Head to the heart of South Carolina for fishing, boating, paddling and more
CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY, SOUTH CAROLINA—MARCH 2024—Looking for the quintessential lake vacation, with plenty of lively aquatic adventures and lots of lazy time? Fun on the water is what it’s all about in Capital City/Lake Murray Country, anchored by Lake Murray and the surrounding towns and counties of Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda. This year-round playground is located off Interstates I-77, I-20 and I-26 in the central part of the Palmetto State.
Connecting the four counties is Lake Murray, “the Jewel of South Carolina,” 41 miles long and encompassing 650 miles of shoreline, which means there’s plenty of room to accommodate its renowned regional and national fishing tournaments as well as those looking for quiet time on the water. Boating Magazine named Lake Murray as one of the “top 10 boating destinations and places to live” in the country. The sparkling clear water is favored by friends and families who love dockside living, fishing, swimming, boating, sailing, kayaking, picnics, outdoor cookouts and spectacular sunsets. Countless forested coves shelter not only fish, but vacation homes and rentals.
The area has all the ingredients needed for a relaxing getaway: delightful dining spots and watercraft launches are situated all around the lake. Marinas, provisions, boat storage and fishing areas make it perfect for the BYOB (bring your own boat) crowd. In close-by, charming small towns there are farmers markets, hidden gems and local dining spots. Big city culture and entertainment are just 30 miles away in South Carolina’s capital of Columbia.
Over the years, welcoming locals have made it easy for visitors to play on Lake Murray. Choose from plenty of qualified, expert and entertaining guides and outfitters. The list of available water toys is long: speed and pontoon boats, jet skis, standup paddleboards, kayaks, fishing boats of many types and more. You’ll find everything needed to embark on lazy or active days on the water. To discover even more, rely on guides and captains to steer your group to the top lively party spots or toward the quieter sides of the lake to swim, play and dine.
Those who vacation from mid-June to early August will be treated to a peak experience. An estimated one million Purple Martins arrive on Lake Murray, swooping through the sky at sunset to the delight of lake-goers. Take a boat tour to the middle of the lake near the largest sanctuary in North America.
Fishing aficionados will find plenty of honey holes. The lake is so vast, with so many natural and man-made areas to attract fish, that even novice anglers are likely to make a catch. To truly appreciate and take advantage of Lake Murray’s fishing potential, book a trip with professional fishing guides who know the lake and all its secrets.
Sailing is a peaceful pastime on the lake, and Pilot Cove Ventures is the first and only charter company to offer the experience, along with lessons and more. Their speed and powerboats are perfect for skiing and touring the wide-open waters of Lake Murray.
Dreher Island State Park is a magical 348-acre spot on Lake Murray with three islands of discovery and adventure between Prosperity and Chapin connected by roadway. Visitors will find picnicking, recreational water activities, nature trails and prized fishing spots favored by tournament anglers. A tackle and gear loaner program is even available.
Tent, primitive and RV camping, camper cabins and lakeside villas provide great spots to enjoy all the park offers along with endless vistas, sunrises and sunsets. Well-behaved pets are allowed in certain areas and accommodations. (3677 State Park Road Prosperity, South Carolina 29127; 803-364-4152)
On land, choose between three trails inside the park: Little Gap Trail, Billy Dreher or nature trail and Bicycle Bypass Trail. The first is the most strenuous and meanders through just over two miles of thick pine forest and hardwoods. Keep your eyes peeled for a bald eagle known to nest in this area.
More Shoreside Trails
Get active and explore Capital City/Lake Murray Country’s numerous trails with lots of room for biking and hiking alongside scenic views. One is the pedestrian walkway along the dam to take in largest part of Lake Murray and in the other direction, the downtown Columbia skyline. Explore the many landings and parks around the lake, including Saluda Shoals Park, complete with an Environmental Education Center, trails and boat/kayak launch areas.
Swamp Adventures
For a unique, otherworldly water and land experience, head thirty minutes southeast of Columbia. Congaree National Park is a 26,276-acre water and wilderness ecosystem that preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the U.S. It’s been given many designations, including a National Natural Landmark, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Globally Important Bird Area. (100 National Park Road, Hopkins, South Carolina 29061; 803-776-4396)
Hike through the wooded waters on boardwalks or marked paths to view some of the tallest trees in eastern North America. Some of the 25 miles of hiking trails are dog friendly. On land or water, it’s possible to view river otters, alligators, bobcats, deer, owls and wild boar. Guided kayak and canoe day trips, after dark and full moon paddles are offered spring through fall. To protect this pristine preserve, only a few water tour outfitters are permitted to operate in Congaree National Park. Meander between Pine, Black Cypress, Tupelo and Willow Oak trees along blackwater Cedar Creek while an expert reveals its stories. (see Outfitters and Tour Guides, below)
From mid-May to June, the magical, mesmerizing sight of synchronous fireflies is only found in a handful of U.S. habitats, including this less-traveled national park. Unlike familiar sporadic backyard blinking, thousands of lightning bugs flash and go dark in concert, in a quietly spectacular display. Check the timing and apply to be one of the few to witness this phenomenon. Learn about the ticket lottery at www.nps.gov/cong/fireflies.htm
Outdoor Fun in Columbia
If your visit only allows time for a stay in Columbia, there’s still water adventure for you.
