Summer Fun · Lake Murray, SC
Your kind of
sunny lake day.
Get out on the open water, picnic on an island beach, or explore close to shore. Find an easy starting point for a summer day around Lake Murray, with the practical details that make it effortless.
Find your next lake day
Start with a little summer inspiration
What sounds like your day?
Stay on shore
You do not need a boat
Dreher Island offers trails, picnic facilities and playgrounds. Near the dam, Dominion’s two public parks serve different purposes: the Irmo side has a launch and fishing docks; the Lexington side has seasonal beach access.
- Try Dreher Island’s 0.25-mile Billy Dreher Nature Trail or 2.1-mile Little Gap Trail.
- Plan a picnic and check the park’s current admission and hours.
- For the Lexington-side beach, check the season and reserve a day pass in advance.
Before you go. The Lexington-side beach is seasonal, not year-round. Dreher Island has no designated swimming area and prohibits swimming around ramps, marina areas and other posted locations.
Reviewed places to start
- Anchor Lanes · Irmo
- Corley Street Park · Lexington
- Craft Axe Throwing — Lexington · Lexington
Official park sources checked November 12, 2026. Rules, fees, access and opening dates can change. Check Dominion Energy and South Carolina State Parks before traveling.
Put a date on it
Coming up around the lake
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New events will appear here after review. We have not carried over another destination’s calendar or invented a schedule.