About Lake Murray

Do you dream of living on a lake? 

Waterfront living has become the dream of many, today more than ever.  Here in the Midlands of South Carolina, we are graced with one of the most beautiful lakes – Lake Murray.

Lake Murray is called the Jewel of South Carolina with great reason.  It can be enjoyed 365 days a year! From boating, sailing, waterskiing, paddling, paddleboarding, fishing, or just going for a swim, this lake is the perfect spot to enjoy them all.  

Lake Murray covers an area of 78 square miles or about 50,000 acres of land.  It is 41 miles long and 14 miles at its widest point.  There are about 600 miles of shoreline, which is more shoreline than the entire Atlantic coastline in South Carolina.  All are located just minutes from the city of Columbia, and the towns of Irmo, Lexington, & Chapin.

The largest part of Lake Murray is in Lexington County, but portions of it also stretch into Saluda, Newberry, and Richland counties. Lexington is the largest city near Lake Murray.

Lake Murray, named in honor of chief engineer William S. Murray, was completed in 1930 and is owned by Dominion Energy (formerly SCE&G). It covers approximately 78 square miles of land and provides electricity for South Carolina’s entire Midlands region.

Originally inhabited by the Catawba and Cherokee, the area that is now Lake Murray was ultimately settled by European immigrants, primarily of Dutch and German origin. In order to build Lake Murray, the Lexington Water Power Company (SCE&G’s & Dominion’s predecessor) relocated 5,000 citizens and removed three churches, six schools, and 2,000 graves.  You can still dive and see the old Wise Ferry Bridge as well as other structures under the water’s surface!  The Saluda Dam, which was once the largest earthen dam in the world, is 1.5 miles wide and 208 feet high.

What began as a source of energy for the Columbia area in 1930 has become a major recreation area, and an abundant resource for drinking water, fisheries, and wildlife habitats.

Public access is through public parks near the dam, public boat ramps and marinas, and Dreher Island State Recreation Area. Each summer, an estimated flock of over one million Purple Martins fill the predawn and evening skies, establishing their seasonal roost at Bomb Island, located in the middle of the lake. The island is the site of the first official sanctuary in North America designated solely for roosting Purple Martins.

On the Lexington side of the dam, there’s a beach for swimming; the Irmo side is great for picnicking and paddling. There’s a launch pad that sits just a few inches below the water so you can get on your stand-up paddleboard or into your kayak without tipping over. Both areas have plenty of parking, and the walk over the dam between the two is beautiful and refreshing!

See the map below for other public access areas:

When you have finished playing or sporting on the lake and are ready for sustenance, there are several restaurants to choose from.  Liberty on the Lake offers beautiful views while eating.  The Rusty Anchor/Catfish Johnnies and Buffalo Creek often have live bands to entertain you while dining.  The hamburgers at Big Mans are said to be the best on the lake, and the Salmon at Fiddlers Blue’s is one of our personal favorites!

At the Lafayette Team, we love, live on, and play at the lake whenever possible. We will not only help you sell or purchase a home there, we will also make sure to inform you of all rules, laws, and nuances that go along with purchasing a lake property.   

From Condos to Mansions, Lake Murray offers it all! 

Communities like Yacht Cove, Lands End,  Spences Point, Seay Cove,   and Hammock Bay offer condos and townhomes for a more maintenance-free lifestyle.  

If you are looking for something larger, there are a plethora of lakefront homes and lakefront communities, including: Harbour Watch,  Kingston Harbor, Pintail Point & Lakeside Reserve,  Newberry Shores,  Night Harbor,  Timberlake,  Palmetto Point,  Paradise Cove,  Spence Plantation,  Plantation Pointe, Regatta Shores, and Hallmark Shores,  just to name a few!

Call us today, and let us help you discover your new lake home on Lake Murray!