Columbia is uniquely situated on three converging rivers, the Saluda, Broad and Congaree, and the city has carefully nurtured parks, greenbelt oases and activity all along the waterfronts. One outfitter offers a popular free, ADA accessible tour; others offer kayaking and tubing on the rivers. Rent a bike to explore any of the Three Rivers Greenways, or hike along the trails at Riverfront Park & Historic Columbia Canal. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the canal was the world’s first hydroelectrically operated textile mill and is still in operation.
Palmetto Outdoor offers tubing and guided kayak tours on the Lower Saluda River May-September, weather and water levels permitting. On this stretch from just above the Riverbanks Zoo to the Gervais Street Bridge, float under Spanish Moss and through rushing Class II rapids on a three-hour ride. The kayak tours are for experienced whitewater paddlers; in May and June the cherished and protected Rocky Shoals Spider Lily flower clusters can be seen.
Stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center in the historic Lorick Plantation House (2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29212; 803-781-5940) to discover hidden gems, trip ideas and additional accommodations, including flagship hotels, extended stays, inns and lakeside cabins. Or, contact concierge@lakemurraycountry.com
Where to Stay
Lodging includes name brand hotels. popular boutique hotels and charming bed and breakfasts throughout the region. Lake Murray rental homes can accommodate various group sizes, and some offer docks and water recreation amenities, outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas. For the perfect camping or RV’ing adventure in the great outdoors, there are elaborate and simple campgrounds on or near the water, including Dreher Island State Park and Sesquicentennial State Park, on Lake and closer to Columbia. Follow this link to find the prefect accommodations https://accommodations.lakemurraycountry.com/search/?Checkin=2024-03-21&Checkout=2024-03-23
Outfitters and Tours
Lake Murray:
Pilot Cove Ventures: Sailboat/speed boat charter/tour service noted above.
Captain Hook’s Lake Murray Tours takes groups and families on curated tours around the lake, with stops at sandy beaches and coves for picnics and swimming. Also offers Purple Martin Tours.
Pontoon Rentals and Tours in Lexington offers Purple Martin tours, leisure and fishing pontoon charters and tours. Among their amenities: they can meet your group wherever is most convenient along the lake (delivery or fuel charge) and can accommodate early or late start times.
A highlight of any visit is a sunrise, day or sunset dinner cruise aboard The Spirit of Lake Murray, an 80-foot Skipperliner yacht, with hors d’oeuvres and beverages from the Spirits Bar.
In summer, Carolina Outdoor Adventures guide sunset and other kayak paddles on Lake Murray, including a three-hour trip around Dreher Island State Park. Stop on a peninsula to observe an active Osprey nest from a distance or take a swimming cove break.
Aqua Fun Boat Rentals, Tours, and Watersports in Irmo rents pontoon boats out of Shealy’s Landing in Irmo, where a personal touch and a smaller landing are highlights.
Better Boating in Irmo is the largest provider of pontoon and ski boats on Lake Murray and offers free driver training to enhance your experience. (Check out their double-decker pontoon boat with a water slide!) Kayak, paddleboards, tubes, wakeboards, kneeboards, pedal boats and water skis also available.
California Republic Paddleboards at SouthShore Marina in Leesville offers stand up paddleboard rentals, lessons, day and sunset yoga and SUP fitness experiences, summer camps for kids and other special events and services.
Congaree National Park:
Spring through fall, canoe and kayak trips available through permitted outfitters who know how to protect this pristine preserve. Carolina Outdoor Adventures offers a guided kayak day trip as well as after dark/Full Moon paddles. Palmetto Outdoor guided day tours are in canoes, where there’s plenty of room to bring a cooler for lunch, snacks, and drinks. Even your life-jacketed dog can come along (we can’t guarantee your furry buddy won’t tip the canoe, however!).
For more details on places to stay, where to eat and all there is to do in Capital City/Lake Murray Country, go to LakeMurrayCountry.comTo discover more hidden gems, trip ideas, dining and additional attractions stop by or call the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center located in the historic Lorick Plantation House (2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29212; 803-781-5940) Or visit www.LakeMurrayCountry.com.