Find Vacation Rentals in Lake Murray

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Lake Murray Information

Named after an engineer who was involved in the design and creation of the dam, Lake Murray was created in the late 1930s as a hydro-electric generating facility. Since then, it has become a popular destination and even referred to as the “Jewel of South Carolina”. It’s one of the top 100 places in the country for bass fishing and its calm waters make it ideal for those looking to get a little R & R out on the lake. This 41-mile long lake offers visitors nearly 500 miles of shoreline to enjoy, so start planning your vacation now and get ready for a relaxing time on Lake Murray.

Fishing tournaments are held every year on the lake. The most notable of them is the Forrest Wood Cup, a circuit tournament which is part of the Fishing League Worldwide and takes place on more than 10 different lakes. Lake Murray holds its portion of the tournament in August, so if you’re around then, you should definitely check it out! If you’re more interested in fishing than watching others fish, you’re in luck. Fishing enthusiasts have the chance to catch crayfish, catfish, and bass. In fact, Lake Murray is known for being the most productive lake in the Southeast for largemouth and striped bass. Before it was constructed, the land was once inhabited, so what lies below the surface is just as intriguing as the water itself. In the 1940s during WWII, a handful of B-25 bombers flying out of nearby Columbia crashed into Lake Murray during training exercises. In addition to old bombers submerged in the water, Lake Murray also contains old bridges, homes, and 193 cemeteries. To get a taste of the history behind the lake, schedule a guided tour of the lake with The Spirit of Lake Murray and enjoy a brunch while learning about the area. If you have your own boat, take it out on the water and explore the lake’s approximately 50,000 acres. Or, rent a canoe, kayak, or a paddleboard to get a little exercise while you take in the expansive waters. You can even take a sailing class with Lake Murray Sailing Club if you’re feeling like learning a new skill or brushing up on your sailing technique. Rent a jet ski or other motor-powered watercraft from Fifty-Fifty Water Sports LLC or AquaFun Boat Rentals and Tours. Whatever your idea of fun is out on the water, you’ll be able to enjoy it on Lake Murray. Dreher Island State Park is located in the middle of Lake Murray and features three islands linked to the mainland. Its 12 miles of shoreline provide guests with predominately undeveloped land to camp, fish, and explore. Take a hike in the park and trek 2.1 miles along the Little Gap Trail. Let the kids swim in the calm waters or even bring your own scuba diving equipment and take a peek underwater to see what’s submerged. Purple Martin birds can be seen at the park during the summer and there are 12 picnic shelters for visitors to use. You definitely want to check out this state park.

Just a quick, 25-minute drive away is South Carolina state capital, Columbia. There, you can check out the centrally-located University of South Carolina. Head to a football game and see what this southern school’s pride is all about; you won’t regret it! If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to stop by the Robert Mills House and Gardens, one of five National Historic Landmarks in Columbia. Mills, an architect, was responsible for designing some major U.S. buildings, the Washington Monument being one of them. You can explore the house, walk through the museum containing 19th century decorative arts, or take a tour of the grounds. If you want a unique experience, head to the World’s Largest Fire Hydrant, a gigantic art structure. Whatever you decide to do in Columbia, you’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy.

Planning on bringing the whole family on your Lake Murray vacation? Or maybe just heading out solo to catch the Forrest Wood Cup? Let Tripping.com provide you with a vacation rental that suits your needs. Stay closer to the center of the lake to be close to Dreher Island State Park, or toward the eastern shores to have quick, easy access to a day trip to Columbia.

Getting to Lake Murray is quite easy. Fly into Columbia Metropolitan Airport and rent a car if you’re coming from out of state. If you’re coming from within South Carolina, Lake Murray is located off of Highway 26 on Route 6. Having a car will come in handy if you want to travel around the lake. A boat is also a preferred mode of transportation at Lake Murray. Consider bringing your own or renting one to get the most enjoyment out of your vacation.