Lake Murray, SC, Marinas and Boat Ramps
Lake Murray Marinas & Boat Ramps Guide
Where to get on the water around Lake Murray, plus how dock permitting works on the lake.
Getting on the Water at Lake Murray
Lake Murray covers roughly 50,000 acres with about 650 miles of shoreline, created by the Dreher Shoals Dam, also called the Saluda Dam or Lake Murray Dam, on the Saluda River and completed in 1930. The lake and its shoreline are owned and operated today by Dominion Energy, formerly SCE&G. There are public landings and ramps spread around the lake, plus full-service marinas, so you have plenty of ways to get on the water whether or not you own waterfront.
Public Access, Marinas, and Dock Permitting
- ✓Public access at the dam: Dominion Energy operates public-access park areas at the Lake Murray Dam on both the Irmo and Lexington sides, with boat launching and fishing piers. Fees, seasons, and reservations can apply, so check before you go.
- ✓Dreher Island State Park: a state park spread across islands on the upper lake near Prosperity, with public boat ramps, camping, cabins, and trails.
- ✓Public landings around the lake: ramps and landings include Rocky Point Landing and the Hilton Recreation Area, both in the Chapin area, and Larry Koon Boat Landing on the Lexington and Gilbert side, among roughly a dozen public access areas with varying amenities.
- ✓Marinas: full-service marinas operate on the lake, including Jakes Landing Marina near the dam on the Lexington side, which offers fuel, storage, ramps, a store, and repair service. For a current marina roster, the Lake Murray Country tourism directory is the best up-to-date source.
- ✓Dock permitting: Dominion Energy manages shoreline use and dock and pier permitting on Lake Murray through its lake management process. If a home's dock matters to you, the permit status is worth confirming.
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Lake Murray Boating Access, Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the public boat ramps on Lake Murray?
Public landings and ramps are spread around the lake. They include the public-access areas at the Lake Murray Dam (Irmo and Lexington sides), Dreher Island State Park on the upper lake, Rocky Point Landing and the Hilton Recreation Area in the Chapin area, and Larry Koon Boat Landing on the Lexington and Gilbert side. There are roughly a dozen public access areas in all, with different amenities, so check the specific site before you go.
Who manages Lake Murray and its shoreline?
Lake Murray was created by the Dreher Shoals Dam, also called the Saluda Dam or Lake Murray Dam, on the Saluda River, completed in 1930. The lake and its shoreline are owned and operated today by Dominion Energy, which acquired SCE&G. Dominion runs the Saluda Hydroelectric Project and manages shoreline use.
How do dock permits work on Lake Murray?
Dominion Energy manages dock and pier permitting and shoreline use on Lake Murray through its lake management process. If you are buying a waterfront home or considering adding a dock, confirm the dock's permit status and the current permitting rules with Dominion.
Are there marinas with fuel and slips?
Yes. Full-service marinas operate on the lake, including Jakes Landing Marina near the dam on the Lexington side, which offers fuel, wet and dry storage, ramps, a store, and repair service. Services vary by marina, and the Lake Murray Country tourism directory keeps a current list.
Do I have to pay to use the public ramps?
It varies. Some public-access areas charge fees or require reservations or passes, and seasons can affect hours. Because those details change, check the specific landing or park before your trip.
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