Checked October 1, 2026 against Dominion Energy, which owns the dam and both parks (dominionenergy.com/lakemurray), and South Carolina State Parks.
Lake Murray was built as a power source for the Columbia area in 1930 and is now one of the Midlands' main places to swim, boat and fish. The public park has two sides, one at each end of the Dreher Shoals (Lake Murray) Dam, and they run very differently.
Lexington side: the beach
- Season: spring through Labor Day. The 2026 season ended on September 7; Dominion Energy had not announced 2027 dates when we checked.
- Hours in season: weekdays 11 am – 8 pm, weekends 10 am – 8 pm.
- Cost: $5 per vehicle per day, and you must reserve the pass online in advance (up to three weeks ahead). No cash at the gate; sales are final, and the pass cannot be reused after you leave.
- Amenities: swimming beach, picnic facilities, restrooms.
- Rules: no lifeguards (swim at your own risk), no pets, no alcohol.
Irmo side: the boat launch
- Open year-round, 24 hours a day. Between 9 pm and 5 am it is for boaters only.
- Cost: $5 boat ramp day access or $50 season access. Since April 1, 2026 there is no cash: you pay for parking online after you arrive.
- Amenities: boat launch, fishing docks, picnic facilities, restrooms.
- Rules: no swimming, pets on a leash, no alcohol.
The Irmo side is the place to go in autumn and winter, when the beach is closed. Dominion Energy also publishes a map of Lake Murray public access areas for other ramps around the lake.
Questions and reservations: Dominion Energy Lake Management, 803-217-9221.
Walking the dam
A paved walkway runs along the dam between the two sides of the park, with open views across the lake; it is a favourite at sunset. See our free things to do and date ideas guides for more on the walk.
Alternative: Dreher Island State Park
Where: 3677 State Park Rd, Prosperity, SC 29127, about 30 miles from Columbia. Phone 803-364-4152.
Three islands with 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline, 3 boat ramps, 3 trails, picnic shelters, lakeside campsites and villas. Open daily, dawn to dusk. Admission is $6 adults, $3.75 SC seniors, $3.50 ages 6–15, 5 and under free. Swimming is not allowed at the marina, boat ramps, docks or villa area. Pets are welcome on a leash of up to six feet in most outdoor areas. (southcarolinaparks.com)
Tips
- Reserve the beach early on summer weekends. Passes are limited and sell out.
- Bring cards, not cash. Neither side takes cash any more.
- Leave the dog at home for the beach; bring it on a leash to the Irmo side or Dreher Island.
More around Columbia
- Day trips from Columbia
- Suburbs of Columbia: Irmo, Lexington and Chapin
- Things to do in Columbia this weekend
The full list, by category: things to do in Columbia, SC.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Murray Public Park open?
The Irmo-side boat launch is open year-round, 24 hours a day (boaters only from 9 pm to 5 am). The Lexington-side beach is open only from spring to Labor Day; its 2026 season ended on September 7.
How much does Lake Murray Public Park cost?
$5 per vehicle per day. For the Lexington-side beach you must reserve the pass online in advance; for the Irmo-side boat ramp you pay online on arrival ($50 for a season pass). Cash is not accepted.
Can you bring dogs to Lake Murray Public Park?
Not to the Lexington-side beach, where pets are prohibited. Leashed pets are allowed on the Irmo side.
Are there lifeguards at Lake Murray Public Park?
No. There is no lifeguard on duty at the Lexington-side beach, so swimming is at your own risk. Swimming is not allowed on the Irmo side.