Grab your SPF and swimsuit for a day of fun on Lake Murray! Pace yourself though, there is so much to do that you can’t do it ALL in one day. Lake Murray has something to do all year long including special events, boating, fishing tournaments, lakeside dining and camping. Not sure where to start? Here are some must-do activities on Lake Murray!
Lakeside Dining
Who doesn’t love dinner and a view? Lake Murray has lots of dining options, most accessible by boat and car. Stop by one of these popular locations before, during or after your Lake Murray fun.
Liberty on the Lake – Located at The Lake Murray Marina, this casual dining restaurant offers great food, a variety of beers on tap and amazing lake views. Park your boat at the marina and dine on one of the two outdoor decks overlooking Lake Murray.
Rusty Anchor and Catfish Johnny’s – Rusty Anchor is a casual dining restaurant with a larger menu offering a variety of foods from seafood platters to chargrilled steaks. Looking for something a little more casual? Catfish Johnny’s On the Deck is a casual outdoor dining and bar with a smaller menu containing appetizers, sandwiches and of course signature cocktails. You will also find seasonal live music performed by local bands and artists.
Buffalo Creek Marina – Whether you are looking for a quick stop during your boating outing for a drink and a bite to eat or a weekend getaway, Buffalo Creek Marina can cater to your Lake Murray fun! Located in Prosperity, this marina is easily accessible by boat or car. Dine at the lakeside bar and grill with outdoor seating and seasonal live music. You can also stay the weekend with on-site cabin rentals or at the RV campground. Stay for an hour or a day, either way Buffalo Creek Marina will guarantee you a good time on Lake Murray.
Big Man’s Marina – This is a popular spot for fisherman and locals alike. Big fishing tournament? Stop by Big Man’s to gas up, pick up your bait and tackle and grab a little breakfast before a big day of fishing. If you are enjoying a casual boat outing, stop by Big Man’s for their claim to fame best burger around! This one stop shop can ensure a great day out on Lake Murray.
Spirit of Lake Murray – Dine on this magnificent boat during a boat tour of Lake Murray. This sunset cruise is perfect for special occasions or just a night out on the lake. The crew will take care of all your dining needs with a spectacular dinner and then head up to the deck for amazing views while chauffeured on the water of Lake Murray. Be sure to add this one to your bucket list!
Events
Drift Jam – The World’s Largest Floating Festival! You won’t want to miss this annual free festival on Lake Murray just off Spence Island. Gather your friends and family and find a boat because this festival is only accessible by boat. The large floating stage hosts an array of artists and bands of different genres for an all day music event. Hundreds of boats tie together and spend the day swimming, dancing and having fun. The best part is that all proceeds from this event to go Operation Home Front, a non-profit organization that aids to our military servicemen and women and their immediate families. Mark your calendar, as this is one music festival you won’t want to miss.
Reggaetronic – Another fully floating music festival on Lake Murray! This festival is a celebration of modern reggae, rock, funk and electronic music! Spend the day on your boat listening to music and hanging with friends and family. All proceeds go to The Shriner’s Children Hospital. A day full of fun on the lake while giving back sounds like one amazing day!
Purple Martin Phenomenon - Each summer the skies over Bomb Island on Lake Murray come to life as the Purple Martins arrive for their summer vacation. It is estimated that more than one million birds venture north for the summer and roost on the island, giving spectators a rare look at one of nature's true phenomenons. This sanctuary provides the ideal layover for Purple Martins as they make the long journey south to their winter home in South America. This sanctuary remains the largest roosting site in North America.
Lake Murray 4th of July Firework Show – This annual tradition is a magnificent spectacle for all ages. Thousands of fireworks are launched over Lake Murray in an array of patriotic shapes, patterns and colors to music that can be heard all over the lake. You can view these fireworks for miles, but the best spot is near Dreher Island by boat. Hundreds of boats gather to watch this amazing fireworks show with friends and family. Be sure to attend the Taste of Lake Murray, an evening event to raise money to fund this fun event. Pay a one time ticket and enjoy live music, drinks and food from a variety of vendors. A great way to spend time with friends while contributing to a fantastic event. Don’t forget to decorate your boat in patriotic colors and themes to join the boat parade prior to the fireworks finale!
Lake Murray Dam – There are always events going on at The Lake Murray Dam from marathons to Dining on the Dam, a local event where you are served dinner on the dam. You will always find locals walking or jogging the two mile dam. Bring your sweetheart and lock to add to the wall of “love locks” a worldwide trend that started in Paris and has now grown right here on our very own Lake Murray. Place your lock on the wall and throw the key in the lake to represent unbreakable love. Looking for a more relaxing day at the dam, spend the day at “the beach” on Lake Murray. Tons of locals come to sunbath and swim on the beaches of Lake Murray.
Camping on Lake Murray – Once you have experienced fun on the water at Lake Murray, you are definitely going to want to try camping out at Lake Murray. Whether you are a pop a tent, start a fire and tell campfire stories or prefer the comfort of a cabin that you can enjoy the night on your private dock with a glass of wine, seeing the night sky on Lake Murray will be a must for anyone. Dreher Island Park offers tent camping sites and also RV camping sites. These sites are easily accessible to the lake for water fun, fishing and exploring. There’s nothing better than a campfire and s’mores! If a cabin or lake rental is more your style, there are homes available in all areas of the lake you can rent for the week or weekend. Host a girls weekend or a family reunion with lake views just outside your door. You can find homes from small cabins to large mansions depending on your vacation need.
Lake Murray always has something to do! There are always annual charitable events which include swimming, boating, fishing and more. Lake Murray has become the heart of our cities and towns with so much to do or to just spend your weekend relaxing on the water. Check out local calendars to events or call Southern Dreams Realty to find out what Lake Murray fun is coming up next!