Lake Murray is a manmade reservoir with the Saluda Dam construction being completed in 1932. The construction was under the supervision of William S. Murray whom Lake Murray was named after. The lake is 41 miles long, 14 miles wide, and has over 600 miles of shoreline. You will find depths over 200’ deep around the dam and many portions of the main channels are 60’ to 100’ deep.

Lake Murray is one of the few lakes located in the Southeast that is very close to so many conveniences. Some portions of the lake are within 20 minutes driving time to Columbia, SC the State Capitol. Although very close to the city, the towns surrounding the lake still offer a quaint small town feel. Within 2-3 hours you could be visiting any of the coastal beaches South Carolina has to offer. The lake is also about 2 hours from Charlotte NC, which is North Carolina’s largest metropolitan area.

Many fulltime residents commute to Columbia from Lexington, Irmo, and Chapin. You will find driving times from these areas that range from 20 to 45 minutes. Some of the towns further out can offer similar commute times depending on their exact location on the lake.

The western portion of the lake, which is a little further from Columbia, is where many of the area jobs are found. Living in this area results in a more rural feel, and tends to offer more affordable real estate options.

If you have never visited Lake Murray you may find the waterways and roads around the lake to be a little confusing. There is over 600 miles of shoreline with numerous peninsulas jutting into the lake. By water you may think the lake ends off in the visible distance, but once you travel to the end of your vision you can find miles of exploration just around the corner. I grew up spending a lot time on Great Sacandaga Lake, which is in the Adirondacks of NY. Things were pretty straight forward there. If you were on the North side of the lake your view was to the South and vice versa. On Lake Murray the North, South, West, and East portions of the lake offer all different views and exposures depending on where you are located on the peninsulas.

There are a limited amount of “point” lots on the lake and these are considered to be premium home sites. Many of these home sites are built on now because of their desirable views. Some lake buyers prefer smaller coves that offer a little more protection from the wind and boat traffic.

Lake Murray offers year round opportunities to get on the water! In the summer months many people enjoy boating, swimming, and water sports. There are no restrictions on boat size or horse power on the lake. You will see high-speed power boats, sail boats, ski boats, kayaks, canoes, cabin cruisers, house boats, and pontoon boats enjoying the lake. The fishing is good year round and you can catch largemouth bass, crappie, striped bass, and catfish.

No matter what time of year it is, the sunrise and sunsets are amazing. The winters are mild, the spring and fall are full of an array of beautiful colors all around the lake, and the summer provides for long days to enjoy on the water. Come visit the lake and experience firsthand all of the beauty, fun and relaxation that Lake Murray has to offer.