Natural swimming hole
Dreher Island State Park - Lake Murray
Lake · South Carolina
About this swimming hole
Dreher Island State Park spans three islands with about 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline, about 30 miles from Columbia. The official park FAQ says visitors may swim anywhere along the shoreline in Lake Murray; there is no designated swimming area. The park is also a major fishing-tournament and boating base with three boat ramps.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Depth | Open lake shoreline swimming; no designated or roped swimming area |
| Best season | May-September |
| Fees | $6 adults; $3.75 SC seniors (age 65+); $3.50 children age 6-15; free for children 5 and under (rates effective June 1, 2026) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk daily, hours change seasonally |
| Parking | Park lots at the visitor center, picnic shelters and camping areas on State Park Road |
| Amenities | campground, picnic tables, playground |
| County | Newberry County |
| Nearest town | Prosperity |
| Safety notes | No lifeguards and no designated swimming area; all swimming at your own risk; swimming is not allowed from bridges, boat docks or boat ramps; watch for boat traffic |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Dreher Island State Park - Lake Murray?
Yes — Dreher Island State Park - Lake Murray is listed as a natural swimming spot in South Carolina. Heads-up: No lifeguards and no designated swimming area; all swimming at your own risk; swimming is not allowed from bridges, boat docks or boat ramps; watch for boat traffic. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Dreher Island State Park - Lake Murray require reservations?
No reservations are required at Dreher Island State Park - Lake Murray based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Dreher Island State Park - Lake Murray?
Reported fee info: $6 adults; $3.75 SC seniors (age 65+); $3.50 children age 6-15; free for children 5 and under (rates effective June 1, 2026). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Dreher Island State Park - Lake Murray?
The best season is typically May-September.