel
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)
    • Sunfish
    • Warmouth
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Lake Robinson

    If you’re considering a Lake Robinson lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake Robinson Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Robinson lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Lake Robinson Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Progress Energy

    Surface Area: 2,250 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 220 feet

    Average Depth: 14 feet

    Maximum Depth: 31 feet

    Water Volume: 27,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1960

    Drainage Area: 173 sq. miles

    Lake Robinson Map
    Local Weather Forecast

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Lake Robinson Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Create Your Own Captain / First Mate Custom 20oz Tumbler

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Create Your Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    Create a Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    ORDER HERE
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Lake Robinson news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Lake Robinson forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Lake Robinson photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Lake Robinson article with your fellow LakeLubbers: