Looking for a fun spot on the lake to unwind and relax? Explore Lake Murray Public Park, a recreational area with a beach and swimming spots located on Lake Murray in South Carolina! The park has two locations, one on each side of the Dreher Shoals Dam (also known as the Lake Murray Dam). Both the park and the dam are owned and operated by Dominion Energy.
You can even take a stroll across the Lake Murray Dam! The 1.7 mile pedestrian walkway connects the Irmo and Lexington sides of Lake Murray Public Park. It’s a popular place for walking and jogging and offers spectacular views of Lake Murray and the downtown Columbia skyline, located 11 miles away. Pro Tip: head to the pedestrian walkway at sunrise or sunset for the best Lake Murray views in the region!
Lake Murray Public Park is a great place to spend a relaxing day at the lake with friends and family. After enjoying your time in the sun, be sure to visit one of Lake Murray Country’s fantastic local restaurants in nearby Irmo or Lexington. If you’re hungry but not quite ready to end your time on the water, then head to one of our lakeside restaurants for a meal with a view.
Park Details
Lake Murray Public Park: Lexington Side
The Lexington Side of Lake Murray Public Park features a public beach and swimming area, picnic facilities, and restrooms available for visitors.
- Address: 1832-1834 N. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072
- Operating Hours:
- Open April through September
- Weekdays: 11 AM – 8 PM
- Weekends: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Fees:
- $5 parking for all vehicles (including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and passenger vans).
- Season passes can be purchased at the park for $50 per car.
- Prohibited: Alcoholic beverages and pets.
- *Disclaimer: No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk.
Lake Murray Public Park: Irmo Side
The Irmo Side of Lake Murray Public Park features a boat launch ramp, picnic facilities, fishing docks, and restrooms.
- Address: 2101 N. Lake Drive, Columbia, SC 29212
- Operating Hours: Open year round, 24 hours a day
- Fees (only apply from April to Labor Day):
- $5 parking for all vehicles (including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and passenger vans).
- Season passes can be purchased at the park for $50 per car.
- Prohibited: Alcoholic beverages
- *Pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.
Dreher Shoals Dam Restoration Project
In 2024, Dominion Energy began a multi-year restoration project along the Dreher Shoals Dam. As part of this restoration project, Dominion Energy will work to extend operations of critical infrastructure used to generate power for customers and supply water to the Lower Saluda River. Dive crews will replace headgates inside the Saluda Hydroelectric Project’s five intake towers beginning in January. Enhancements will also be made to the visible portion of the towers.
“We understand the inconvenience this work may cause, and we thank the public for their patience during this complex project,” said Iris Griffin, Dominion Energy’s South Carolina Vice President of Generation. “These headgates have done their job safely and successfully for nearly 100 years. Investing in their replacement will enhance the reliability of the Saluda Hydro facility’s operations to help serve our customers for many years to come.”
The 223-foot-high intake towers, which are visible while driving across the dam, supply water to the Lower Saluda River through power-generating turbines. The towers utilize a set of steel headgates to shut off the flow of water from the lake, allowing maintenance and inspection activities on downstream equipment. The towers will maintain their iconic look once work is complete. There are no plans to lower the water level due to this project. Work is scheduled to continue through 2026.
For more information on the Dreher Shoals Dam restoration project, click here.
Photo credit: Steve Bell (photos 2-5), South Carolina Film Commission (photos 6-8).
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