Year-Round Attractions at Lake Murray: A Seasonal Guide

Located just outside of Columbia, South Carolina, Lake Murray is a beautiful man-made reservoir popular for recreation. With 495 miles of shoreline, Lake Murray offers gorgeous scenery and plenty of attractions for visitors year-round. Here's an overview of things to do during each season at Lake Murray.

Spring Activities at Lake Murray

Spring is a lovely time to visit Lake Murray as temperatures become milder and nature comes alive. Here are some top springtime activities:

Hiking and Biking

With the cool spring weather, hiking and biking are fantastic ways to explore the Lake Murray area. Some trails to check out include:

• Rocky Point Trail - A 2.5 mile loop trail through forests and meadows.

• Kempson Bridge Trail - A 2.3 mile trail with great lake views.

• Lake Murray Dam Walkway - A 1.5 mile trail across the top of the dam.

Fishing

Spring fishing starts to pick up again after the winter slowdown. Some good catches include bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. The major public boat ramps provide access to fishing on the lake.

Birdwatching

Many migratory birds pass through Lake Murray in the spring. Bring your binoculars and camera to spot colorful tanagers, warblers, ospreys, and more. Early morning is an ideal time for birding.

Festivals

Looking for some lively events? Check out the annual Iris Festival in May and Lake Murray Palooza in June which feature live music, crafts, food, and family activities.

Summer Fun at Lake Murray

Summertime is peak season at Lake Murray with hot weather and kids out of school. Some top summer activities include:

Boating

Boating is one of the most popular pastimes at Lake Murray. From jet skis and pontoon boats to kayaks and canoes, you'll find all kinds of watercraft enjoying the waters. There are numerous marinas for boat rentals and slips.

Swimming

Take a dip to cool off! Lake Murray has several designated swim areas with sandy beach entry and water slides. Lake Murray County Park has a large swimming area with diving platforms.

Camping

Pitch a tent or park your RV at one of Lake Murray's campgrounds. Lake Murray State Park has shady campsites with electric and water hookups. privative sites are available.

Concerts & Events

Lots of concerts and festivals happen during the summer. Catch live music at Lexington County Amphitheater. Or check out Red, White, and Boom with fireworks on July 4th.

Fall Activities at Lake Murray

Fall brings beautiful foliage and moderate temperatures. It's a peaceful time to visit before the winter crowds. Top fall activities include:

Scenic Drives

Take in the fall colors by taking a drive around the lake. Stop at overlooks for stunning views of vibrant fall foliage against the lake backdrop. Popular spots include Billy Dreher Island and Sunset Point Park.

Sailing Regattas

From September through November, Lake Murray hosts a series of sailing regattas. Visitors can watch brightly colored sails slice through the water during races. Check the event calendar for dates.

Fishing Tournaments

Fall fishing heats up with tournaments happening almost every weekend. Anglers compete to reel in the largest catch. Stop by to see the bass weighed at the end of the day.

Hiking

Cooler fall weather creates pleasant conditions for hiking and exploring nature. Look and listen for migratory birds passing through the forests surrounding Lake Murray.

Winter Activity at Lake Murray

Wintertime is peaceful at Lake Murray. Here are some top picks for getting outdoors:

Birdwatching

Many different waterfowl and birds flock to Lake Murray in winter. Watch for ducks, geese, grebes, loons and more. Use binoculars for better viewing.

Fishing

Winter is a great time to fish for trophy-sized striped and hybrid bass. These aggressive fish are active and hungry in the cold months. Look for birds to find where baitfish are concentrated.

Wildlife Viewing

Spot whitetail deer, foxes, coyotes, squirrels, and other wildlife on woodland hikes during calm winter days. Lake Murray's parks have excellent wildlife habitat.

Holiday Events

Get into the festive spirit at holiday events like the Lexington Christmas Parade, Light the Night at Dreher Island State Park, and New Year's fireworks shows around the lake.

Plan Your Lake Murray Getaway

With attractions and recreation available year-round, Lake Murray is perfect for a weekend escape or extended vacation. Whether you love boating, hiking, fishing, or just relaxing lakeside, Lake Murray has something for everyone. Use this seasonal guide to help plan your trip!