Lake Murray Dam, also known as Dreher Shoals Dam, is just west of Columbia, South Carolina, and offers public lake access on both its Lexington and Irmo sides. The dam and reservoir make a practical outing from a two-star motel in Columbia: the dam is about 7.8 miles from American Inn Columbia.
- Two public areas: Lexington-side and Irmo-side
- Lexington-side beach area: seasonal, with advance online day-pass reservations
- Irmo-side area: year-round access, with a boat launch and fishing docks
- Lake Murray’s dam is 1.6 miles long
What to know about Lake Murray Dam
Lake Murray Dam holds back a reservoir created to supply energy to the Columbia area; the lake also serves as a drinking-water resource and supports fisheries, wildlife habitat and recreation. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says the 1.6-mile earthen dam was the world’s largest when completed.
For a first visit, think of the dam as two different public access areas rather than one continuous park. The Lexington side has a beach and recreation area, while the Irmo side has boat access, fishing docks and picnic facilities.
How do you get from Columbia to Lake Murray Dam?
The Irmo-side area is at 2101 N. Lake Drive, Columbia, while the Lexington-side park is at 1832 North Lake Drive, Lexington.
If you’re driving around Columbia before or after the lake, this guide to getting around Columbia covers local driving, transit and visitor routes.
Which Lake Murray Dam viewpoints and public areas can you use?
The Irmo and Lexington sides offer different facilities and access rules, so choose the area that fits your plans.
Lexington-side beach and recreation area
The Lexington-side area is open from April 9 through Labor Day. Weekday hours are 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; weekend hours are 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Facilities include picnic areas, swimming and restrooms. There is no lifeguard, and swimming is at your own risk. Alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited.
A single-day pass costs $5 per vehicle and must be reserved online in advance, up to three weeks ahead. Entry-gate cash payments aren’t accepted, and you can’t reuse the pass after leaving the park. Entry is by vehicle during park hours, and admission may stop when the parking lot is full.
Irmo-side area
The Irmo-side area is open year-round, 24 hours a day, with a boat launch, picnic facilities, fishing docks and restrooms. Boat-ramp access costs $5 for a single day or $50 for a season. Only boaters may use the area between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited, and pets must be leashed.
When should you visit, and what conditions should you check?
For swimming, plan around the Lexington-side area’s seasonal opening and weekday or weekend hours. The Irmo-side area is the year-round option, though overnight access from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. is restricted to boaters.
Rules and payment arrangements can change. Before you go, check the official site for Dominion Energy’s current park hours, reservations, fees and access rules.
What else can you pair with a Lake Murray visit?
Dreher Island State Park is another public lake-access option identified by Lake Murray Country. You could make it a separate stop if you want to compare lake settings; for a day focused on Columbia itself, a one-day Columbia sightseeing route offers a city-based alternative.
FAQs
What is another name for Lake Murray Dam?
Lake Murray Dam is also known as Dreher Shoals Dam.
Are there public areas on both sides of the dam?
Yes. The public areas are on the Lexington and Irmo sides, with different facilities and access rules.
Can you swim at Lake Murray Dam?
Swimming is available at the Lexington-side beach and recreation area during its operating season. There is no lifeguard, and swimming is at your own risk.
Is the Irmo-side area open all year?
It is listed as open year-round, 24 hours a day, but only boaters may use it between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.