Boats, beaches, sights and bites: Your guide to Lake Murray this summer
With sparkling waters spanning some 50,000 acres and 650 of lush shoreline, it’s no wonder why Lake Murray is known as the “Jewel of South Carolina.” It’s beautiful. But it’s also a lot of fun.
A top spot for outdoor recreation in the state and especially the Midlands, the lake offers a variety of things to do, whether it’s an afternoon visit or a weekend stay.
For dining, water sports, swimming or hiking, here are recommendations for lake life this summer.
Beaches and islands
Swimming is allowed just about anywhere on Lake Murray, save near boat docks and piers, and some of the best places to do so are on its beaches or numerous islands.
Here are beaches accessible by car or bike.
- Lake Murray Public Park
- Pine Island State Park
- Bundrick Island, also known as Sandy Beach
- Dreher Island State Park
The Lake Murray Public Park, managed by Dominion Energy, is open from April through early September this year. On weekdays, park hours are from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and it is open on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Day passes are $5, and parking is $5 per vehicle per day. Day passes and parking must be reserved online in advance on Dominion’s website.
Pine Island State Park and Dreher Island State Park also have small entrance fees.
Here are the beaches and islands accessible by boat.
- Goat Island
- Spence Island
- Susie Ebert Island
- Counts Island, also known as Wessinger Island
- Bomb Island
- Twin Islands, also known as Gar Island
- Timmons Island
- Hollow Cay
- Misty Island
- Long Island
- Fetner Island
Generally, there are no lifeguards present at any of the public swimming areas on the lake.
Restaurants
For those wanting to dine on the water, Lake Murray features several local restaurants. Some, like The Rusty Anchor, are right on the lake. Others, like Buck’s Pizza, are a short walk from a dock.
- Catfish Johnny’s
- Liberty on the Lake
- Big Man’s Marina
- Na’cho Margarita
- TB’s Shack
- The Rusty Anchor
- Buck’s Pizza
- South Shore Grill & Grocery
- Fiddler Blues
Many local marinas also offer food for purchase.
Boating and water sports
Boating is a popular way to enjoy Lake Murray. Among vast options to set sail, here are a few options.
- AquaFun Boat Rentals, LLC
- Better Boating
- Lake Murray Marina at Marina Bay
- Big Mans Marina
- Southshore Marina
- Lighthouse Marina
Without the need for a personal helmsman or a boating license, people can board The Spirit of Lake Murray, a renovated Skipperliner yacht, for dining experiences and tours.
The lake is also well-known for water sports — so well-known that it was named “#1 Best Lake for Water Sports” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2025, topping its second-place award from the previous year.
Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards can be rented from several places around Lake Murray.
- Lake Murray Water Sports & Miniature Golf
- SC Family Fun
- Better Boating
- Muddy Bay
- Lake Murray Rentals
Boat launches for personal vessels are available across the lake, including Rocky Point Recreation Area and the Irmo board launch, along other marinas and parks.
Scenic walks and parks
Lake Murray is also easily enjoyed by land.
Folks can walk along the Lake Murray dam in Lexington County, which features a path that is several miles long and offers panoramic views. It’s easily one of the most scenic hikes in the area.
Dreher Island State Park is a popular destination on the lake, with several short hiking trails and shoreline walks. These are the best ones to explore, according to AllTrails.
- Dreher Island Central Trail
- Little Gap Trail
- Billy Dreher Nature Trail
Parks along and near the lake are also beautiful places to take a stroll.
- Pine Island State Park
- Lake Murray Public Park
- Hilton Recreation Area
- Mungo Park
- Dogwood Creek Park
Camping
Visitors can camp at Lake Murray, both with tents and RVs at designated campgrounds.
- Acapulco USA
- Dreher Island State Park
- Adams Lakeside Camping
Fishing spots
Thanks to the depth and expanse of its waters, Lake Murray is great fishing for locals. But the sheer size of the lake makes it a popular location for fishing tournaments too. Bassmaster named Lake Murray the “Top Lake in the Southeast” and the “#4 Lake in the Country for Best Bass Fishing” in 2023 and Fishing Booker named it one of the “10 Best Bass Fishing Destinations in the U.S.”
Stripers and large mouth bass are two of the most popular species to catch, but bluegills, white perch and shell crackers are also aplenty, as well as bream, crappie and catfish.
Here are the best spots for anglers, according to Lake Access.
- Shull Island
- Bear Creek
- Dreher Island State Park
- Sandy Beach Park
- Hilton Recreation Area
- Lake Murray Dam
- Spinners Resort and Marina
A valid South Carolina fishing license is required to fish at Lake Murray.
Special events
Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration is also highly anticipated, with a fireworks display that is often touted as the largest in South Carolina.
Lake Murray is also known for elite birdwatching, particularly the purple martin phenomenon. Every summer, Bomb Island is home to over one million purple martins during their summer migration north from South America, according to Lake Murray Country. It is the largest purple martin roosting site in North America.
Birdwatchers can catch bald eagles, loons, ospreys, herons and egrets as well.
